hand feeding
hand feeding
At a certain pt we always start hand feeding our show pigs. (instead of self feeder). At what weight/size do you recommend this occur? Or does it just depend on each pig? Also, when hand feeding how many times a day would break it into? 2-3 different times/day?
Re: hand feeding
A great question. Pigs need to grow fairly normally until they weigh at least 150 lbs. Whether you hand feed and deliver the feed twice per day or allow a self feeder to do it, the pig needs to grow normally.
However a couple of things:
1. pigs are small meal eaters. Normally pigs eat somewhere between 11 and 13 meals per day. So, when we try to get them to eat in 2 meals per day (although it can be done very successfully) it takes a little training on your part.
2. make sure you feed enough. pigs up to 100 lbs in bodyweight will usually consume about 5% of their bodyweight daily. After 100 lbs when secondary sex characteristics kick in and other factors, energy density of the diet is the primary determining factor (in relation to the pig's daily energy needs). After 100 lbs (on HSC feeds) 5 - 6 lbs per day until they weigh 150 lbs, and 6 lbs from 150 to show meets all the pig's daily nutrient requirements.
So, hand feed twice per day that is enough unless your are pushing the pig, and feed enough feed.
However a couple of things:
1. pigs are small meal eaters. Normally pigs eat somewhere between 11 and 13 meals per day. So, when we try to get them to eat in 2 meals per day (although it can be done very successfully) it takes a little training on your part.
2. make sure you feed enough. pigs up to 100 lbs in bodyweight will usually consume about 5% of their bodyweight daily. After 100 lbs when secondary sex characteristics kick in and other factors, energy density of the diet is the primary determining factor (in relation to the pig's daily energy needs). After 100 lbs (on HSC feeds) 5 - 6 lbs per day until they weigh 150 lbs, and 6 lbs from 150 to show meets all the pig's daily nutrient requirements.
So, hand feed twice per day that is enough unless your are pushing the pig, and feed enough feed.
Dr. Kevin Burgoon
Purina® Honor® Show Chow® Nutritionist
http://www.PurinaMills.com/Show-Feed
http://www.facebook.com/HonorShowChow
http://www.twitter.com/HonorShowChow
If you have the power to do good for someone...use it. Proverbs 3:27
Purina® Honor® Show Chow® Nutritionist
http://www.PurinaMills.com/Show-Feed
http://www.facebook.com/HonorShowChow
http://www.twitter.com/HonorShowChow
If you have the power to do good for someone...use it. Proverbs 3:27