Feeding and Management of SwineAnimal Science 1Unit 22

ObjectivesDescribe the different types of swine production.Develop feeding programs for the different stages in the life cycle of hogsDescribe accepted management practices for the stages in the life cycle of hogs

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 sowMinimum goal for producers should be 21-22 pigs per year for each breeding femaleFemales should be bred and managed to produce a minimums of 2.3 litters during each 12 month periodFeed efficiencyfeed wastage should be considered and controlled

Types of Swine Production

TypesPurebredCommercialFeeder pig productionBuying and finishing feeder pigsComplete sow and litter systemsSwine 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 problemsFarrowing 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 crossbreedingOften cross purebred boars onto crossbred sowsGood 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 requiredAn average of 14-16 pigs marketed per sow is required to break evenGoal 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 laborDisadvantagesHealth problemsVariation in market pricesIt is a fairly high risk that there will be no profit made

Complete Sow and Litter SystemMost common method of productionInvolvesBreeding herd of sowsFarrowing pigsCaring for and feeding the pigs to market weightInvestmentsCan be low for pasture systemsHigh for confinement systems and facilitiesTrend 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 profitLabor, management and investment requirements vary considerably

Pork Quality Assurance Program

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 stepreview of management practices, especially focusing on the use and handling of animal health productsSeries of good management practices are reviewed and a plan is developed for needed improvementsFinal stepproducers plans are reviewed and verified by a verifierThe verifier can be a vet, an extension specialist, or agricultural education instructor

Reducing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Excretion

Problems faced by the Swine ProducersOdorPollution due to excessive N and P in the manure

NitrogenOdor problem is caused by the release of ammonia from the manureThis is caused by the nitrogen (N)Nitrogen can be reduced by substituting synthetic lysine for soybean meal in the dietThis reduces the amount of nitrogen excreted and thus reduces the amount of ammonia generated and all in all reduces the smell! Note: No more than 3 pounds of synthetic lysine per ton in growing-finishing diets.Replacing two much of the soybean meal with synthetic lysine reduces the amount of other necessary amino acids in the diet and thus has a negative effect on daily gain, feed efficiency and some carcass traits.

NitrogenAnother method of reducing nitrogen is by using split sex feedingBarrows have lower protein requirements than giltsFeeding them separately means less protein can be fed thus reducing the amount of nitrogen excreted in the manure.

PhosphorusCorn and soybean oil, both the basis of the swine diet, have high phosphorus contentProblem-90% of the phosphorus is in the form of phytic acid, which is not available to the pigMore phosphorus must be supplemented, increasing the amount that is released in the manureThis all contributes to a problem of excessive amounts of phosphorus being released into the environment when the manure is applied to the land.

PhosphorusSolution??Adding the enzyme phytase results in more utilization of the phytate phosphorusThis results in a reduction of as much as 30%Research is also being done in using genetically modified corn that contains less phytate

Selecting Feeds 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 ProteinLysinePhosphorusRelative feed value is 100-105% compared to cornEnergy value is slightly lowerRelative price of wheat compared to other grains is a determining factor when considering its use in swine rationsMust 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 ergotErgot will cause abortion in pregnant sows and ergot infested rye should never be fed to themIt 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 ergotErgot 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 WasteIncludeStale 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

Fats, Tallow, GreasesLardTallow

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

Plant Proteins

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 palatableHogs 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 hogsIf the gossypol is removed cottonseed meal may replace up to 50% of the soybean oil meal in the rationLow 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 rationThey 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 acidHeating the soybeans destroy the antitrypsin factor

Animal Proteins

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 dryOnly 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

Roughages

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 pregnancyMust be supplemented with protein and mineralsMoldy 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

Minerals & Vitamins

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 phosphorusSteamed bone mealDefluorinated rock phosphate

Calcium & PhosphorusFeeding too much calcium or phosphorus may reduce the rate of gain for growing-finishing hogsExcess calcium will interact with zinc and cause a zinc deficiencyRatio 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 rationsThey 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 shouldnt be added to rations that contain commercial protein supplements unless the feed tag says otherwiseMineral 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 premixesThe 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 amountsPast 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 premixesIf 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

Water

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

Additives

AdditivesIncrease efficiencyEnable pigs to Grow at a faster rateImprove feed conversionReduce disease stress

Common AdditivesAnthelminticsAntibioticsArsenicalsNitrofuransSulfa compounds

Sources of AdditivesComplete protein supplementsComplete mixed feedsPremixesMust 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

Feeding the Breeding Herd

Gilts Separate from market hogs when they reach a weight of 150-200 poundsThey may then be fed a sow dietDo not allow them to get too fatThey should gain about 1 lb/day before breeding

Breeding GiltsBreed at 7-8 months of ageThey should weigh about 250-300 lbsPasture may be used in the feeding program

FlushingIncreasing the amount of feed fed for a short period of timeMay allow a gilt to farrow a bigger litter; depending on her conditionWhen flushing increase the ration to 6-8 pounds about 10 days prior to breedingSows that have been on restricted rations before breeding should also be flushedGilts and sows should be put back on limited feeding immediately after breeding so they do not get to fatLimited feeding also reduces fetal death during gestation

Gestation RationsShould not be allowed to become to fatA gain of 50-75 pounds is right for sows70-100 lbs for gilts4-5 lbs/day may be fed during the first 2/3 of gestationLast 1/3 of gestation it should be increased to 6 lbsPasture, silage and hay may also be fed

Farrowing RationsShould be bulkyAdding bulk helps reduce constipation and reduces problems with mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA)

Feeding after FarrowingLimit fed rations the first few days after farrowingLactating sows and gilts will eat 2.5-3 pounds of feed per day per 100 pounds of body weightAmount of feed fed will also vary according to the number of pigs being nursed

Hot WeatherFeed intake maybe reduced by as much as 25% when the temperature reaches 80 F in the farrowing house, compared to 60 FKeep sows cool to maintain proper feed intake

Feeding the Heard BoarKeep on limited rations during the breeding seasonFat boars make poor breeders.Young boars should be fed for moderate weight gainBoars can be maintained on 4lbs of feed when not used

Feeding Baby Pigs of pigs are lost before weaning due to poor feedingBaby pigs should nurse shortly after birthThis is how they receive disease protection.Baby pigs will nibble on creep feed within a week of birth if it is available.Ensure baby pigs have plenty of clean, fresh water.

Creep Feeding Baby PigsSmall amounts can be provided in pansIt should be fresh every dayBest to use commercial creep feedsBaby pigs eat creep feed better if it is sweetenedUse feeds that have sugar mixed in instead of sugar coated pellets.

Creep Feed for Baby Pigs

Feeding Growing-Finishing PigsScours sometimes a problem within the first 2-3 weeks after weaningEspecially if the pigs have been weaned earlyReplace 10-15% of the corn in the ration with oats to prevent scouring

Phase FeedingRecommended when pigs are weaned at 3 weeks of ageDesigned to meet the rapidly changing nutritional needs of pigs during early weaningIt helps reduce Post weaning growth lagGets pigs started on a grain and soybean meal diet

Phase ILast for 7-10 days for pigs at 3 wks age3-4 days for pigs at 4 wks ageFed a pelleted diet 20-22% crude protein1.45% lysine4-5% plasma protein20% food grade whey10% food grade dried skim milk4-6% cheese by-product2-3% egg protein4-6% soy oil

Phase IIFollows phase 1Lasts 1-2 weeksMay be pelleted or meal18-22% crude protein1.35% lysine10-15% food grade whey2 -5% menhaden fish meal2-3% blood mealMax. 8% soybean meal

Phase IIIStart when pigs weigh about 25 lbs3-5 weeks after weaningDiet is grain-soybean in pelleted or meal form18-20% crude protein1.1% lysine5-10% whey4-5% fish mealDiet continues until the hog reaches 45 pounds

Preparation of Feeds

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 materialsStainless steel last longer but is more expensiveSome are made of plasticthey are easier to cleanNeed to be kept in an area that doesnt freezeMust be checked frequentlyBetter management is neededNo advantage to cooking, soaking or fermenting

Management Practices

Pre-breeding ManagementMust decide on a breeding systemCrossbreeding hogs for slaughter is recommendedCrossbred pigs generally grow faster and use feed more efficientlySows have larger litters and are better mothers

Multiple FarrowingArranging the breeding program so that groups of sows farrow at regular intervals throughout the yearUsually results in a higher average price for hogs on a yearly basisChances of selling at a better prices are increasedIncome is spread more evenly through the yearThis makes more efficient use of facilitiesReduces the investment per pig raisedYear 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 breedingRotate 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 herdsAdvantagesIncreases the ability to bring superior genetics to the herdMakes the use of superior boars on more sows possibleReduces 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 ratesBoars should be 7 months of age before breeding

BreedingCheck for standing heat at least 1 X dayChecking 2 Xs 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 togetherProvide shade to animals on pastureAvoid overheatingSupply plenty of fresh waterKeep the breeding herd separate from the other hogs to avoid disease

Common Reproductive ProblemsRead p. 434-435

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 minuteSows 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 savedBaby 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 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

Caring for Baby PigsEfforts should be made to save runtsUse milk replacer or other methodsFeed orally once or twice a daySaves about the pigs that would otherwise dieLitter size should equalizedMove 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 dockingCutting the pigs tail -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 ageIron 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 scoursTreatments 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 weeksPigs should weigh at least 12 pounds at the time of weaningAvoid drafts and great temperature change when weaning pigsGroup 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 weightGroups 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 byAdjusting 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 productionGood 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

Summary2 types of swine production: commercial and purebredPurebred production is specialized and less than 1% of the hogs raised in America are registered purebredsPurebred producers raise foundation stock used in commercial productionMost commercial hogs are crossbredCommercial producers may:Raise hogs for slaughterBuy and feed out feeder pigsUse a complete sow and litter system

SummaryMost common feeds are corn and soybean oil mealPasture is valuable for feeding the breeding herdMost important minerals are sodium, chlorine, calcium and phosphorusSalt, limestone and dicalcium phosphate are common sourcesTrace minerals come from commercial mineral mixesVitamins are provided by using commercial feeds and vitamin premixesWater must be clean, fresh and in adequate supply

SummaryBreeding herd should be fed so that they do not become to fatBaby pigs should be started on feed as soon as they will eatGrowing-finishing hogs may be fed free choice or with self feedersPelleted rations increase feed efficiency

SummaryCrossbreed and have multiple farrowingsProducers can save more pigs by being presentClip needle teeth, ear mark, disinfect and clip the navel cord and dock tails within the first few days after farrowingEqualize litter sizes and give iron shotsCastrate boars before they are 2 weeks oldControl scours and prevent diseaseFeed a good ration and group in uniform lots according to size after weaning

THE END