Swine

Data-Driven Nutrition Designed for Profitability.

Successful swine nutrition starts with a tailored approach. Every swine operation is different, and our team partners with producers to create custom strategies that reflect your specific goals, health challenges, and production realities.

We understand swine production because we live it. Our consultants bring deep expertise in starter and pre-starter nutrition, carcass quality optimization, and ingredient economics. And we don’t just stop at formulation, we’re by your side through every performance review and diet adjustment.

We’ve got skin in the game, and we’re here to help you win.

What We Do

Our swine consulting and technical services are built around long-term value and continuous improvement:

On-Site Visits & Walkthroughs

While biosecurity often limits time in the barns, we know the value of face-to-face conversations and in-person observations. Our site visits allow us to gather critical insights from the animals and the people who raise them.

Ingredient & Feed Testing

We utilize Veritas Agrilabs and trusted partners to analyze nutrient content, amino acid levels, particle size, and contaminants like mycotoxins. These insights allow us to make smarter, safer diet recommendations.

Pre-Starter & Starter Nutrition

It is critical that pigs get started correctly. We specialize in nutrition strategies for newly weaned pigs, ensuring feed quality and nutrient density that support strong starts and long-term health.

Data-Driven Performance Evaluation

We review performance metrics like average daily gain, feed conversion, carcass yield, and mortality. Then we adjust your program based on real numbers, not assumptions.

Ingredient Flexibility & Cost Management

Ingredient markets shift. We help you navigate changes by evaluating the economic and nutritional trade-offs of each option, using data to substitute ingredients without sacrificing performance.

Custom Diet Formulation

We build diets that align with your operation’s goals, including performance targets, carcass characteristics, production system, and ingredient availability.

Gut Health Support

We know there will always be health challenges, and we develop nutritional strategies that help pigs stay resilient, especially in vulnerable early stages. Our research backed approach helps mitigate issues before they cut into your bottom line.

Who We Work With

Our swine customers include:

  • Large integrated producers
  • Family owned operations
  • Farrow-to-finish systems
  • Breeding & nursery programs
  • Packing-focused operations

We collaborate with:

  • Production teams
  • Feed mill staff
  • Executive decision-makers
  • Staff and consulting veterinarians
Every producer has different goals, and we’re here to help define and achieve yours with a nutrition plan built just for you.

Why KNS?

What sets us apart? We don’t just consult. We live swine production every day. Our team is deeply involved with large scale operations, and we understand the real world implications of every feeding decision.

We offer:

  • Unbiased recommendations based on research, not brand loyalty
  • On-farm experience and a deep respect for the people doing the work
  • Continuous monitoring and refinement, not just a one-time plan
  • Ingredient sourcing support with flexibility and value in mind
  • Skin in the game - we feed pigs, too!

At KNS, success isn’t magic, it’s about showing up, doing the work, and never settling for "good enough."

Meet the Swine Team

Jim Jolliff, Ph.D.

Swine Nutritionist

B.S., M.S., Ph.D. – The Ohio State University

Years of Experience: 13 years

Kelly Peper, Ph.D.

Swine Nutritionist

B.S. – University of Missouri

M.S. – Kansas State University

Ph.D. – University of Illinois

Years of Experience: 11 years

Julie Salyer

Swine Nutritionist

B.S. – The Ohio State University

M.S. – Kansas State University

Years of Experience: 14 years

Tyler Chevalier, Ph.D.

Swine Research Manager

B.S., M.S., Ph.D. – University of Kentucky

Years of Experience: 2 years

Audrey Walter

Swine Formulation Specialist

B.S. – University of Findlay

M.S. – University of Minnesota

Years of Experience: 7 years

Ready to Start Stronger?

Let’s talk about how we can help your pigs and your profits, thrive.