Author Topic: how much food (Read 2693 times)

yankieGirl · « **on:** May 10, 2011, 10:36:50 pm »

How much should I be feeding a month old gilt. We intend to breed her in the future. Hubby said she and her pen mate are too fat!

I am feeding a grower mash from the local feed mill

Helencus · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:09:01 am »

Rule of thumb with pigs is 1 lb for every month of age per day split into morning and evening feed until they get to 6 months. From 6 months you don't increase the ration any more. That's the rule of thumb but when they get past a year or so if you keep them you learn what they should look like how much of a covering they should have. I give my breeding stock 7 - 8 lbs per day as theyre big pigs and I like to keep them in good condition.

HappyHippy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:57:15 am »

I agree with Helen

If you can feel the backbone she's too skinny, if you can't just feel her ribs she's too fat.
I'm always careful to keep breeding stock trim and lean, it makes it easier for them to farrow when the time comes and helps increase fertility and litter size.
Hope that helps,
Karen x

robert waddell · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2011, 10:44:33 am »

is she still with her mother or weaned already?

Tudful Tamworths · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2011, 10:23:01 pm »

One month? Are you talking about a weaner? By my standards, that's very early (though I appreciate that other breeders, particularly in commercial systems, wean earlier - I normally do it at 8 wks). Was she eating well when you got her? Could your husband be confusing the appearance of a "fat" belly - which could be worms - with the piglets being overweight. Just something to consider.

yankieGirl · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2011, 10:47:43 pm »

In a hurry while typing....FOUR month old gilts! Sorry for the confussion.

Thanks for all the advise. Thanks especially for the conversion to POUNDS!!!!!!!! I think I am feeding too much they seem awfully big. Long and thick.

Tudful Tamworths · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2011, 12:04:52 am »

Phew! That's a relief! Follow the formulas mentioned earlier but look at their general condition, too. Different environments, how much exercise they get, etc, can make a huge difference.