The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Lion Learners on February 20, 2013, 05:59:13 pm

Title: Pigs and Parsnips
Post by: Lion Learners on February 20, 2013, 05:59:13 pm

I've been advised by a farmer that pigs can't eat parsnips which is annoying because I have a ready supply of cheap parsnips. However, a quick scan of the internet suggests that it's just the tops that are an issue and the roots should be fine.

What do you think? Yes parsnips or no parsnips?

Thanks
Liona :pig:

Title: Re: Pigs and Parsnips
Post by: hughesy on February 20, 2013, 06:40:28 pm

It is said that the tops can cause lesions around the mouth of pigs. I've fed the roots a few times with no problems but I wouldn't give them too many.

Title: Re: Pigs and Parsnips
Post by: Fowgill Farm on February 20, 2013, 08:40:09 pm

Would  agree with Hughsey, no tops at all and roots little at a time. Too many can cause upset tummies and i read somewhere can cause aborting in pregnant gilts/sows.
mandy :pig:

Title: Re: Pigs and Parsnips
Post by: kja on February 21, 2013, 07:03:11 am

6kg gives the same feed value as 1kg of cereal so very low feed value.

i would not feed them myself as i belive you get out of a animal what you put in. and some pig do have a reaction to eating them.

Title: Re: Pigs and Parsnips
Post by: SallyintNorth on February 21, 2013, 07:59:32 am

There are no warnings about parsnips in the Newcastle document. 

The free range pork producer I worked for in Exmoor used to feed his pigs on Sainsburys' waste.  We boiled up a vat of spuds and parsnips every day; everything else they got raw.

We didn't top and tail the parsnips, but they didn't have their leafy foliage on them.

Title: Re: Pigs and Parsnips
Post by: HappyHippy on February 21, 2013, 08:03:18 am

We've fed parsnips, only in small amounts, mixed with other veg and without the tops.
Haven't had any problems, but I think a lot of people are put off by the thought of their pigs developing ulcers around the mouth.
HTH
Karen