Author Topic: Changing from pellets to meal. (Read 1801 times)

Ideation · « **on:** April 08, 2014, 03:32:58 pm »

I'm thinking of changing over from feeding bagged sow / grower pellets, to a meal, from a local mill.

The meal is a mixture of Barley, Wheat, Soya and some nuts (with added bits etc). 18 % Protein.

The thing is, I've always followed a strict weighing policy with the pigs feed, to avoid the traditional breed over fatness issue.

However, i'm unsure of how the quantities would differ in changing over from the pellets to the meal. I know that it tends to require less as it puts bulk on quicker. . . . . but am unsure!

Any help would be much appreciated!

Berkshire Boy · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2014, 06:48:23 pm »

I feed a similar meal to that and I stick to the 1LB per month up to 4LB and it works fine, 18% protein is a good all round feed and all mine get it from 2-3 weeks to adult breeding pigs.

Ideation · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2014, 07:34:53 pm »

Thanks for the reply!

I might try it for a while and see how it goes, it would halve my feed bill

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2014, 11:53:27 am »

Sounds a bargain but watch out nearer slaughter time - wheat will put on fat rather than flesh as growth rate slows.

Stevie G · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2014, 07:26:41 am »

Quote from: Marches Farmer on April 10, 2014, 11:53:27 am

Sounds a bargain but watch out nearer slaughter time - wheat will put on fat rather than flesh as growth rate slows.

Wheat is better for smaller pigs and barley as they get older. Our diets consist of Lupins, Barley , wheat and Canola and oil. Wheat, Fish meal, Soya meal, Lupins and canola. for the younger pigs and not barley.
When changing over mix them together for a few days in order to help them adjust to the change better.