[powispigs]

Quick question....we have just been given some barley that we will roll to give to our outdoor pigs.  Does any one know of any problems with this? They will still be getting some nuts and fruit/veg, I am sure it will be fine but just wanted to check! 

[Hilarysmum]

I dont really feed straights, but if its rolled it should be fine. 

[powispigs]

thank you, we will definately be rolling it - just got to find the time to roll massive amounts of barley! At least it was free so am not complaining 

[supplies for smallholders]

Hi,

We feed it all the time - its fine, but as you say it must be rolled.

Just a few KG a day as it tends to lay on fat.

Thanks

[chickenfeed]

 :wave:we mill our own barley, wheat and peas/beans but rather than just roll it for the pigs we mill it they seem to digest it better, but as sfs has said barley will put fat on if fed too much we use wheat as a filler and barley as a fattner.

[sausagesandcash]

personally i would soak it for 12 hrs before feeding it. In my experience it makes it easier for the pigs to digest.

[BadgerFace]

Or you can soak it and then boil it until the grain splits. Excellent to put weight on horses as well as piggies 

[Helencus]

So how do you roll it? I'm interested in getting away from commercial pig feed so really interested in what others feed

[BadgerFace]

So how do you roll it? I'm interested in getting away from commercial pig feed so really interested in what others feed

Using a grain mill/roller/crusher, either driven by a tractor or stationary engine. Google 'Bamford corn mill' to see pic's, quite large heavy bits of kit ! Though Ascott Smallholder Supplies do a modern small version - not sure how they would stand up to heavy duty daily use. 

[pottsie]

The advice i got from my breeder was half (soaked) rolled barley and haf pig feed, i also supplement this with fuit and veg. They both look great at the moment. Is there any other foods to recomend or would this be about right?

Rob. 

[powispigs]

that was what we were planning half and half, thank you for all the replies 

[gavo]

We have found half and half can cause the pigs to lose condition we do quarter barley to 3 quarters pig pellets,sometimes we alternate with maize as they do love maize same ratio

[Hilarysmum]

Gavo how do you feed the maize rolled or ground?

[gavo]

Sorry for such a long time to reply;we feed ours rolled we never soak it and find they love it.

[Hilarysmum]

Thanks for that.