Happy New Year and welcome to the first 2025 edition of the WAGS Newsletter.

We hope that you all had a great Christmas season, got a chance to enjoy time with family, and were able to recharge for the New Year!

From our perspective, it was a very nice ending to 2024, we followed up on our Lethbridge customer appreciation day with events in Great Falls and Swift Current in Q4. It was wonderful to see and visit with so many customers at these meetings.

There was certainly an optimistic attitude shown by many producers these days. Strong hog margins have persisted through the winter.

However, there is uncertainty afoot with a high risk of a trade war emerging. I do not recall a point in time where such strong margins were combined with such significant upcoming price risk. Brett Stuart from Global AgriTrends did a good job outlining this in Banff earlier this month. He outlined a hypothetical scenario of Mexico placing tariffs on US pork as a counter measure to US tariffs. The knock-on effects on the Canadian hog price were notable. Needless to say, employing some level of risk management appears wise these days!

Speaking of upcoming trade wars, we thought it important to note for our customers in the US that we do have supply sources on both sides of the border. We will strategically utilize options at our disposal to minimize impacts of tariffs on our Montana supply chain. WAGS remains committed to managing price risk and supporting the producers with whom we work with.

Thanks for your business and your trust in us to provide your nutrition consulting needs.

The market for feed ingredients was volatile over the past quarter given trade and political uncertainties, adverse weather and global import demand. The USDA has released a bullish report for corn with lower-than-expected US ending stocks estimates, reflecting also a higher export demand and the strong use for ethanol production – which was a surprise for traders. On the other hand, protein prices declined due to higher global ending stocks, but dryness in Argentina provided support in January.

As expected, Trump election contributed to the strength of the US dollar and ongoing risks of a US-Canada trade war have led to the Canadian dollar downside trend. On top of that, Justin Trudeau’s resignation and prorogued parliament has also driven market volatility. Currently, the USD/CAD is in the range between 0.69-0.70, and further volatility is expected for the currency outlook given political tensions and monetary policy decisions moving forward.

The crude oil market is another factor that could change the Canadian dollar outlook. The Brent is currently trading around USD 78-79 as the dollar strengthened and given concerns surrounding global demand. However, tightening of supplies from Russia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as a drop in U.S. crude stocks provided support. Trump unveiled a comprehensive strategy to bolster US energy production and called on OPEC to lower crude prices.

The US corn stock to use ratio is now forecasted to be under the past crop season, which contributed to the upside trend over the past month. The lower Canadian dollar is also weighing on corn competitiveness in swine feed diets across Western Canada, as it is being offered at $310-$325/MT delivered to Lethbridge/AB. On the other hand, Brazil could reach to a new record corn crop – which is expected to limit the bullish trend. The market will trend according to the weather outlook in South America.

Following the correlation with corn futures, barley prices have also moved up and are being traded at $295-$305/MT delivered to Lethbridge/AB and at $265-$275/MT delivered to Saskatoon, SK. The lack of farmers selling engagement contributed to higher wheat offers, with red wheat being traded at $310-$320/MT delivered to Lethbridge and Red Deer, AB. The global market is finding support on Russian short crop and reduced global ending stocks.

Soymeal prices declined over the past quarter given the good crop in Brazil and US. The Argentinian crop was also looking good, but the recent adverse weather contributed to higher offers. The market is expected to remain volatile in the near term, following trade & political news, South American weather forecasts and renewable fuels goals. Soymeal is being negotiated at $550-$560/MT delivered to Lethbridge, AB. Following the same trend, canola meal is priced at $320-$330/MT delivered to Red Deer. The market has received support due to smaller canola crop in Canada and as the FX might favour its exports. Faba beans are being traded at $370-$380/T in Red Deer, AB.

To summarize, grain and protein prices are both expected to remain volatile in the near term, with further upside risks according to weather in Argentina and political and trade uncertainties. This trend might be limited depending on Brazilian new crop outlook and local farmers selling engagement. Synthetic aminoacids traded relatively flat over the past quarter, but prices are stating to climb across Canada.

Feeding lactating sows has always been a balancing act, but today’s sharp rise in sow prolificacy raises the bar. Over the last 50 years, genetics and management boosted pigs born alive by nearly 47% (Bereskin et al., 1973; PigCHAMP 2024), and in just the past decade, that number rose another 24% (PigCHAMP 2024). Each extra piglet needs about 0.75 kg more milk daily (Ngo et al., 2012), piling nutrient demands on the sow. Meanwhile, leaner body composition in modern sows means fewer fat reserves to fall back on. As productivity soars, late-gestation and lactation nutrient needs become critical. Without carefully tailored diets and feeding programs, body stores can quickly deplete, compromising the current litter and future reproduction performance. Below are nutrient considerations and management tips to help producers fine-tune feeding strategies, protect sow health, and bolster overall productivity.

1. Pre-farrow (peripartum) Transition Period
The transition period generally spans the final 10 days of gestation through the first 10 days of lactation (Theil, 2015). During the peripartum period, nutrient needs shift dramatically as fetal and mammary growth, uterine development, and colostrum synthesis surge exponentially (Feyera & Theil, 2017). Typically, sows move from a limited gestation diet to a higher lysine, higher energy nutrient-dense lactation diet 2to 3 days before farrowing. This sudden change can create problems such as hard udders or constipation as sows must quickly adapt to a richer nutrient composition (Martineau et al., 2013). Minimizing abrupt dietary shifts around parturition helps prevent negative impacts on farrowing and lactation performance.

a. Colostrum
Colostrum production begins about 2–3 days before farrowing (Devillers et al., 2004), with late-gestation nutrition strongly influencing overall yield. Colostrum accounts for roughly 16% of total SID lysine requirements in late gestation (Feyera & Theil, 2017). By day 115, SID lysine needs can surge 149% from day 104, hitting approximately 35 g/day. Gilts especially benefit from elevated lysine intake, which can boost birthweight and maternal protein reserves (Gourley et al., 2019). Colostrum quality, measured by immunoglobulin G, also improves when sows receive higher lysine and energy from day 113 to farrowing (Gourley et al., 2019). Additionally, feeding 3.1 kg/day from day 108 until farrowing may maximize colostrum yield (Feyera et al., 2021). Hence, feeding a transition diet or increasing feed allowance a week before farrowing helps meet the sow’s rapidly increasing nutrient demands.

b. Feeding fibre
During late pregnancy, mild constipation frequently occurs, often worsening right around farrowing (Oliviero et al., 2009). To complicate things more, water absorption in the intestine also rises due to the onset of milk production, increasing the risk of constipation (Mroz et al., 1995). Offering energydense, low-fibre feeds to meet lactation needs also exacerbates constipation, allowing bacterial toxins to be absorbed and increasing mastitis risk (Persson, 1996). In addition, large amounts of solid-dry feces can physically obstruct the birth canal, making farrowing more difficult (Cowart, 2007). Moderate fibre inclusion during the final days before farrowing can reduce constipation, stillbirths, and piglet death from low viability (Feyera et al., 2017). Finally, research indicates that increasing the daily feed allowance to around 3.7–4.3 kg/d for 3–7 d before farrowing decreases farrowing duration (Figure 1), birth interval, birth assistance (sleeving) and ultimately, the number of stillborn piglets (Figure 2; Feyera et al., 2021).

2. Lactation: An intense metabolic challenge
Although lactation represents only 15–20% of a sow’s productive cycle, it is the most metabolically demanding phase. Modern sows prioritize milk production for large, fast-growing litters, often drawing on body fat and protein reserves when feed intake alone falls short. Severe catabolism (body breaking down its own tissues—muscle or fat—to release nutrients/energy for milk production) has been linked to poorer subsequent reproductive performance (Koketsu et al., 1996). The goal during lactation is to maximize feed intake and meet nutrient demands while limiting excess body tissue loss.

a. Energy requirements in lactation
Energy needs in lactation can triple within the first week post-farrow, with milk production accounting for 65–80% of total energy demand (NRC, 2012). If dietary energy is insufficient, sows prioritize milk output at the expense of body reserves. Increasing energy density—often with added fats or oils—boosts total intake and helps reduce weight loss (Rosero et al., 2015). However, pushing energy levels too high can curb feed intake (Xue et al., 2012). Balancing energy density is especially crucial under heat-stress conditions or in prolific herds. To match the high energy demand, feed intake on the first day post-farrowing should match the daily amount fed during the last 14 days of gestation, assuming sows aren’t over-conditioned (Vignola 2009). Overly restrictive feeding in early lactation can lower overall lactation intake.

b. Amino acid and protein requirements
High-prolific sows need substantially more protein and amino acids to support large litters. Lysine is generally the first-limiting amino acid, but threonine, valine, and tryptophan also become critical as litter size grows (Kim et al., 2001; Greiner et al., 2018). Severely reducing dietary lysine from 45 to 15 g/day decreased sow milk yield from 8.8 to 7.9 kg/day by day 8 of lactation and from 9.6 to 7.4 kg/day by day 18 (Kusina et al., 1999). However, lowering gilts’ lysine intake from 48 to 27 g/day did not affect milk production, even though 45 g/day is recommended to minimize body mobilization (Touchette et al., 1998). In addition, valine levels below 5.5 g of apparent ileal digestible lysine per kg of lactation diet have been linked to reduced milk yield (Paulicks et al., 2003). Providing adequate amino acids reduces muscle protein mobilization, helping maintain body condition and potentially improving litter growth rate (Gourley et al., 2017).

Moving beyond formulation
Ultimately, diet composition is just one piece of the puzzle for high-producing sows. Achieving high feed intake depends on the feeding system, environment, sow body condition, and ingredient choices—factors that can influence productivity as much as nutrient levels. By combining precise diet formulation with sound management, producers can help sows optimize milk output, safeguard body condition, and support consistent reproductive success.



Conclusion
With prolific sows hitting new performance heights, late gestation and lactation pose serious nutrient demands. Targeting the right energy density, fibre inclusion, and amino acid levels can boost colostrum, shorten farrowing times, and preserve sow body condition. But nutrition is only half the battle. High feed intake hinges on feeding schedules, adequate environment, and close management. When all pieces line up, sows deliver top-tier milk output, litters thrive, and future reproductive performance stays strong.

Note: References are available upon request.

Choline is an essential nutrient for all animals and identified as a neurotransmitter for many years. This means it’s required for normal body functions and optimal health. Choline is primarily received to the body from diet or dietary ingredients. A small amount could be synthesized in the liver as needed by the animal (1-7).

Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound with the molecule (Figure 1) composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). It is neither a vitamin nor a mineral. However, it is often grouped with the vitamin B complex due to its some similarities to vitamin B complex. In fact, this nutrient affects a number of vital metabolic functions. It influences healthy brain development, muscle movement, nervous system, liver function and metabolism. Therefore, adequate amounts are needed for a healthy cow and optimal productivity (1-7).



Choline plays an important part in many metabolic processes in the body. Some of the known key functions are listed below (1-8). Choline plays an important part in many metabolic processes in the body. Some of the known key functions are listed below (1-8).

a) Body cell structure - it is needed to make fats that support the structural integrity of cell membranes (phospholipids layer).

b) Cell messaging/communication - it is involved in the production of compounds that act as cell messengers or transmitters.

c) Fat transport and metabolism - it is essential for making a substance required for moving cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body where cholesterols are used for synthesizing hormones and other metabolites. Inadequate choline may result in fat and cholesterol buildup in the liver causing fatty liver.

d) DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) synthesis - Choline and other vitamins (Vitamin B12 and folate) are important for DNA synthesis and other nucleic acid synthesis to have optimal cellular functions and prevent carcinogenicity.

e) Nervous functions - choline is required to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. It’s involved in memory, brain activity, muscle movement, regulating heartbeat and other basic functions.



Choline is naturally found in a wide range of plant and animal feed ingredients, but they are subjected to microbial and/or enzymatic changes in the rumen and small intestines (Table 1, 3-6). Rumen protected choline is synthesized industrially and different choline products are commercially available in the market (Figure 4).

Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, and a component of the complex lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is essential for cellular and lipoprotein membranes. The bad news in ruminants is that dietary choline is extensively degraded by rumen bacteria. In the rumen, choline chloride, the most common form of choline added to diet, degrades fast and less than are 5% left intact if unprotected from rumen bacteria for a at least 8 hours. Choline degradation occurs not only in the rumen but also in the small intestine by the action of trimethylamine lyase enzyme (1).



Figure 5. Complex role of choline in cow’s body (FA - fatty acid, NEFA – non esterified fatty acid, TG – triglycerides, VLDL – very low density lipoprotein, LD - lipid droplets, PLIN2 - lipid droplet dynamics, MTTP - lipoprotein synthesis and assembly, APOB100 - apolipoprotein B-100, TAG – triacylglycerol sis. Choline increases the expression of ATG3, possibly increasing vesicle elongation [VE] and formation of autophagosomes [AP] to carry out LD degradation during autophagy, increased glycogenesis or reduced glycogenolysis, PBA - primary bile acids in serum, synthesized from cholesterol [CH] in hepatic tissue are transported via bile duct to the small intestine, and after enzymatic activity [EA]; adapted from 5).

Research shows that the supplementation of choline with other methyl (CH3-) dornors (methionine, betaine, riboflavin, and vitamin B12) slowed down lipid deposition and modified the plasma TAG lipidome in Holstein dairy cows without modifications in dry matter intake or milk production (5). It suggests that choline supplementation had the potential to improve liver health in early-lactation cows. Another study showed that there was a greater use of endogenous choline metabolism during lactation compared to pregnancy (4,5,6).

One of the primary roles of choline is in synthesis of phosphatidylcholine; an essential component of cell membranes. In addition to the structural component of cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine is required for the secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) from liver (Figure 3). It is well established that the rate of VLDL synthesis in ruminants is low compared to other species and that fatty liver associated with calving is not uncommon. Choline-deficient rats show three-fold increases in hepatic triglyceride concentrations and reduced plasma methionine as well as phosphatidylcholine concentrations compared to rats fed a choline adequate diet. Choline status therefore has been suggested as a factor in alleviating the severity and incidence of fatty liver and may have some application in the transition dairy cow (1-6). In another study rumen protected choline has enhanced the lactation performance, systemic health, and reproductive health of dairy cows (3-6). The recommended concentration of choline in milk replacer diets is 1000 mg/kg at a feeding rate of 0.53 kg per 45 kg calf or ~ 530 mg/day (NRC,2001). The estimated minimum choline requirement in dairy cows for maintenance and metabolic activity (based on metabolic body size) is approximately 4 to 6 g/day (4,6). It could be achieved naturally from common feed ingredients (Table 1), however, the degradation in the rumen and small intestines would make it insufficient. Thereby, high producing dairy cows may need a rumen protected choline supplement (2-7).

In addition to choline, there are other methyl donors; folic acid, vitamin B12, methionine, and betaine. Inadequate methyl donor supply may contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatic triglycerides accumulation, and lower milk production in the lactating cow particularly during the transition from gestation to lactation (2). In order to address potential methyl donor deficiencies before and after calving in a cow, supplementation of dietary choline, other B vitamins, methionine amino acid, and betaine (2) is a good nutritional practice.

Take home message: Choline is a very important nutrient for cow to maintain optimal metabolism and health. It is commonly available from feed ingredients however, the availability of choline for absorption to the body is limited due to it’s degradation in the rumen and intestine. Therefore, a choline supplementation is recommended in appropriate (rumen) protected forms.

Note: References are available upon request.

Just as we learn our ABCs to build words, vitamins are the building blocks of a livestock diet. This article focuses on vitamin A, an essential nutrient that directly impacts animal health and productivity. Adequate vitamin A supplementation ensures birds to stay healthy, grow well, and lay highquality eggs. A well-informed approach to vitamin A can help producers improve performance, reduce losses, and ultimately boost profitability.

What is vitamin A and why does it matter?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for poultry health. It plays a key role in vision, growth, reproduction, immune function, and maintaining skin and mucous membranes. In other words, it helps chickens see better, grow stronger, lay healthier eggs, and resist disease.

If you ever heard your mom say, “Eat your carrots, they’re good for your eyes!”—well, she wasn’t wrong. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, just as chickens do when they consume plant-based feed ingredients. But poultry nutrition isn’t as simple as eating a few vegetables—modern birds have higher nutrient demands, requiring precise supplementation to meet their needs.

Where does vitamin A come from?
Poultry diets derive vitamin A from two main sources:

- Natural sources: Carotenoids found in corn, alfalfa meal, carrots, and green leafy vegetables can be converted into vitamin A by the bird. However, efficiency varies depending on feed quality and bird metabolism.

- Supplemented vitamin A: Since natural sources can be inconsistent, poultry feed is typically supplemented with synthetic vitamin A to ensure birds receive the correct amount.

Commercial feeds take the guesswork out of vitamin supplementation, ensuring consistent levels across different diets.

How does vitamin A benefit poultry?
1. Vision and Light Sensitivity. Vitamin A is essential for eye health, allowing birds to see better in low-light conditions. Layers rely on light intensity to regulate their reproductive cycle—proper vision ensures they detect light changes, stimulating egg production. Commercial layers typically require 14 hours of light per day at 30-60 lux intensity to maintain optimal laying cycles (Renema et al., 2001).

2. Growth and Development. Vitamin A supports bone and feather formation, ensuring birds develop properly. Studies show that broilers receiving adequate vitamin A gain more weight efficiently and maintain better feather quality.

3. Egg Production and Shell Quality. For layers, vitamin A improves egg size, shell thickness, and hatchability. Birds fed adequate vitamin A levels produce 10-15% more eggs with 5-10% thicker shells, reducing breakage by nearly 10% (Yuan J et al., 2014). A well-balanced diet results in stronger eggs, fewer losses, and higher income from egg sales.

4. Stronger Immune System. Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining epithelial tissues, keeping a chicken’s skin healthy and resilient. It also supports mucous membrane production, which acts as a natural barrier against infections, helping birds stay strong and better resist disease (Kahn et al., 2023). Studies show that vitamin A-supplemented flocks exhibit 20-30% higher antibody responses, with broiler mortality rates reduced by 10% (Poultry DVM, 2025). In short, better vitamin A levels mean healthier birds and fewer disease-related losses.

How much vitamin A do chickens need?
Vitamin A requirements vary based on bird type and production stage. Below are general guidelines:

These values ensure birds receive the right amount at each stage of production. However, factors such as feed quality, bird health, and environmental conditions may influence actual needs.

Vitamin A deficiency: signs to watch for
A vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious health and production issues. Signs include:

- Poor growth and abnormal feathering
- Drowsiness and lethargy (Ever seen a chicken that looks like it needs coffee?)
- Pale comb and wattles (A dull, washed-out look is never good!)
- Swollen, sticky eyelids (Birds may struggle to open their eyes—this is a clear sign of trouble.)
- Increased infections (Weakened immune systems lead to higher disease risks; Global Ag Media., 2019)

In breeder flocks, deficiency can cause low hatchability and weak chicks, impacting long-term production. Early detection is key—if you notice symptoms, talk to your veterinarian and check feed formulations and ensure proper supplementation.

Can chickens get too much vitamin A?
Yes, excessive vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) can be harmful. Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, excess amounts accumulate in the liver, leading to (Xiao et al., 2019):

- Bone abnormalities
- Liver damage
- Decreased growth and efficiency
- Reproductive problems

Unlike water-soluble vitamins (like B and C, which flush out easily), fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can build up if over-supplemented. Balancing intake is crucial—more isn’t always better!

Key takeaways
- Vitamin A is essential for vision, growth, reproduction, immune function, and egg quality.
- Broilers and layers have different vitamin A needs—supplement accordingly.
- Deficiencies cause poor growth, weak immune function, and reproductive issues.
- Excess vitamin A can be harmful—avoid over-supplementation.
- Vitamin A supplementation ensures consistent and reliable vitamin A intake.

Understanding poultry nutrition might not be as simple as A-B-C, but getting vitamin A right is a game changer for egg and meat production. Proper supplementation helps birds stay healthy, lay stronger eggs, grow efficiently, and resist disease—all of which lead to a more profitable operation. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll work our way through the entire vitamin alphabet—Vitamin K, we’re coming for you next! By staying informed and making smart feed choices, you’re not just feeding chickens you’re optimizing performance and maximizing returns.

Note: References are available upon request.

Congratulations to WAGS partners who made it to the H@ms Marketing December Top 10 list for carcass quality of pigs going to either Thunder Creek or Olymel.

THUNDER CREEK

INDEXING
2nd Wymark Farming Co.
3rd Hillridge Farming Co.
5th Vanguard Farming Company Ltd.
6th Raley Colony Ltd

HEALTH/QUALITY TATTOO
1st Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.
3rd Garden Plane Farming Company
5th Wymark Farming Co.
6th Vanguard Farming Company Ltd.

LEAN PERCENTAGE & LOIN DEPTH

Lean Percent Target
1st Vanguard Farming Co. Ltd.
3rd Garden Plane Farming Company
4th Wymark Farming Co. Ltd.
6th Hillridge Framing Co.
10th Raley Colony Ltd

Loin Depth Target
1st New Dale Hutterian Brethren
2nd Raley Colony Ltd
4th Garden Plane Farming Company
9th Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.

CORE AREA AND SORT

% in Core Area
1st Hillridge Farming Co.
2nd Raley Colony Ltd.
4th Wymark Farming Co. Ltd.
5th Garden Plane Farming Company
9th New Dale Hutterian Brehtren

Carcass Wt. Target
1st Raley Colony Ltd
2nd Hillridge Farming Co.
3rd Wymark Farming Company Ltd.
5th Garden Plane Farming Company
5th Vanguard Farming Co. Ltd.
8th New Dale Hutterian Brethren
10th Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.

OLYMEL

INDEXING
5th Summerland Colony Farming
10th Clearlake Farming

HEALTH/QUALITY TATTOO
9th Sovereign Farming Company
10th Summerland Colony Farming

LEAN PERCENTAGE & LOIN DEPTH

Lean Percent Target
7th Sovereign Farming Company
9th Summerland Colony Farming

Loin Depth Target
2nd Summerland Colony Farming
6th Old Elm Farming Co. Ltd.

CORE AREA AND SORT

% in Core Area
5th Old Elm Farming Co. Ltd.
10th Summerland Colony Farming

Carcass Wt. Target
6th Summerland Colony Farming