Cargill Philippines, the world’s leading animal nutrition company, is targeting to supply 150 hog farms across the country for its newly launched science-based feed for piglets to ensure continued hogs production amid threats of the African Swine Fever (ASF). Sonny Catacutan, country president of Cargill Philippines and Managing Director for Cargill’s animal nutrition business, said during an interview on the sidelines of the recent Animal Nutrition Summit, which spotlights young animal nutrition, the company will put more emphasis on its new product – Cargill Neopigg. “Neopigg is a global feed of Cargill to feed young pigs because they are very sensitive,” said Catacutan. The Neopigg is a 3-stage feeding concept after weaning for piglets until the weight of 25-30kg. The feed contains a highly digestible protein and provides immunity from  diseases, particularly the ASF. Catacutan emphasized that animal nutrition after weaning is very important to ensure the young animals will grow healthy and faster. Young pigs are very vulnerable to diseases. “We want to produce faster to cope with the rising demand of a growing population,”  said Catacutan. The Cargill nutrition would ensure that pigs can grow to 100 kgs instead of 90 kgs in shorter growth cycle. “The technology allows them to grow faster by feeding them less,” he said. While chicken has growth cycle of 30 days, pigs have 150 days. Already, Cargill is targeting 150 farms across the country to get access to this new feed. These farms have either access to traditional feeds or are producing their own feeds, he said. Catacutan noted that Cargill always observe competitive pricing but noted that farmers will have higher productivity as they can grow pigs faster with lesser feeds. He explained that even if the pigs have abundant feeds, but if this will not convert to faster growth, farmers would be at the losing end. “There are technologies that don’t convert,” he noted. “If they eat, do they grow faster and if they eat they should be healthier, that’s the technology,” he said. The Neopiggs, which are produced in five Cargill feedmills in the country, has locally sourced raw materials, including corn. “At the heart of Cargill’s efforts is the goal to help farmers thrive amidst challenges like ASF. We empower Filipino farmers with tailored solutions and knowledge to raise pigs because healthy animals perform better,” said Catacutan. “It is our belief that the nutrition provided to animals during the early stages of their life significantly impacts their health, growth, and viability. As a growth partner, we are committed to enabling farmers and providing them with the tools to get the foundation right to improve animal well-being and farm productivity.” The Animal Nutrition Summit also featured industry experts and stakeholders from all over the world to discuss the most recent swine technologies as well as global best management practices for improving farm profitability in the transition to the new normal.