4 Months out

Basic nutrition information, show pig, sow, and boar feeding advice
Post Reply
ElmerFudd
Power User
Power User
Posts: 42
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2015 12:32 pm

4 Months out

Post by ElmerFudd » Wed May 10, 2017 1:18 pm

It is 4 months (122 days) until the 4H show at the local fair. One family in our group has some Hampshire cross (2 gilts/1 barrow) about 8-9 weeks in age and look to me to weigh around 25 lbs now. The range is 220lbs Min - 310lbs Max. I'm sure we can get them to make the minimum by then but not much over. They are being free fed a 20% starter ration pellet (Kalmbach ?) at this point. Is it too early to have them start hand feeding 2-3 times per day or just let them free feed for a bit longer? Other pigs in our group at this point are 55-70lbs and being fed 18% grind and should be fine come fair time. The small pigs don't seem to like the grind and prefer the pellets. Once they get to 150 we can add Sumo or Heavyweight and then maybe Paylean the last 3-4 weeks if sound enough. I believe they still have about 100lbs of the 20% left. Would you suggest dropping down to an 18% when they run out or stick to the higher protein a bit longer? Any tips on transitioning from pellet to grind without getting them off feed? Wormed the first of May.

THX

All is Well
Power User
Power User
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 9:31 pm

Re: 4 Months out

Post by All is Well » Wed May 10, 2017 9:44 pm

I would feed 18% all the way to show and at 100 pounds start giving them heavyweight or frosting XL. This will give them calories and cover and increase feed intake. I had one go from 100 to 130 in 14 days. Make sure you have rolled oats because they will get some loose stool with the suppliments.

EMC
Showpig Specialist
Showpig Specialist
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:31 pm

Re: 4 Months out

Post by EMC » Thu May 11, 2017 2:24 am

I'd get off the kalmbach. Probably 2056? I've tried it. It doesn't work. As far as the pigs, 25 is awful small for that age. Usually people don't sell those pigs for fair. At least I wouldn't. I'd stay on 20 % but a much better feed. Moormans, Purina, or Kent. I know the kalmbach is lots cheaper, but u get what u pay for. If your thinking of the expensive supplements why would u feed such a cheap starter feed? My February 26 litter just finished the 20% with wormer in it and are on a couple bags of 19%, then We'll go to an 18%. Just do what the pigs need. You can transition to a grind by mixing it with the pellets. I try to do 1/4, 1/2, then full grind.

EMC
Showpig Specialist
Showpig Specialist
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:31 pm

Re: 4 Months out

Post by EMC » Thu May 11, 2017 3:01 pm

Don't give fat support at 100 lbs. If u wanna slow them down. That'll do it.

Pac
Showpig Specialist
Showpig Specialist
Posts: 241
Joined: Sun May 17, 2015 8:16 am

Re: 4 Months out

Post by Pac » Thu May 11, 2017 4:13 pm

EMC has a good plan.

I've always read that a pig at 6 months should be 260-280 if nutritional requirements are met. I've always had great success with the Vita Charge and Sure Champ products sparking appetite. I've been getting similar results to using fat supplements from some of the high fat 16% and 18% options from Moorman's. The 3-D oil is a good option also.

dolfan31
Boar Stud
Boar Stud
Posts: 553
Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:00 pm

Re: 4 Months out

Post by dolfan31 » Sat May 13, 2017 11:07 pm

We start hand feeding from day one just to train them to eat when and what we want. Then as they get bigger it is way easier to get them to consume more feed and to put on weight quickly. I would also agree that is worth the money to buy a quality feed and wait until later they get bigger to start adding supplements with the exception of adding a top dress like True Glo CR

Post Reply