The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: mowhaugh on January 05, 2014, 11:12:06 am
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At the moment we are feeding pig feed, but was wondering if you do feed straights, what do you add to them to ensure their are nutritionally balanced?
When I went to visit Doreen yesterday (sad, I know, but I am missing her) she was having soaked bruised barley, I think, with something added, but I forgot to ask what it was. She seemed to be really enjoying it, although she does enjoy all her food, being a pig. She is still having her usual food that I sent with her, but this was a lunchtime wee snack - she isn't going to want to come home!
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Google the 'Newcastle document' it'll give you a guide to the protein levels and vitamins & minerals you need. Personally, I always feed nuts with a top up of fruit/vegetables and soaked sugar beet, grains can pile the fat on them if you're not careful, it needs bruised/milled to be digestible for pigs and as far as i know you need to be licenced to mix your own feeds (though that probably sounds worse than it actually is ;))
Hope that helps a bit?
Oh and I know exactly what you mean about missing her, I still miss Delilah and her grumbly grunts (objecting to my singing no doubt) but Doreen will be home soon. Give madam a wee scratch from me :hug:
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Thank you! Delilah is fine and very cuddly, she is a lovely girl.
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I never feed more than a third of the total feed weight for a mature pig as milled wheat/barley soaked for at least 8 hours. I only give to growers in the final month before slaughter, to ensure good crackling. Up to that point piglets, weaners, growers (and pregnant pigs) get sow and weaner feed. only