advice needed

meathead · Post by **meathead** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:58 pm

We have a couple of hogs needed to weigh not more than 280 on August 11. Now weighing 225 and 240. Been feeding 3lbs adm and 1lb of lean stablizer a day. They are still gaining around 2lbs per day. We dont understand how that can be. Also tried some rolled oats. If anyone can give us some other tips to hold these hogs, we would greatly appreciate it.

CHOPSTER · Post by **CHOPSTER** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:27 pm

how long have you been feeding that amount. i would stick with it. i think you will see thier weight gain drop off. when you start to limit feed i have found that a pig will sometimes tank up on water. but i would probably weigh every couple of days just in case. if needed i you can cut them back to 2#s feed and 1# stabilizer. but at that rate i would throw in some navigator and beet pulp. i use to feed moormans. when i have to hold a pig now i use powerfill by honor. at 3#s per day you'll get 1# gain.

meathead · Post by **meathead** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:59 am

We have been holding for about a week and weighing everyother day. Also walking them 2 times a day for 1 hour each. As far as the powerfill, we cannot get around here. We have also been looking for beet pulp, and noone seems to have either. They are on self water, we have been thinking of taking them off. Do you see where a pig will stop drinking so much after a while, or do I need to worry about the water gain. I don't want to hold these hogs until they lose their qualities, because we have been told they will lose everything. We want to try to maintain for another week and then feed them with paylean at the end to freshen them up, and not go over 280. Thank you for your input we appreciate it.

CHOPSTER · Post by **CHOPSTER** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:39 pm

do not limit their water. the lean stabilizer has beet pulp in it. if your wanting to hold them for just a week then give them 1# feed and 2#s lean stabilizer per day. but make sure you add some navigator. you shouldn't get more than a pound of gain per day.

Oink · Post by **Oink** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:06 pm

Sorry you can't get the Powerfill in your area because it really works.

kgb · Post by **kgb** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:55 am

Meathead: what region of the country are you located in? Maybe I can help with the Powerfill.

meathead · Post by **meathead** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:34 pm

We are from Western Pa. How long can you hold a hog without losing any quality. Initally we wanted to hold until we were 21 days out then hit them hard with full feed and paylean, however I don't think we can do that with at least one of them. Can you still hold a hog and yet paylean it at the same time. As far as the powerfill, I'm still looking for a dealer around us, haven't been able to find one within 50 miles. now looking outside of the 50 miles. Yes we are interested in powerfill, and are trying to find it. Thank you

CHOPSTER · Post by **CHOPSTER** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:50 pm

powerfill really takes all the guess work out when your trying to figure out a holding ration that will work. if you find it try to pick up some beet pulp, it will help keep their hunger satisfied and keep their gut expanded without any additional weight gain. if your can't find it then use the moormans products as i described i've used them in the past with great success. but be sure to use the navigator, it gives them the extra vitamins and minerals they need while being held to keep them looking fresh.

meathead · Post by **meathead** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:04 pm

Ok I've been trying to find powerfill and can not figure out who makes it. Is Honor and Purina the same company. There is a purina dealer close, but deals mostly in horse feeds, and powerfill is not found on their website. Found Honor's website and closest dealer is in Ohio
And yes, we weighed the hogs tonight and they have not gained any weight today. I think they were drinking alot of water to try to fill up. Thank you everyone for advise.

CHOPSTER · Post by **CHOPSTER** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:14 pm

have you contacted them to see if they can order it for you. honor and purina are the same company now. most of the time feed dealers can place special orders for you as long as you give them enough time.