 Pigs
are normally fed twice a day. The amount of feed depends on
the age and the reproductive state of the pig. A foraging
pig will obtain some of its food from natural sources as long
as the foraging area is able to provide it. This would include
grass, brambles, acorns, apples, and even earth worms. It
is important to supplement this with a balanced compound feed,
to ensure that the pig receives all the nutrients it requires.
Potatoes, carrots and household scraps (not containing meat)
can also be fed.
Two important points to note are:
- Foods such as potatoes do not provide the nutritional
value of compound feeds.
- It is illegal to feed household waste containing meat
of any sort or in any form to pigs.
Pigs prefer their feed wet, so adding water or surplus goat's
milk to their feed will be appreciated.
It is important to provide pig troughs if you have more than
one pig, otherwise the more timid members of the herd will
not get enough to eat. Alternatively, spread the feed widely
around the ground. This should only be done on clean areas,
and will inevitably result in more feed being wasted.
Gilts
The gilt will need about 2.5kg (51/2 lb) per day of Sow Breeder
Pencils, Cakes or Meal. This should be kept up until just
before farrowing. Do be careful - remember that a maiden gilt
is still growing as well as feeding her unborn young, and
she needs enough feed to perform both functions. About three
weeks before serving, the gilt should have her rations gradually
increased to 4kg (approximately 9lb) per day, to help maintain
her in the best condition. After service and during gestation
the feed could be reduced to 2.4kg (5lb) per day. At no time
will she be likely to need less than 1.8kg (4lb) per day.
After Farrowing
Once the pig has produced her litter she must take in enough
food to keep herself healthy and to provide enough good milk
for the piglets. The sow should be fed about 3kg (6lb) of
Sow Breeder Pencils, Cakes or Meal a day. If the sow is suckling
more than six piglets then she should be fed an extra 0.5kg
per day per additional piglet. This can be reduced to 1.5-2kg
after weaning.
For more information on Allen & Page
products or advice on feeding please call the Allen &
Page Smallholder Club FREE on 0800 0281496.
BACK TO HEALTHCARE &
MANAGEMENT INDEX |
