Swine Management and Industry

Animal Science Level 2

Unit Map: Follow Along in your packet

WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING?

AS.06.02 Basic: Recognize, Identify, and Evaluate the effects of disease and parasites in animals

AS.03.01: ID breeds and species that are economically important

Know Understand Do!Know

Types of swine breeds

Basic Care Requirements

Industry Standards

Understand Defining

Characteristics of swine breeds

Proper care and disease prevention

Physiology of swine

Do Graphic

Organizer of Swine Breeds

Summarize care practices

Analyze disease effects on Animals

Key Learning: Swine Management and Industry

Unit EQ: Why is the swine industry “under appreciated” ?

Concept : Industry Practices

Lesson EQ:

How is the swine industry efficient?

Vocab

Farrow – to- Finish

Fabrication/Slaughter

Grouping

Concept : Management and Care

Lesson EQ:How are swine managed?

VocabPQAFarrowingGilt, Boar

Concept : TypesLesson EQ:

How are swine breeds defined?

VocabSwine IndexConfirmationSound

Animal Science Level 2Breeds, Types, and Their Purposes

Warm UpWhere does this product come from?

Essential QuestionHow are swine breeds defined?

Breeds of Swine: Follow Along with your worksheet

American LandraceDeveloped

around 1895Long body

lengthEars large and

droopingSows noted for

good milk production

Berkshire Developed in

England Came to U.S. in

1823 Medium size hog Erect ears, short

snout 6 white points

Chester WhiteDeveloped in PA.Drooped earsKnown for

mothering ability

Duroc Developed in

eastern U.S. Drooped ears Red in color One of the most

popular breeds in U.S.

Hampshire Developed in

England Erect ears White band

circling the body Know for lean

meat

Poland ChinaDeveloped in OhioBlack with six

white pointsDrooping earsOne of the larger

breeds of hogsUsed in cross

breeding programs

Spotted BreedDeveloped in

IndianaAt least 20% of

body must be either black or white

First known as the Spotted Poland China

TamworthOriginated in

EnglandBrought to U.S. in

1882Red in colorLean meatExcellent

mothering ability

Yorkshire Developed in

England Came to U.S. in

1800s Erect ears Sometimes has

black freckles

Vietnamese PotbellyDeveloped from a

dwarf swine breed from Vietnam in the 1960s

Brought to U.S from Canada in 1986

Full grown potbellied pigs weigh an average of 70-150 lb.

Utilized as a pet

Picking the Perfect Pig: Major Categories

I. Visual appraisalII. Production testingIII. Pedigree evaluation

Visual Appraisal Parts of the Hog (fill in your worksheet)

I. Visual Appraisal1. Look at confirmation2. Structural soundness of feet and legs- NPPC

scoring system3. Size and scale- weigh 200 at 6months,4. Health and vigor

I. Visual Appraisal NPPC scoring system

1. Unsound- Obvious restriction of movement

2. Intermediate- Structural condition is not serious enough to create risk in movement

3. Sound- free of major or minor structural weakness

II. Swine Performance dataBased on:

•Sow productivity, •growth rate, •feed efficiency and •carcass merit

Heritability: % rate that a trait/characteristic will be

passed on to offspring

Low heritability means it is unlikely that trait will be passed on

High Heritability means that trait is easily passed on to each generation

Why do we care?Heritability ensures we receive desired traits from

generation to generation

a. A sow is productive if?Prolific- min 8/9 offspring2.5 to 4 lb birth wt.21 day litter wt= milking abilitySow index- how good she is compared to her

peers (contemp. group) 

Lets do the mathSow index:= 100+6.5(L-l)+1.0(W-w)

L= # piglets born alivel= avg. # piglets born alive

for contemp groupW= 21 day weight for

individualw= 21 day weight for

contemp group

b. growth weight Number of days required to reach a specific

weightUsually 230 pounds

c. Feed efficiency amount of weight gained per amount of food

eaten

d. Carcass merit

• What are the types of Hogs?Primary Lean Cuts = hams, loins, picnics, Boston ButtsMeat Type Hog: more than half the weight of a Number 1 animal is Primary Lean Cuts(PLC)

• Bacon Type Hog: less than 1/2 is PLC–      large litter size–      little value in U.S. except to increase litter size

d. Carcass meritUSDA grades 1,2,3,4, Utility

Based on yield of lean cuts:Backfat over last ribMuscling

1 is good and Utility is undesirable

What it comes down to:Hog SelectionFeed Conversion Rate: pounds of feed needed to make a

pound of hog– no more than 4 lbs of feed per 1 lb of hogMinimum Litter Size = 9First Litter should have a combined pig wt at 21 days of

95 lbs or more–      110 lbs for a mature sow

Fun Facts: Did you knowUncle Sam was a New York pork packer who

sent barrels of Pork to troops in the War of 1812 stamped U.S.

Living High on the Hog came about because the higher rank you were in the army the better cut of pork you got.

Heaviest Hog ever: was a Poland China named Big Bill weighing 2,552 lbs.

Activity Most Productive Piggie Worksheet

Calculators and extra paper Ready!

Animal Science Level 2Management Systems

Warm up List a few different management type

systems we have previously discussed…Would they work for swine?

Why or why not?

Essential QuestionHow are swine managed?

IntroductionEfficient use of resources is the key to

profitabilityTo remain competitive swine producers

MUST select breeding stock that will remain lean and feed efficiently

Factors That Affect ProfitabilityNumber of pigs weaned per sow

Minimum goal for producers should be 21-22 pigs per year for each breeding female

Females should be bred and managed to produce a minimums of 2.3 litters during each 12 month period

Feed efficiencyfeed wastage should be considered and

controlled

TypesPurebredCommercial

Feeder pig productionBuying and finishing feeder pigsComplete sow and litter systems

Swine production can also be classified according to the type of housing usedPasture, combination pasture and low-

investment housing, high-investment total confinement

Pasture ManagementFarrowing a smaller number of sows per yearRequires enough pasture to be able to rotate

pasture to reduce disease and parasite problems

Farrowing only once or twice a yearLow investment in building

Confinement ManagementHigh level of mechanization to reduce labor

requirementsHigh investment in buildings and equipmentMultiple farrowings per year with a large

number of hogs raisedHigh level of management ability neededHigh degree of control over feeding

operationBetter year-round working conditionsStringent disease and parasite control

programUse of very little priced land

Purebred ProductionSpecializedMake up less than 1% of the total hogs raisedProduce foundation stock used in commercial

productionMust be excellent managersHigher investment in labor and record

keepingMust keep accurate recordsMust spend a great deal of time advertising,

showing and promoting swine breeds

CommercialMeans used to produce most of the pork

produced in the United StatesUse crossbreeding

Often cross purebred boars onto crossbred sows

Good management is necessary

Feeder Pig ProductionProduces pigs that are sold to feeders who feed them

to market weightsProducer has a herd of breeding sowsBaby pigs are taken care of until they reach weaning

weightA high producing herd is required

An average of 14-16 pigs marketed per sow is required to break even

Goal is to raise uniform groups of feeder pigs for saleHealth problems MUST be prevented or carefully

treatedGenerally requires only small investmentsFarrowing needs to be scheduled to have a steady

supply of feeder pigs for saleRequires less total feed

Buying and Finishing Feeder PigsOperator buys feeder pigs and raises them to

market weightLest investment and managerial abilityPossible to feed pigs on pasture or with

limited facilitiesTrend is towards investing in more

confinement systemsCost are higher with this operation

Buying and Finishing Feeder PigsRequires higher investment to purchase

pigsWell adapted to producers who have large

amounts of grain for feedRequires less laborDisadvantages

Health problemsVariation in market prices

It is a fairly high risk that there will be no profit made

Complete Sow and Litter SystemMost common method of productionInvolves

Breeding herd of sowsFarrowing pigsCaring for and feeding the pigs to market

weightInvestments

Can be low for pasture systemsHigh for confinement systems and facilities

Trend is toward more confinement systems with larger numbers of sows being kept in the producing herd

Complete Sow and Litter SystemConfinement permits spreading the

production and marketing of pigs more evenly through the yearsThis results in an increased potential for profit

Labor, management and investment requirements vary considerably

Pork Quality Assurance Program (PQA)Implemented in 1989 by the National Pork

Producers CouncilManagement education program with major

emphasis on the swine herd health programAnyone who raises pork can take partJust like the Beef Check-Off

PQA1st step—review of management practices,

especially focusing on the use and handling of animal health products

Series of good management practices are reviewed and a plan is developed for needed improvements

Final step—producers plans are reviewed and verified by a verifierThe verifier can be a vet, an extension

specialist, or agricultural education instructor

Activity Break Draw a representation of each type of swine

management systems discussed in class

Pre-breeding ManagementMust decide on a breeding system

Crossbreeding hogs for slaughter is recommended

Crossbred pigs generally grow faster and use feed more efficiently

Sows have larger litters and are better mothers

Multiple FarrowingArranging the breeding program so that

groups of sows farrow at regular intervals throughout the year

Usually results in a higher average price for hogs on a yearly basis

Chances of selling at a better prices are increased

Income is spread more evenly through the yearThis makes more efficient use of facilitiesReduces the investment per pig raised

Year round labor supply is required as well

Replacement GiltsSelect at 4-5 months of ageSeparate from finishing hogs and feed

separatelyWorm gilts and sows before first breedingSpray for external parasites

BoarsPurchase at least 45-60 days before useBuy only from healthy, purebred herds with

good performance recordsIsolate the boar when he is first brought to

the farm to help prevent diseaseTreat for internal and external parasitesSemen testTest breed on a few market gilts to ensure

the boar will breed

BoarsAge determines the number of time a boar

can mate per day or weekMating boars with too many females in a

short period of time decreases the boars ability to service

Increasing conception and litter sizeCan be done by using more than one boar on

each femaleThis is easier when hand-mating or using

artificial inseminationCan also be accomplished with pen breeding

Rotate the boars once a day between pens

Artificial InseminationNot widely used in the pastMostly only by the purebred producersImprovements in technology are trending

toward more use of AI in commercial herdsAdvantages

Increases the ability to bring superior genetics to the herd

Makes the use of superior boars on more sows possible

Reduces the risk of disease transmissionMakes it possible to bring new bloodlines into

the herd

Breeding-Gestation PeriodBreed gilts at 7-8 months of age and a weight

of 250-300 poundsBreed during the second heat for larger

littersMove gilts outside to dirt lots by the time

they weigh 175-200 pounds to increase conception rates

Boars should be 7 ½ months of age before breeding

BreedingCheck for standing heat at least 1 X day

Checking 2 X’s day increases conception rateBreed gilts at least twice at 12 hour intervals

after standing heat is detectedBreed sows at least twice at 24 hour intervals

after standing heat is detected

GestationKeep gilts and sows separateBoars of the same size and age can be run

together during the off-breeding seasonDo not run boars of different ages together

Provide shade to animals on pastureAvoid overheatingSupply plenty of fresh waterKeep the breeding herd separate from the

other hogs to avoid disease

Farrowing PeriodBehavior determines when a sow is about

to farrowMost sows farrow within about six hours

after they begin a period of intensive activityIntensive activity is when a sow stands up and

lies down more often than once per minute

Sows will also root and paw at the pen floor when they are ready to begin farrowing

Farrowing PeriodFarrowing can be induced by giving the sow

commercially available drugs 111-113 days after breeding, the sow will farrow 18-36 hours later

Advantages of Farrowing in a Short Period of TimeEasier to even up litter sizes by cross-

fostering pigletsLabor is more efficiently utilizedEasier to keep a group of sows on a uniform

rebreeding scheduleBreeding herd can be better managed

because the farrowing time is more predictable

Farrowing FacilitiesMust be cleaned and disinfected before sows

are placed in themTraffic must be kept to a minimum in

farrowing housesSows must be washed with soap and water

before being moved to clean pensSows should be moved to farrowing pens at

least 1 day before farrowing.

Farrowing FacilitiesGuard rails and artificial heat are used to

protect the baby pigs after birthFor newborn pigs the temperature should be

90-95 degrees F under the heat lampHeat maps are placed 18” above the pigsAfter 4-5 days the temperature is lowered to

80-85 degrees F by raising the heat lamp

Caring for Baby PigsMany are saved by the operator being

present at farrowing timeSows need assistancePiglets trapped in after-birth can be saved

Baby pigs must be kept warm and dry

Caring for Baby PigsClip needle teethDone with disinfected clippersPigs less than 2 days old, clip needle teeth

at the gum linePigs over 2 days old, clip 1/3 to ½ of the

toothAvoid injuring the gumSee fig. 22-4The navel cord should also be clipped

shortly after birth to 1-1.5” and disinfected with tincture of iodine

Ear NotchingUsed for identificationRequired for registration in purebred

associationsDetermination of right and left ear is made

from the rearSee fig 22-5 p. 436

Ear Notching Activity Worksheet and Scissors and Coloring

Utensils needed

Caring for Baby PigsEfforts should be made to save runts

Use milk replacer or other methodsFeed orally once or twice a daySaves about ½ the pigs that would otherwise

dieLitter size should equalized

Move pigs from large litters to small in order to make them equal.

Be sure that pigs nurse colostrums milk before moving them.

Make sure the sow has the nursing ability and the number of teats necessary for the number of pigs that are in the litter.

Farrowing to Weaning PeriodSeveral important management practicesTail docking

Cutting the pigs tail ¼-1/2 inch from the bodyDone when pigs are 1-3 days oldUse side cutting pliers or chicken debeakerDisinfect the tail stub with iodine spray and

disinfect the cutter between pigs.Producers of feeder pigs should always Do not dock tail while pigs have scoursDocking the tail prevents tail biting among pigs

in confinement.

Docking Tails

Farrowing to weaning periodGive iron injections or oral iron dosesShould be done at 2-4 days oldInjections should be given in the neck or

forearm Iron-dextran shots are given at the rate of

100-150 mg per pigGive a second dose at 2 wks of age

Iron can be added to feed or water at this time.Use care when giving iron shots as an

overdose may cause shock

Farrowing to Weaning PeriodWatch closely for scours

Treatments with oral drugs work better.Castrate male pigs that will be raised for

slaughterBest done when young, before 2 weeks of age

is bestDo not castrate, vaccinate and wean all in the

same period of time as it overstresses the animal.

Farrowing to Weaning PeriodStart pigs on feed as soon as possible.Control diseases and parasites.

This program should be tailored to the farm.

WeaningTrend towards earlier weaningEarlier weaning requires higher levels of

management and nutritionUsually means pigs are weaned before 5 weeks of

ageAverage is between 5 and 8 weeks

Pigs should weigh at least 12 pounds at the time of weaning

Avoid drafts and great temperature change when weaning pigs

Group pigs according to sizeGroups should be no more than 30 pigs if possible

Weaning to MarketMost management centers around feeding

and facilitiesHogs are raised either in confinement or on

pasture

ConfinementRequires more capital investmentHogs gain a little faster

PastureGood pasture can reduce the need for protein

supplements

GroupingGroup hogs in uniform size lots by weight

Groups should be no large than 50-75 headWeight range should be no more than 20%

above or below the average of the groupHogs should be marketed at about 230

pounds

FeedAccounts for 60-65% of the expensesWasted feed reduces feed efficiencyFeed loss can be reduced by

Adjusting feeders at least once a weekControlling rodents in feed storage and feeding

areas

Medicated Early WeaningCan help reduce the incidence of diseaseSows are given broad spectrum antibiotics

before farrowing and during lactationPigs are weaned at 10 days of age and moved

to a new locationPigs are given broad spectrum antibiotics

during the first 5 days after birthPhase feeding is used to feed the pigs

AdvantagesReduced incidence of diseaseResearch shows an increase of 14% in

average daily gainAlso shows an increase of 9% in feed

efficiencyDeath loss is reduced

DisadvantagesIncreased cost when multiple sites are usedMore facilities are neededPigs and feed must be transported to other

sitesOther hog facilities must be 2-10 miles away

depending on the disease that is the problem

All In/ All Out MethodCan improve rate of gain and feed efficiencyReduces incidence of diseasePigs move as a group from nursery, through

growing and finishing and to marketGroups consist of pigs farrowed within a

short period of time-usually 2-3 weeks

All In/ All OutFacilities are cleaned and disinfected

between groupsManure, bedding and feed is moved from the

facility when it is cleanedFacilities are left idle for a short period of

time between groups

Feeder PigsGenerally 8-9 weeks of ageAverage 35-50 poundsFaster turnover in the volume of pigs handledLess feed is required for each dollars worth

of pig soldLabor is needed year roundGood sanitation and disease control are

necessary

Feeder PigsLarge volume operators have lower costs

per pig than small volume operatorsNet returns are higher for large volume

operators as wellUp to weaning, feeding and management

practices are about the same for feeder pig production as other types pig production

Good management and marketing practices are necessary if feeder pig production is to be profitable.

Feeder PigsShould be bought from a reliable sourceIsolate newly arrived feeder pigs from other

pigsAllow pigs sufficient space, time to rest and

shade if is hotSort pigs into uniform lots according to sizeFeeding and management practices are

similar to those for market hogs

Video ReviewSwine management video with worksheets

Animal Science Level 2Selecting Feed for Swine

Feed CostsRange from 55-70% of the total cost of

raising hogsCombining the right kinds of feed in a

well balanced ration is one of the most important tasks of the hog producer.

Nutrient needs of hogs includeEnergyProteinMineralsVitaminswater

Energy FeedsCornBarleyBuckwheatMiloWheatOatsRyeTriticalePotatoesBakery wasteFats,tallows and greasesMolasses

CornBasic energy feedHigh in digestible carbsLow in fiberPalatableOther feeds are compared to corn when

determining their feed valueSee table 22-2

Corn Co-ProductsProducts from the corn-refining industryCorn gluten feedCorn germ meal

BarleyGood substitute for cornIn some parts of the US it is fed more than cornHigh fiberSlightly less digestibleHigher proteinMust be supplemented with proteins, minerals,

and vitaminsGround medium fineAlso rolled or pelletedNot as palatablePoisonous to hogs if scabby

BuckwheatHas 80-90% of the feed value of corn11% crude fiberNot as palatableGenerally mixed with other grainsLess protein supplement neededNot recommended for lactating sows or small

pigsCan be used for gestating sows and in fast

growing rationsNot recommended that it be used for more than

50% of the rationCan cause buckwheat rash in white pigs when

they are exposed to sunlight

MiloHigher protein than cornCan replace all the corn in hog rationsMust be supplemented with protein, minerals

and vitaminsHas a relative feed value of 90-95%

compared to corn

WheatEqual to or slightly higher in feed value than cornHigher in

ProteinLysinePhosphorus

Relative feed value is 100-105% compared to corn

Energy value is slightly lowerRelative price of wheat compared to other grains

is a determining factor when considering its use in swine rations

Must be processed through a roller mill

OatsHigher protein, but poorer qualityProtein supplement must be usedHigh in fiberRelative feed value of 85-90%Should not be substituted for more than

20% for growing-finishing hogsShould be medium to finely groundHulled, rolled oats make an excellent

starter ration for baby pigs

RyeNot a very good feed for hogsRelative feed value of 90%Less palatable than other grainsShould not make up more than 25% of the

grain rationHarder than corn and should be groundSometimes infested with a fungus called ergot

Ergot will cause abortion in pregnant sows and ergot infested rye should never be fed to them

It will also slow down gains in growing-finishing hogs

TriticaleHybrid cereal grainCross between wheat and ryeMore lysine than cornNot as palatableNo more than 50% of the ration should be

triticaleSome varieties maybe infested with ergot

Ergot infested triticale should not be fed to pregnant sows.

Triticale

Wheat Rye Triticale

PotatoesMay be fed to hogsContain mainly carbsMust be fed with a protein supplementHeavier hogs make better use of potatoesTakes about 400 lbs of spuds to equal the

feed value of 100 lbs of cornShould be fed at the rate of 1 part

potatoes to 3 parts grainShould be cooked before they are fed

Bakery WasteInclude

Stale bread, bread crumbs, cookies, crackersAverage protein content is about 10%A good protein supplement must be fed

Fats, Tallow and GreasesHigh energy Make up less than 5% of the rationUsed to improve the binding qualities of

pelleted feedBinding quality is how well the feed particles

stick togetherDecreases carcass quality if feed in excessContain no protein, minerals, or vitaminsProper nutrient supplements are essential

when these substances are part of the ration

MolassesProvide carbsCan be substituted for part of the grainShould never be more than 5% of the rationMay result in scours if over-fed

Soybean Oil MealAvailable with a 44 or 49% protein content49% meal is used in pre-starter and starter

rationsBoth are equal in value for growing-finishing pigsProtein quality is excellentMost widely used protein source in hog rationsVery palatable

Hogs will overeat soybean oil meal if fed free choiceGood balance of amino acidsOther feeds that are fed are compared to soybean

oil meal when determining their feed value.

Cottonseed Meal40-45% proteinPoor qualityLow in lysineMaybe fed as 5% of the protein in the rationSome contains gossypol which is toxic to hogs

If the gossypol is removed cottonseed meal may replace up to 50% of the soybean oil meal in the ration

Low in mineralsFair in in Vitamin BNot palatable to hogsDo not use as a starter ration

Linseed Meal35-36% proteinPoor qualityMust be fed with other protein sourcesUsually makes up no more than 5% of the

rationMore calcium than soybean or cotton

meals, about the same for Vitamin BBest fed in combination with animal

protein sourcesActs as a laxative in large amounts

Peanut Meal47% proteinLow in several amino acidsMust be fed with other protein sourcesBecomes rancid if stored more than a few

weeksLow in vitamins and minerals

Whole SoybeansAbout 37% proteinCan be used to replace soybean oil mealHigher in energyLower in protein6 lbs of whole cooked soybeans can substitute for 5 lbs of

soybean oil mealHigher energy of the whole soybeans may increase feed

efficiency by 5%Do not use raw soybeans in growing-finishing ration

They contain an antitrypsin factor that prevents the action of the enzyme trypsin in non-ruminants such as swine, resulting in a reduction in the availability of tryptophan, an essential amino acid

Heating the soybeans destroy the antitrypsin factor

Tankage and Meat Scraps50-60% proteinInadequate amounts of the amino acid tryptophanMust be used with other protein sourcesHigh in calcium, phosphorusVitamin content is variableNot as palatable as soybean mealMaximum percentage of tankage included

depends on the ration being fedGestation rations 10%Lactation 5%Growing and finishing 5%Starter rations 0%

Meat and Bone Meal50% proteinThe amount of bone in the mix determines

the valueLow in lysineMaximum percentage varies with the type of

rationGestation 10%Lactation, starter, grower, finisher 5%

Fish Meal60-70% proteinExcellent qualityHigh in minerals and vitaminsPalatableUsually to expensive to use except in creep

rationsMaximum fish meal to use is 5%

Skim Milk and Buttermilk33% protein when dry

Only worth 1/10 that much when in liquid formQuality is goodGood sources of B vitaminsOften used in creep rations in the dry formMaximum amount to use in starter rations

20%Dried skim milk should not be used in

gestation, lactation, grower or finishing rations

WheyLiquid form 1% proteinDry 13-14% proteinExcellent qualityStarter rations may contain up to 20% dry

wheyIn gestation, lactation, grower, and finisher

rations whey should be limited to no more than 5% dry whey

Alfalfa Meal13-17% proteinLarge amounts of vitamins A & BExcellent roughage for hogsGood source of mineralsShould be limited to no more than 5% of the ration

for growing-finishing hogsFor brood sows it may make up as much as 50% of

the ration; it helps keep them from getting too fatFor lactating sows it may make up a maximum of

10% of the rationDo not use alfalfa meal in starter rations

Alfalfa HayGenerally not used in hog rations except for

the breeding herdHay must be ground and mixed in the ration

for self feeding sows and giltsIt can be used to make up as much as 1/3 of

the ration

SilageMost valuable in the ration of breeding stock10-12 lbs of corn or grass-legume silage can

be fed per day to sows and gilts during pregnancy

Must be supplemented with protein and minerals

Moldy silage should never be fed.

PastureValuable for feeding the breeding herdGood quality pasture supplies the same

nutrients as alfalfa meal and hayGrowing-finishing hogs will not gain as

rapidly as those in a dry lotHowever, pregnant sows and gilts get the

exercise they needPutting the breeding herd on good quality

pasture supplies enough nutrients that concentrates may be reduced by up to 40%

Pasture is also sufficient for the herd boar

4 Major MineralsCalciumPhosphorusSodiumchlorine

Trace MineralsZincIronCopperSeleniumManganeseiodine

SaltAdds sodium and chlorineShould make up about 0.5% of the ration

Calcium & PhosphorusMost common source is ground limestoneRation should contain 0.5-0.7% CaDicalcium phossphate supplies both calcium

and phosphorusRation should contain 0.4-0.65% phosphorusOther sources of calcium and phosphorus

Steamed bone mealDefluorinated rock phosphate

Calcium & PhosphorusFeeding too much calcium or phosphorus

may reduce the rate of gain for growing-finishing hogs

Excess calcium will interact with zinc and cause a zinc deficiency

Ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be 1.0 to 1.5 calcium to 1.0 total phosphorus in a grain-soybean meal diet

Sources of Trace MineralsFound in commercial protein supplement

mixesTrace mineralized salt is another sourceTrace mineral premixes are also available

Iron and CopperEspecially important in baby pig rations

They prevent anemiaIn addition to the iron supplied in the ration

baby pigs should be given iron shots when they are 2-4 days old

ZincNeeded to prevent parakeratosisEarly weaned pigs have a higher zinc

requirement than older pigs

Feeding MineralsCare must be takenExcess minerals slow the rate of gainMinerals shouldn’t be added to rations that

contain commercial protein supplements unless the feed tag says otherwise

Mineral mixes can be fed free choice to hogs since they will not overeat minerals if they are receiving enough in the ration.

VitaminsMany that are required are already

present in the feedsVitamins that must be added to the ration

areADEKRiboflavinNiacinPantothenic acidCholineVitamin B12

VitaminsMay be added as part of

complete protein supplementsMineral-vitamin premixesVitamin premixes

The major differences between these sources is the amount of vitamins they contain and their costs

VitaminsIt is difficult to determine the exact amount

of vitamins they contain since the feed tags do not usually list the amounts

Past experience with a particular mix is the best guide to follow in selecting a vitamin source

VitaminsComplete supplements and mineral-vitamin

premixes usually cost more than vitamin premixes

If the producer does not have mixing equipment on the farm it is best to use complete mixes.

Premixes are used in such small amounts per ton that it is difficult to mix them into the ration properly

WaterOne of the most important nutrientsPlenty of water should be available at all

timesIt should be fresh, clean and no colder than

45 degrees FIt should be checked periodically for nitrate

contentTo much nitrate or nitrite in the water is not

good for hogsSee fig 22-2 p. 423

AdditivesIncrease efficiencyEnable pigs to

Grow at a faster rateImprove feed conversionReduce disease stress

Common AdditivesAnthelminticsAntibioticsArsenicalsNitrofuransSulfa compounds

Sources of AdditivesComplete protein supplementsComplete mixed feedsPremixes

Must be carefully mixed into the ration for even distribution

Factors to Consider when Evaluating AdditivesCostsWhich additives are includedAmounts of additives in the source

Other Rules for AdditivesFeed tag instructions must be carefully

followedWithdrawal times must be observed when

marketing hogs

Preparation of feedsHog feeds are generally ground for most

efficient useCorn, barley, milo, and oats should be finely

groundWheat should be coarsely ground

Pelleting FeedImproves efficiencyLess feed wasteImproves high fiber rationsBuying complete pelleted feed may be less

expensive

Liquid or PasteReduces wasteRate of gain increaseHigher costs for laborNo clear advantage to feeding liquids or

pastes

Wet FeedingMade from different materials

Stainless steel last longer but is more expensiveSome are made of plastic—they are easier to clean

Need to be kept in an area that doesn’t freezeMust be checked frequentlyBetter management is neededNo advantage to cooking, soaking or

fermenting