Core Tip: This article provides valuable guidance for pig farmers on how to select the right concentrated feed based on the breed of their pigs.
It is well known that feed selection should be tailored to the specific breed of pig, as breed plays a crucial role in the pig industry, along with factors like nutrition, management, and environment. Even under similar nutritional conditions, different breeds can show significant differences in growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and meat quality. Therefore, farmers should choose appropriate grades of concentrated feed depending on the type of pig they are raising. For example, if you are raising crossbred pigs (such as two- or three-way hybrids), it’s advisable to use high-quality feed to boost productivity. However, for local breeds, using medium or low-grade feed can help reduce costs without compromising performance.
The correct ratio of concentrated feed involves mixing additive premixes, mineral feeds, and protein sources in specific proportions. Energy sources such as corn and wheat bran are commonly used alongside these ingredients. Most commercial feed brands provide detailed formulas for each growth stage, making it easy for farmers to mix the feed properly. However, some farmers may mistakenly increase the concentration of feed to speed up growth, especially when market prices rise. This can lead to excessive protein and insufficient energy, which may cause digestive issues or even diarrhea in pigs. On the flip side, during periods of low market prices, some farmers might cut back on concentrated feed to save money, but this can result in nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and poor feed conversion rates—ultimately increasing overall costs.
Some farmers have questioned whether they can substitute soybeans or bean cake for part of the concentrated feed. While both are protein-rich, replacing concentrates with these alternatives can disrupt the balance of essential nutrients, particularly the additive premix and minerals. This imbalance may negatively affect the overall health and performance of the pigs.
Seasonal adjustments to feed formulas are also possible and sometimes beneficial. For instance, during colder months, pigs require more energy to maintain body heat, so increasing the proportion of energy-dense feeds like corn can be helpful. In contrast, during warmer seasons, reducing the energy content slightly can prevent overheating and improve digestion.
There are two main feeding methods: free-choice feeding and restricted feeding. Free-choice feeding allows pigs to eat as much as they want, promoting faster growth and uniformity, but it can lead to higher fat content in the carcass. Restricted feeding, on the other hand, helps control lean meat percentage, improves feed efficiency, and optimizes nutrient utilization, though it may slow down daily weight gain. Farmers should adjust their method based on breed, season, and market goals. For example, in the early stages of fattening, free-choice feeding is often used, and then switching to restricted feeding once pigs reach certain weights—like 75 kg for lean meat types or 65 kg for general-purpose pigs—can help improve meat quality and reduce feed waste.
When it comes to feeding methods, there are several options: thin feeding, wet-mixed feeding (with a feed-to-water ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1), wet feeding (3:1 to 6:1), and dry feeding (including complete pelleted feed). Dry feeding is generally preferred as it promotes better digestion and reduces spoilage. Wet feeding can be beneficial for certain groups, such as lactating sows, while thin feeding is less common due to its lower efficiency. However, some experts suggest that feeding young pigs with a milky thinner mixture can enhance their growth and health.
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