Several ways to save feed in pig farming, helping you reduce feed costs
Recently, during agricultural technology extension visits to rural areas, it was found that some newly developed pig farmers still use many improper methods in breeding technology, causing feed waste to varying degrees. In order to better guide pig production, several common methods for saving feed in pig farming are summarized below for pig farmers' reference:
I. Scientific feeding
Establish a standardized and scientific feeding method. Based on the growth and development pattern of pigs - slow growth in the early stage, fast in the middle stage, and slow again in the later stage - to obtain higher feed returns, it is recommended to adopt a straight-line fattening feeding approach to shorten the feeding cycle and save feed. At the same time, implement a combination of concentrated, green, and roughage feeds, and adopt wet-mixed feed feeding; in terms of feeding frequency, adopt a three-meal-per-day system to reduce energy consumption and feed scattering losses caused by increased pig activity from multiple feedings, which lowers feed utilization.
II. Scientific feed allocation
Currently in pig production, farmers generally only pay attention to the nutritional level per kilogram of feed, and rarely pay attention to the daily feed amount. Although the diet is formulated strictly according to the required nutritional level, if the daily feed amount cannot meet or exceeds the nutrition needed for growth and development, it will either extend the feeding period, increase the share of maintenance requirements, and reduce feed utilization; or cause overeating, leading to indigestion and invisible feed waste. Therefore, while scientifically formulating feed, it is essential to pay attention to the scientific feeding amount to fully tap into weight gain potential and improve feed utilization. Generally, the concentrated feed amount for growing-finishing pigs is about 4% of body weight; for lean-type pigs after 60 kg, feed can be given at 3.5% of body weight; it can also be determined based on expected daily weight gain and expected feed utilization (feed/gain), that is, daily weight gain (kg) / feed utilization (gain/feed) = daily feed amount (kg).
III. Good epidemic prevention
Establish a long-term epidemic prevention mechanism, carry out vaccinations for all diseases throughout the year, and conduct regular deworming to minimize the incidence of disease and improve feed utilization. In pig production, every year a considerable number of pigs suffer hidden feed waste due to chronic diseases and parasitic infections. Therefore, pig farming requires regular immunization and regular deworming to ensure healthy growth of pigs and improve feed utilization.
IV. Suitable temperature
The construction of pig pens should have a reasonable layout, and the pens should be kept clean and dry, conducive to warmth in winter and heat dissipation in summer, creating a comfortable growth environment for pigs to reduce disease occurrence, lower maintenance consumption, and improve feed utilization. The suitable temperature for pig pens is 17-21°C; too high or too low will lead to reduced utilization.
V. Timely slaughter
Pigs have different growth intensities of bone, lean meat, and fat at different growth stages. In the early growth stage (before 60 kg), bones and lean meat grow faster, and feed utilization is high; then as age and body weight increase, fat growth exceeds lean meat, and the feed required to produce 1 kg of fat is more than 2 times that required to produce 1 kg of lean meat. Therefore, the longer the feeding cycle and the heavier the body weight, the lower the feed utilization. Generally, the suitable slaughter weight for crossbred pigs is 100-110 kg; the suitable slaughter weight for relatively pure local breeds is 80-90 kg, and the suitable slaughter weight for local breeds with poorer purity is 70-80 kg. Li Shudong