The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Jonah by nature on June 30, 2020, 07:01:20 pm

Title: In pig gilts - feeding advice
Post by: Jonah by nature on June 30, 2020, 07:01:20 pm
Hi , I have two in pig gilts . Any specific feeding advice for them during pregnancy . They presently free range with plenty of foraging to eat and 1.6kg of pig nuts each daily. They also get lots of bean pods , and any greens I get from the allotment and small holding garden .
Title: Re: In pig gilts - feeding advice
Post by: HappyHippy on June 30, 2020, 08:32:37 pm
I would just continue to feed their usual rations. You don't want them to get overly fat as it could cause problems with birth and post-birth squashes. If they are demolishing their pig nuts quickly and still seem hungry some extra veg wouldn't go wrong but we never increased rations during pregnancy.
Good luck with them - when are they due? (And what breed? Just since I'm nosey  ;))
Title: Re: In pig gilts - feeding advice
Post by: Jonah by nature on June 30, 2020, 09:40:04 pm
Hi, both are GOS. One has been AI ‘d with GOS . The other has been AI’d with a Welsh . They both are due in September so very early yet.
Title: Re: In pig gilts - feeding advice
Post by: harmony on June 30, 2020, 10:28:40 pm
Most people don't increase the ration through pregnancy. Some people do increase mid way through dropping back before farrowing. An adult pig needs 5/6lbs a day which is more than yours are getting. Maiden gilts are still growing so they need to be able to do that and grow piglets. Also gilts can drop weight quickly with first litters. They are free range so getting plenty of exercise so getting too fat shouldn't be an issue.


As with feeding any animal you should regularly assess body condition and adjust as necessary.



Title: Re: In pig gilts - feeding advice
Post by: Jonah by nature on July 10, 2020, 09:22:42 pm
Hi , thanks for the advice . Both look good and I’ve upped their feed a bit ,they’re getting huge amounts of  green stuff from me and fellow allotment holders who are only too glad to give me stuff..fav is pea plants and spinach gone to seed????