Increase Average Daily Gain

[AMZ]

I would like to get some advice on increasing weight gain in my daughter's show pig. He is a Hamp cross - weighing approximately 150 lbs - weigh in for our county fair is August 1st and minimum weight is 230 lbs. He has been gaining about 1.5 lbs/day. We have 3 other pigs all gaining 2+ lbs/day.

Feed is ShowMax Krave - 16% protein, 5.2% crude fat.

We have tried adding oil to the feed, along with molasses to try to entice him to eat. Because of schedules, we are hand feeding twice daily. He is getting approximately 2 lbs of feed, 1 cup oil, and a drizzle of molasses each feeding. He ate good this morning, but didn't each much this evening.

[kgb]

I don’t think molasses will do it. Energy (calories) is what fuels weight gain. Add High Octane Heavy Weight starting at 4 oz per day, and increase by 4 oz per day about every 3 days until you are feeding 12-16 oz per day Heavy Weight (along with Showpig feed).

[Ashley.Sanford]

I don't really have advice for you, but I'm hoping someone on here can help me with a similar issue.

My daughters barrow currently weights in at 193lbs. He's rate of gain is around 1.5lbs and we need him to get to 140 minimum before August 1st. Shes feeding him 2lbs, 3 times daily of Moormans BB18 soaked and less than 1/4 lb oat groats once daily. He has a fan and gets cooled off before each feeding. He eats well, but is a SLOW EATER. He's been wormed every 30 days. She recently started adding a little bit of Heavy Weight to his feed, but it is from last year so wondering if she should purchase new.

Anyone have a thoughts on what would be best to add to his feed to up that rate of gain? He's got great structure and build so we worry about pushing weight gain and loosing shape. Then again, if he doesn't make weight, guess it doesn't matter....


Thanks!

[kgb]

If you stored the Heavy Weight in a freezer it’s still good. If you didn’t it’s probably not good and you need fresh stuff.

Work up to at least 12 oz per day Heavy Weight (16 oz will be better if he’ll eat it). I suggest mixing the feed with enough water (feed, oats and Heavy Weight) to make a moist paste (wet feed). That will be much easier for the pig to consume.

[Kk4431]

Is Heavy Weight something I could use while feeding moormans 18241? I’ve got a gilt that is 116 and I need her to be at least 220 by September 1st. She is slow eating! I’m working hard to get her to eat!! She is happy and healthy otherwise

[kgb]

You can use Heavy Weight get with any feed. Feed 4-6 oz per day to help improve feed intake. Mix the Heavy Weight with enough water to make a milk shake like consistency. Then add to the feed.

Start at 4 oz and increase by 4 oz about every 4-5 days until feeding 12 - 16 oz per day for increasing daily gain.