The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: kitchen cottage on July 09, 2012, 09:38:57 pm

Title: Piglet Weights
Post by: kitchen cottage on July 09, 2012, 09:38:57 pm

I have Essex Pigs (and two Tamworths for bacon).  The  piglets were 11 weeks on Saturday.  I've been feeding sow nuts with a bit of extra bread if I'm given it and some bananas.  I put my pig tape measure on them today and they are varying between 26 and 30 kilo's,  because of the weather I'm concerned about getting them up to weight.  They are outdoors with access to forage at the weekend.
 
Where do I find a chart of pig weights?
 
How do I know whether they are doing well or badly?
 
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: the great composto on July 09, 2012, 10:00:41 pm

Is this the sort of chart you were looking for?

(http://ourfarm.home.mpinet.net/hogchart.JPG)

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: kitchen cottage on July 09, 2012, 10:12:39 pm

 
Not really.  I did find something like it but it was really something that gave me a weight range per pig and, perhaps, linked to the breed.  I need to get to about 65-70 kilos  by about October and I am hoping I will get there..... The chart I found said 56 lb at 11 weeks.... so I thought I wasin the right ballpark!  ;D :fc:

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: the great composto on July 09, 2012, 10:25:14 pm

Because you got me interested can I have another go?

I would be surprised of the chart would be breed related though.

I am a novice but does this chart help?  (if not then I will just go sit in the corner)

http://www.thepigsite.com/stockstds/17/growth-rate (http://www.thepigsite.com/stockstds/17/growth-rate)

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: kitchen cottage on July 10, 2012, 06:59:04 am

sorry, I went to bed!
 
I can't see my Essexs' getting to the 100KG mark.
 
I found one for Berkshires which I suspect is closer.  I haven't done weighing before so I just want to make sure I'm getting it right  ;D
 
I think they are actually in the "zone" at thye moment.

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: Berkshire Boy on July 10, 2012, 07:51:02 am

Yes I  would say they are doing fine, by October they will be ready to go. Where did you find the chart for the Berkshires?

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: kitchen cottage on July 10, 2012, 08:07:55 am

http://www.berkshirepigs.org.uk/marketing.htm (http://www.berkshirepigs.org.uk/marketing.htm)
 
Here  ;D

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: Tamsaddle on July 10, 2012, 09:26:42 am

Goodness, the article on the Berkshire site, relating to all rare breed pigs not just Berkshires, has completely thrown me.   I wish I had known about it before - the feed amounts they recommend are massively lower than the classic formula of 1 lb per month-age up to 6 months.   Very interesting indeed, and I think I will now adjust all my feeding programmes accordingly with a view to ending up with finished pigs that hopefully have back fat at 19 mm and under, something I have only so far achieved in two pigs ever.   Thanks for posting that link - Tamsaddle

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: Berkshire Boy on July 10, 2012, 10:15:09 am

Thanks KC never noticed that on there before. ::)

Title: Re: Piglet Weights
Post by: robert waddell on July 11, 2012, 11:19:03 pm

interesting that the source of the feed chart is the rbst       anyway   your pigs should achieve your intended weight by October  as that is 40 kilos in 80 days  so 500 grammes a day :farmer: