need advice

jdog · Post by **jdog** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:29 pm

I have a market gilt that weighs 210 lbs now gaining 2.1 lbs per day and 46 days until our fair. I want her at 275 at fair time. I was wondering if i should start holding her back now or wait until she reaches 275 then hold her. I am thinking about starting powerfill at 3lbs per day to slowing her down then put her on full feed towards the end to get to her goal weight. is this the right way to go?

CHOPSTER · Post by **CHOPSTER** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:11 pm

i think your right on track. i would add some beet pulp if she's use to eating alot. it will help keep her filled out and gut expanded until its time to go back on full feed.

Ericka · Post by **Ericka** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:02 am

As the industry has changed so much I would hold now and then let it gain at the end. They always look their best when they are on a gain. That way she will look fresh. I am in the same boat right now with my gilt. We have until Sept 1st and she is 172 and has been gaining 2 pounds a day.

kgb · Post by **kgb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:12 pm

I agree somewhat, but Powerfill is designed for hand feeding and limited growth rate. What I mean is that Powerfill allows the pig to look it's best even at very low daily gains.

We kind of take the approach of slowly hand feeding into show that way I can tweak and change the pig or change the direction the pig is looking along the way.

Sometimes, gaining even normally at the end doesn't give you time to react and tweak the diet to change the outcome.

Just some thoughts.

IndianaMom · Post by **IndianaMom** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:54 pm

KGB are you saying that the only benefit of Power Fill is for holding purposes? I think I have misunderstood your post on this subject. Please clarify for me.

Thanks

kgb · Post by **kgb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:32 pm

No, that's not what I am saying. I said it poorly so I will try to clarify. My last post was meant to say that pigs can look great even when held to minimum gain going into show. They do not have to be pushed or gaining normally in the weeks or days heading into a show to look good.

My comment about Powerfill was meant to convey that because of this product and some others, that pigs can and do look great going into a show when only gaining 0.50 lbs per day or so.

Powerfill can be used in multiple ways; holding, slowing, and even pushing. It is a complete feed and can be fed as the sole diet. But, it can also be used as a topdress at 1 - 2 lbs per day.

Hope that makes things a little clearer.