Without correct feeding, a farmer won\u2019t be able to run a profitable pig production business.
\nTo raise healthy pigs, farmers must ensure that their animals receive a nutritious, well-balanced diet at every stage of production.<\/p>\n
Suitable ratios
\nNutrition is a fairly specialised branch of pig production. Farmers are encouraged farmers to enlist the help of nutritionists to determine suitable rations for their herds.
\nRations usually contain an energy source such as maize, wheat or sorghum; protein; vitamins and minerals; and fibre.
\nFeed should be formulated based on a pig\u2019s stage of production, energy and protein requirements.
\nCertain raw materials should not be used in excess.For example, if there\u2019s too much sunflower oil cake, the fibre content will be too high.
\nKeep a close eye on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of your pigs. FCR means the quantity of feed a pig needs for every kilogramme of carcass mass it produces and that the farmer ultimately sells.
\nFarmers know the average daily growth (ADG) of pigs.
\nKnowing these things will tell you what your profit margins will be.<\/p>\n
Breeding herds
\nA breeding herd needs a proper diet for good reproductive performance. A breeding herd requires different rations during pregnancy and lactation.
\nPregnancy rations should contain lower energy ingredients with a relatively high fibre content.
\nCalcium, phosphorus and minerals should also be included in the diet.
\nLactation rations are fed to sows after they\u2019ve delivered their litters and should be designed to meet the needs of milk production.
\nThis diet should have a high content of calcium, phosphorous and protein, and lesser quantities of fibre.<\/p>\n
Newly weaned pigs
\nBalanced nutrition for newly weaned pigs is crucial, particularly for enzyme production and acid control.
\nThis phase in the production cycle lasts four to 10 weeks. This is one of the most important phases in the production cycle, from a nutritional point of view.
\nThe ration needs a high milk or whey powder content, as the pigs will still be accustomed to receiving the milk they had as piglets.
\nWhey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained and is a by-product in the manufacture of cheese.
\nThis formulation will help their digestive systems with enzyme production.
\nAs the piglets get older, their enzyme system will change so that they can better digest carbohydrates and starches.
\nIf the diet doesn\u2019t match the abilities of the pig\u2019s digestive system, it won\u2019t perform properly. And undigested food in a pig\u2019s stomach can lead to disease.<\/p>\n
Grower – Finisher pigs
\nPigs in this phase of production should receive a different ration every 2 to 3 weeks.
\nThis is necessary to cater for the growing pig\u2019s changing energy and protein needs.
\nIf you feed only one type of ration, you\u2019ll either under- or over-provide essential nutrients.
\nGrower-finisher rations are designed to optimise the growth and carcass quality of pigs.<\/p>\n
Home mix or Pre-mix
\nOn-farm mixing can be more cost-effective, as farmers don\u2019t have to pay additional milling and mixing costs.
\nBut it must be done accurately for the pigs to get maximum benefit from the feed.
\nIf your feed requirement is 100 tons or more a month, it would be viable to put up your own mixing plant.
\nThe texture of the feed is also important and has a great influence on pig performance.
\nFeed should not be too finely ground, otherwise it will cake, and if it is too chunky it will be difficult to digest.
\nA good rule of thumb is 700 microns to 800 microns \u2013 this is roughly the size of a pinhead.
\nIf the budget allows, farmers could also consider buying pelleted food from feed mills.
\nThis will reduce dust in the sties (which can cause respiratory irritation in pigs).
\nIt will also reduce wastage and improve feed efficiency.<\/p>\n
Feeding Bins
\nInstall the correct type of feed dispensers and you\u2019ll avoid wasting feed.
\nFarmers should use single-space feeders, instead of multi-feeders.
\nThis will ensure that only one pig eats at a time.
\nMulti-space feeders could effectively cause you to lose about 20% of your feed through wastage.
\nAlthough single-space feeders may cost more, you\u2019ll waste less feed.<\/p>\n
Feeding dos and donts
\nFarmers should not feed pigs kitchen, restaurant or hospital waste.
\nThe energy and protein content of rations will not be consistent and it can bring disease on to a farm.
\nThis is crucial for biosecurity on the farm.
\nBut it is acceptable to feed rejected breakfast cereal, dog biscuits or brewers grain to pigs, as there is usually nothing wrong with product quality and consistency. This is one option to help reduce overall feeding costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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