The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: The Lint Mill on April 27, 2013, 08:03:01 pm

Title: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: The Lint Mill on April 27, 2013, 08:03:01 pm

Our pigs went off earlier this month, I have made the ground level and was thinking of sowing a green manure (field beans perhaps) and these would be ready when we reintroduce the pigs to the area. Are green manures safe?

Thanks

Colin

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: hughesy on April 27, 2013, 09:06:21 pm

Can't see there being a problem with field beans. We're about to sow turnips and maybe some swede with a view to lifting some to store for the winter and letting the pigs eat the rest where it's grown.

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: Dan on April 28, 2013, 08:05:33 am

Agree with Hughesy that you'll be fine with field beans. The only common green manure I can think of that might be a problem is Mustard.

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: graham-j on April 28, 2013, 08:11:43 am

Hi,out of interest why might mustard be a problem.

Thanks Graham.

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: Dan on April 28, 2013, 11:21:35 am

Mustard can be harmful to most livestock, including pigs and equines, someone cleverer than me can give the scientific explanation:

Quote

Mustard oil glucosides found in plants belonging to the Mustard family cause severe gastroenteritis. Symptoms are severe colic and purging.

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: hughesy on April 28, 2013, 12:53:12 pm

Why not sow something you can use? After all the pigs have already done the manure bit for you.

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: Bodger on April 28, 2013, 06:42:28 pm

Not a green manure of course, but have you considered spuds?

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: hughesy on April 28, 2013, 09:43:48 pm

I've all  but given up on spuds we've had terrible blight round here the last few years. We're giving jerusalem artichokes a go this year as an alternative if they do ok we'll plant a lot more next year with a view to feeding them to the pigs.

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: droveway on May 20, 2013, 11:59:19 am

I was thinking of planting turnips after the pigs. Could anyone suggest a variety .
                                                                                                 THANKS

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: Fleecewife on May 20, 2013, 12:19:19 pm

Way back in the '50s and '60s we grew fodder beet for our pigs.  Is that still available?

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: Raine on May 20, 2013, 01:06:10 pm

 :wave:


I looked into this a couple of years ago.  This is a good site  :D   


https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/seedmix/root-crops (https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/seedmix/root-crops)

Title: Re: Green Manures safe for pigs?
Post by: droveway on May 20, 2013, 02:45:43 pm

 Thank's Raine. As it's raining hard I am browsing their website.
                                                                                                   Pete.