Author Topic: British Lops (Read 3651 times)

Padge · « **on:** March 22, 2012, 08:49:38 am »

During the middle of June we hope to collect two Lop weaner Gilts for the freezer. This is a breed that we have not kept before and was wondering if anyone could give us guidance on feeding from 9 weeks to finish. The last two Berkshire crosses we had where fed the same as the pure Berkshire's that we had previously and yet finished with a bit to much back fat. They will be kept outdoors in an area 100feet long by 20 feet wide and a 10x8 Ark Lots of straw.
Many thanks in anticipation

Stevie G · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2012, 12:30:12 pm »

Quote from: Padge on March 22, 2012, 08:49:38 am

During the middle of June we hope to collect two Lop weaner Gilts for the freezer. This is a breed that we have not kept before and was wondering if anyone could give us guidance on feeding from 9 weeks to finish. The last two Berkshire crosses we had where fed the same as the pure Berkshire's that we had previously and yet finished with a bit to much back fat. They will be kept outdoors in an area 100feet long by 20 feet wide and a 10x8 Ark Lots of straw.
Many thanks in anticipation

As with any breed that is proned to putting too much back fat on its back coming up to slaughter the best way to prevent this is to "restrict feed it" a few weeks to a month before the date.

lill · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2012, 10:52:22 am »

As Stevie G says restrick the feeding 1 month prior to going to slaughter and let the pig "live off it's own back fat" you will see the difference in the carcase, it may sound cruel to restrict the feeding but it does give a leaner carcase

Fowgill Farm · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2012, 11:13:37 am »

Quote from: lill on March 28, 2012, 10:52:22 am

As Stevie G says restrick the feeding 1 month prior to going to slaughter and let the pig "live off it's own back fat" you will see the difference in the carcase, it may sound cruel to restrict the feeding but it does give a leaner carcase

We do this with our GOS and they don't half whinge!

but it really does help with the depth back fat.
Mandy

Daisys Mum · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2012, 07:45:05 pm »

Assuming that you are feeding 1lb per day for each month of age and sending them off at say 7 months, how much would you be feeding then ?

Quote from: lill on March 28, 2012, 10:52:22 am

As Stevie G says restrick the feeding 1 month prior to going to slaughter and let the pig "live off it's own back fat" you will see the difference in the carcase, it may sound cruel to restrict the feeding but it does give a leaner carcase

Fowgill Farm · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2012, 09:36:16 am »

I knock them back to 4lb nuts for about last 3 or four weeks depending on how they're looking and feeling. Been doing pigs for about 8yrs now so its really down to eye and experience but saying that GOS are awkward sods and no two lots are ever the same!

Mandy

midge161 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2012, 07:27:59 pm »

Hi,

British Lops are well known for being fairly easy to get right - they don't tend to run to fat too much, even if they are a little overfed. Tend to produce nice lean pork even if the back fat is a little thicker than ideal.

Just waiting for a British Lop litter to arrive here, any day now! She had 15 last time, so hoping for another good number.

Good luck with them anyway.

HappyHippy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2012, 07:56:18 pm »

Quote from: Padge on March 22, 2012, 08:49:38 am

The last two Berkshire crosses we had where fed the same as the pure Berkshire's that we had previously and yet finished with a bit to much back fat. They will be kept outdoors in an area 100feet long by 20 feet wide and a 10x8 Ark Lots of straw.
Many thanks in anticipation

Padge, I've just realised that your area is 185 square meters, which is about half what I normally use to raise pigs from weaning to slaughter. You could try giving them a larger area to forrage in which would hopefully reduce fat a bit too

Karen