Feed and Soundness

[Smith123]

Newer to show pigs- can some explain how feed/protein effects soundness? How a higher protein will "bust them open"? When is the right time with the right pig to feed certain things?

[Pac]

There's probably a book that could be written to answer those questions.

The basics is that you don't want to feed high protein feed for too long. You are looking for balance in muscle, fat cover and design. Too much muscle can lead to tighter stride, etc. You should be constantly evaluating your project for the look that you are going for. When muscle gets to where you want it, lower the protein, when fat cover gets to where you want, ease off the fat, etc. Supplements are made to support your base feed when you need help in these areas. Generally speaking you are adding muscle as they grow and fat towards the end of the project.

IMO a busted open hog is a genetic trait tied to their width and squareness of body. There is nothing you can feed to achieve that look in a pig that doesn't already have it.

[kgb]

I have to be honest; some of the terms we use are, well out there:

Bust one open
Blow one apart

Really? Are we feeding explosives?

[Pac]

@KGB lol

Here's an idea for a new Purina product...High Octane Dynamite!