|
The profit of a hog farmer is definitely determined by the method of feeding. Around the world swine are raised on lots of feeds and by-products. In some areas hogs are only fed on pastures with no supplements. Only a small percentage of roughage is consumed in the United States by swine. Corn is used as feed more than any other feed over the fifty states. The agriculture is very different depending on the area and the diets are usually produced locally. Feeding is usually adapted around the world as in some sections hogs are fed homegrown feeds, while in others they are fed mostly potatoes and by-products. In some sections they are fed sugar beets, or forage, and in some areas the hogs have to rely on being a scavenger.
There are classes and functions of nutrition in the feeding of hogs. The function of carbohydrates and fats is to furnish the heat and energy for animals and provide the material necessary for fattening. Fats furnish 2.25 times as much heat and energy as do carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are made up largely of sugars and starches. Fats consist of the same chemical compounds, but in different combinations. Proteins are essential in livestock feeding because they help to form the greater part of muscles, internal organs, skin, hair, and hoofs. Milk also contains protein. Hogs are simple stomach animals and must be fed all of the essential amino acids. Since no single feed contains all the proteins, several sources of protein should be provided for them. Minerals are used primarily for the bones, teeth, and make up an important part of the blood. The heart also needs mineral balance to maintain its regular beating. The major minerals are those needed in very small amounts and yet are essential to the health of the animal. All of the vitamins are essential in the feeding of swine.
Usually water is not considered a nutrient, but swine must have water as their body is made up of 45 to 70 percent water, and nutrients must be in liquid form before they can be absorbed by the body.
Swine can suffer more nutritional deficiencies than any other species except for poultry. They can also utilize a larger variety of feeds to a greater advantage than other farm animals. The major components of swine ration will contain grain crops such as barley, rye, wheat, oats, corn and sorghums. In some parts of the country sweet potatoes and peanuts are used successfully.
In almost every section by-products of the fishing, meat-packing, dairy and milling industries, plus human food wastes, such as refuse or garbage, are fed extensively.
When feeding swine you will need to have the following knowledge before feeding. Cereal grains and by-products of these are good in phosphorus, but low in minerals and especially calcium. Grains usually are poor sources of vitamins except for yellow corn and peas and also they supply poor quality proteins. Protein supplements of animal origin and soybean meal generally supply proteins of high quality, but proteins of plant origin supply low quality proteins. A farmer needs to rely on fortifications with minerals and vitamins.
Pregnant and lactating sows will require rations high in mineral and vitamin content and containing ll to l3 percent protein depending on their feed intake. Pregnant sows also need rations with an abundance of minerals to produce large litters of healthy pigs. Sows that have sucking litters need minerals, proteins and vitamins to produce quality milk. They both have basically the same nutritional needs.
Grains are the chief source of carbohydrates for energy and calories in swine ration. Oats have too much fiber for finishing and most swine won't eat rye. Most swine prefer a mixture of grains but some are still using mostly corn. Be careful that you do not have any grains that are spoiled as pigs are very sensitive to toxins in moldy grain.
Be careful and don't add too many fats to the feed of a growing pig, no more than ten percent as this will result in a fatty carcass and pork cuts with thick fat bands.
The feeding needs of a swine should be the following; 2-7 gallons of water per day per l00 pounds, grains for energy containing 75-90% of total feed ration, protein 14-15% of ration for growing, finishing period, 16-18% for growing pigs under l00 pounds, 12-14% for finishing hogs over 170 pounds. Vitamins and minerals should be provided as a mix or by access to pasture grasses, roots, soil, or sunshine. Vitamins A, D, E, K, B-Series and other vitamins plus iron, calcium, phosphorus and other minerals are needed. Salt is rquired in a feed ration of 0.24% of feed ration maxium and fat should only be 10% of the ration.
There are many commercial feeds that can be purchased at your local feed store and also the supplements to your feed. Consult the people at your local feed store to get advice and to also purchase the best feeds.
| 
