Using amaranth press cake in pig nutrition is a highly effective solution due to its unique amino acid profile (specifically high lysine content) and the presence of squalene. Press cake is a byproduct of oil extraction that retains most of the grain's proteins and beneficial nutrients.
Below are the key results and indicators recorded during research and practical application:
1. Impact on Productivity and Weight Gain
Amaranth press cake serves as a powerful growth stimulant due to its high-quality protein, which rivals animal-based proteins in quality.
Average Daily Gain (ADG): Adding press cake to the diet (10–20% of the concentrate mass) can increase the growth rate of fattening pigs by 10–15%.
Feed Conversion Efficiency: Due to better protein digestibility, feed intake per 1 kg of weight gain is reduced by 5–9%.
Replacement Gilts: The growth rate of replacement gilts increases by an average of 11%.
2. Indicators for Sows and Piglets
Amaranth has a positive effect on reproductive function and litter development:
Prolificacy (Litter Size): Increases by 14.2%.
Sow Milk Yield: Increases by 23.5%, which is critical for piglet survival.
Piglet Survival Rate: Improves by 2.7%, while the growth rate of suckling piglets increases by 8.3%.
Sow Health: Bodyweight loss in sows during lactation is reduced by 70%, allowing them to return to the reproductive cycle much faster.
3. Meat Quality and Health
Meat Composition: The content of essential amino acids increases. High levels of Vitamin E and squalene in the press cake provide better dietary properties and a longer shelf life for the meat.
Immunity: Animals become more resistant to infections, which in some cases allows for a reduction in the use of antibiotics.
Palatability: Both meat and lard gain improved organoleptic characteristics (better taste and aroma).
Comparative Nutritional Value of Amaranth
| Indicator | Amaranth (Cake/Grain) | Corn |
| Crude Protein | 1.6–1.8 times higher | Base level |
| Lysine | 2.4 times higher | Low level |
| Calcium | 1.8 times higher | Low level |
Important: The optimal share of amaranth press cake in compound feed for fattening pigs is 10–20%. Exceeding 25–30% may be economically impractical, as excess protein will not be fully absorbed by the organism.
Diet Calculation and Feeding Standards
When calculating the ration, it is important to consider that amaranth press cake is a concentrated protein-energy supplement. The best results are achieved through gradual introduction.
Recommended Inclusion Rates for Amaranth Press Cake
| Pig Group | % of Total Feed | Grams per Head (Approx.) | Primary Goal |
| Weaned Piglets (12–30 kg) | 5–7% | 50–100 g | Stronger immunity, easy weaning transition |
| Fattening Pigs (30–110 kg) | 10–15% | 200–400 g | Maximum daily gains, meat quality |
| Lactating Sows | 15–20% | 500–800 g | Increased milk yield, weight maintenance |
Sample Compound Feed Recipe for Fattening Pigs (50–100 kg)
If you are mixing the feed yourself, the optimal composition using amaranth is as follows:
Barley: 40%
Wheat or Corn: 30%
Amaranth Press Cake: 15% (replaces part of soybean or sunflower meal)
Wheat Bran: 12%
Premix / Minerals / Salt: 3%
Practical Feeding Recommendations
Gradual Start: Begin with 3-5% of the feed volume, increasing the share to the target rate over 7–10 days. This is necessary for the gut microbiota to adapt to the new protein source.
Moisture Control: Since the press cake contains residual fats and squalene, it can oxidize in the air faster than whole grain. Store it in a cool, dry, dark place and do not prepare the feed mixture more than 2 weeks in advance.
Grinding: The cake is usually supplied in plates or granules. For better mixing, it should be ground to a fraction similar to the main grain base.
What to expect after one month of use:
Improved appetite in animals.
Healthier skin and coat appearance (result of Vitamin E and squalene).
Increase in live weight (weighing typically shows gains 10-12% higher than on standard sunflower meal).
