According to a Reuters release on March 18th the Ministry of Agriculture of China has issued a directive to provincial officials to encourage integrators and feed mills to reduce reliance on imported corn and soybeans. The Ministry has suggested replacement with domestic grains and alternatives.
Implicit in the recommendation is a reduction in nutrient specifications for both poultry and swine. Although, economies can be effected, and saving in both corn and soybeans could result, absent preexisting over-specification, selection of inferior ingredients and lowering nutrient density will be reflected in less efficient feed conversion, product quantity and even quality.