Swine Feeding and Swine Feeding and Fitting GuidelinesFitting Guidelines

Ryan HarrellRyan HarrellDec. 2008Dec. 2008

Know What You Are Feeding For?Know What You Are Feeding For?

!! Barrows should be fed differently from Barrows should be fed differently from Gilts.Gilts.

!! Market Gilts should be fed differently from Market Gilts should be fed differently from Breeding GiltsBreeding Gilts

!! Market Barrows (Carcass Show) should Market Barrows (Carcass Show) should be fed differently from Show Barrows. be fed differently from Show Barrows.

!! Young pigs should be fed different from Young pigs should be fed different from market ready pigs. market ready pigs.

Pig GrowthPig Growth

!! As the pig grows and develops they make As the pig grows and develops they make less muscle and put on more fat cover.less muscle and put on more fat cover.

!! Muscle is made when the pig is (50Muscle is made when the pig is (50--150 150 lbs).lbs).

!! The pig changes from making muscle to The pig changes from making muscle to making fat around 200 lbs. making fat around 200 lbs.

Pig DietPig Diet!! Pigs need grain diets high in energy, low in fiber, Pigs need grain diets high in energy, low in fiber,

and adequate protein.and adequate protein.!! Corn is the main ingredient for most diets. It is Corn is the main ingredient for most diets. It is

high in energy, digestible and low in fiber. high in energy, digestible and low in fiber. !! Other ingredients are added to diets for Other ingredients are added to diets for

additional protein, fiber and keeping pigs additional protein, fiber and keeping pigs healthy. (soybean meal, vitamins, minerals, fats, healthy. (soybean meal, vitamins, minerals, fats, oats, wheat, lysine)oats, wheat, lysine)

!! Lysine is an essential ingredient that pigs need Lysine is an essential ingredient that pigs need in their diet.in their diet.

Lysine LevelsLysine Levels

50 to 80 pound weight range50 to 80 pound weight range•• 17 to 18 percent of crude protein 17 to 18 percent of crude protein •• 0.9 to 1.05 percent of total lysine 0.9 to 1.05 percent of total lysine 81 to 120 pounds81 to 120 pounds

•• 15 to 17 percent of crude protein 15 to 17 percent of crude protein •• 0.75 to 0.90 percent of total lysine 0.75 to 0.90 percent of total lysine 121 to 200 pounds121 to 200 pounds

•• 13 to 15 percent of crude protein 13 to 15 percent of crude protein •• 0.65 to 0.80 percent of total lysine 0.65 to 0.80 percent of total lysine 201 pounds to Market weight201 pounds to Market weight

•• 12 to 13 percent of crude protein 12 to 13 percent of crude protein •• 0.55 to 0.75 percent of total lysine 0.55 to 0.75 percent of total lysine

Requirements vary based on sex, health status, environmenRequirements vary based on sex, health status, environment, climate, and dietary t, climate, and dietary formulations (if using synthetic lysine the crude protein concenformulations (if using synthetic lysine the crude protein concentrations will be trations will be lower). Gilts shouldlower). Gilts should be at the upper end of the range and barrows towards the be at the upper end of the range and barrows towards the lower end of the range.lower end of the range.

Table 1Table 1Suggested crude protein and lysine requirements for growing pigsSuggested crude protein and lysine requirements for growing pigs..

BarrowsBarrows

!! Barrows grow and mature faster than gilts.Barrows grow and mature faster than gilts.!! Barrows will put on more fat sooner than a Barrows will put on more fat sooner than a

gilt will. 200 lbs and on.gilt will. 200 lbs and on.

GiltsGilts

!! Gilts grow and mature slower.Gilts grow and mature slower.!! Gilts will put on fat later than a barrow will. Gilts will put on fat later than a barrow will.

235 lbs and on.235 lbs and on.

How to FeedHow to Feed

!! Young pigs should be on full feeding at all Young pigs should be on full feeding at all times. Full access to water is also times. Full access to water is also needed.needed.

!! Young pigs will grow better in a group and Young pigs will grow better in a group and with competition.with competition.

!! Older pigs can be fed individually when Older pigs can be fed individually when getting closer to show time. Keep pigs on getting closer to show time. Keep pigs on full water access. full water access.

When to FeedWhen to Feed

!! Limit feeding or hand feeding can be fed Limit feeding or hand feeding can be fed 22--5 times a day.5 times a day.

!! The more you feed the fuller the The more you feed the fuller the guttgutt will will be. The stomach is a muscle that needs be. The stomach is a muscle that needs to be stretched. to be stretched.

!! At least feed in the morning and evening. At least feed in the morning and evening. Keep feed fresh and water clean. Keep feed fresh and water clean.

What to FeedWhat to Feed

!! Feed a complete diet that is right for your pigs Feed a complete diet that is right for your pigs age, weight and over all goal for showing.age, weight and over all goal for showing.

!! You will need to change your pigs diet in order You will need to change your pigs diet in order to fit the pig ideally. to fit the pig ideally.

!! Changing fat levels, lysine levels, Changing fat levels, lysine levels, guttgutt fillers and fillers and protein levels.protein levels.

!! This will vary from barrows to gilts, young to This will vary from barrows to gilts, young to older pigs and carcass pigs to show pigs. older pigs and carcass pigs to show pigs.

!! Choose a feed that is economical for your Choose a feed that is economical for your budget.budget.

!! One that is close to your farm.One that is close to your farm.!! A company that can assist in your A company that can assist in your

questions.questions.!! There are several feed companies you can There are several feed companies you can

pick from. Do some research and see pick from. Do some research and see which one you like the best.which one you like the best.

What to FeedWhat to Feed

Fat IndicatorsFat IndicatorsAnalyses of Individual Traits for Back Fat Estimation:Analyses of Individual Traits for Back Fat Estimation:

!! Rib VisualizationRib Visualization .30.30--.45 inches back fat.45 inches back fat!! Deep Groove TopDeep Groove Top .30.30--.50 inches back fat.50 inches back fat!! Shoulder Blade VisualizationShoulder Blade Visualization .35.35--.60 inches back fat.60 inches back fat!! Ham StriationsHam Striations .30.30--.55 inches back fat.55 inches back fat!! Moderate Groove TopModerate Groove Top .50.50--.80 inches .80 inches

back fatback fat!! JowlJowl FatFat .50.50--1.00 inches back1.00 inches back!! BellyBelly FatFat .50.50--1.00 inches back1.00 inches back!! Ham SeamHam Seam .50.50--1.00 inches back 1.00 inches back

FatFat!! NonNon--Visual Groove TopVisual Groove Top .80.80--2.00 inches back 2.00 inches back

fatfat

Combined Traits for Back Combined Traits for Back Fat Estimation:Fat Estimation:

!! ..3030--.40 inches of back fat.40 inches of back fatVisualization of Ribs, Visualization of Blades, Deep Groove Top,Visualization of Ribs, Visualization of Blades, Deep Groove Top, Ham Ham Striations, Descript Ham Loin Junction.Striations, Descript Ham Loin Junction.

!! .40.40--.50 inches of back fat.50 inches of back fatSome Visualization of Ribs, Blades, Ham Striations and Ham Loin Some Visualization of Ribs, Blades, Ham Striations and Ham Loin Junction, Junction, Deep Groove Top.Deep Groove Top.

!! .50.50--.60 inches of back fat.60 inches of back fatModerate Groove Top, Little Ham Striations, Some Blade VisualizaModerate Groove Top, Little Ham Striations, Some Blade Visualizations, Nontions, Non--Descript Ham Loin Junction.Descript Ham Loin Junction.

!! .60.60--.70 inches of back fat.70 inches of back fatModerate Groove Top, Moderate Jowl, Moderate Ham Seam Fat, and MModerate Groove Top, Moderate Jowl, Moderate Ham Seam Fat, and Moderate oderate Belly.Belly.

!! .70.70--.80 inches of back fat.80 inches of back fatModerate Visualization of a Groove Top, Some Visualization of a Moderate Visualization of a Groove Top, Some Visualization of a Jowl, Ham Jowl, Ham Seam Fat, and Belly.Seam Fat, and Belly.

!! .80.80--.90 inches of back fat.90 inches of back fatNo Shoulder Blade Movement Observed, NonNo Shoulder Blade Movement Observed, Non--Visualized Groove Top, Moderate Visualized Groove Top, Moderate Jowl, Belly, and Ham Seam Fat.Jowl, Belly, and Ham Seam Fat.

!! .90.90--1.00 inches of back fat1.00 inches of back fatNo Shoulder Blade Movement Observed, NonNo Shoulder Blade Movement Observed, Non--Visualized Groove Top, Visualized Groove Top, Pronounced Jowl, Belly, and Ham Seam Fat.Pronounced Jowl, Belly, and Ham Seam Fat.

Back FatBack Fat

.3-.45 inches back fat

.55-.65 inches back fat

.85-1.0 inch back fat

Carcass ShowsCarcass Shows

The Ideal Market Hogs Back Fat should be in the range of .45- .80 inches. The Ideal percent lean calculation requires a large loin eye area, lean back fat and a heavy carcass weight.

Show Barrow Back FatShow Barrow Back Fat

The Ideal Barrow Back Fat should be in the range of

.50- .80 inches.

Breeding Gilt Back FatBreeding Gilt Back Fat

The Ideal Gilt Back Fat should

be in the range of .50- 1.0 inch.

Gilts over 1.3 inches should be cautioned. Over conditioning can result in difficulty breeding, farrowing and later can cause mastitis post farrowing.

Bred Gilt Back FatBred Gilt Back Fat

The Ideal Bred Gilt Back Fat should be in the

range of .80- 1.2 inches.

Bred GiltsBred Gilts

This bred gilt needs more back fat in order to farrow, lactate,

raise a litter of pigs and then get bred again.

Boar Back FatBoar Back Fat

The Ideal Boar Back Fat should be in the range of .45- .90 inches

Back Fat ReducesBack Fat Reduces

!! PayleanPaylean can serve as a fat reducer.can serve as a fat reducer.!! Exercising your pig will reduce fat.Exercising your pig will reduce fat.!! Dehydration is not a good way to decrease Dehydration is not a good way to decrease

fat on your pig. Nor is it healthy or fat on your pig. Nor is it healthy or humane. humane.

!! Decreasing the protein content can reduce Decreasing the protein content can reduce fat naturally over time. fat naturally over time.

PayleanPaylean�Paylean comes in a variety of sources. Complete Feed, Pellets or Top Dress.

�Paylean requires water in order to work. Thus, the pig must be on full access to water at all times.

PayleanPaylean

Before Paylean After Paylean

Fat EnhancersFat Enhancers

!! Liquid fat can be added to the diet. But be Liquid fat can be added to the diet. But be cautioned as to how much you want to add cautioned as to how much you want to add and at what age/weight you want to add it.and at what age/weight you want to add it.

!! Liquid Gold is a pump product for weight Liquid Gold is a pump product for weight and fat gain. and fat gain.

!! Increasing the protein level will naturally Increasing the protein level will naturally increase fat on your pig. increase fat on your pig.

!! Various byVarious by--products can be used.products can be used.

Fat EnhancersFat Enhancers!! White GreaseWhite Grease!! Poultry fatPoultry fat!! Restaurant GreaseRestaurant Grease!! TallowTallow!! Corn OilCorn Oil!! Coconut OilCoconut Oil!! Canola OilCanola Oil!! Soy OilSoy Oil!! Herring OilHerring Oil!! Menhaden OilMenhaden Oil

Groove TopGroove Top

A groove top is an indicator for muscle and leanness. A judge can determine how much back fat and how large the Loin Eye Area measurement is.

Ribs ShowingRibs Showing

When Ribs are showing, the pig maybe too lean. Barrows and Market Gilts that are too lean are difficult to process the

carcass during harvesting.

Boar Gut FillBoar Gut Fill

Ideal Boar Gut Fill

Non-Ideal Boar Gut Fill

Gilt Gut FillGilt Gut Fill

Ideal Gilt Gut Fill

Non-Ideal Gilt Gut Fill

Barrow Gut FillBarrow Gut Fill

Non-Ideal Barrow Gut Fill

Ideal Barrow Gut Fill

Gut FillGut Fill

!! The rule of thumb for gut fill is to have the The rule of thumb for gut fill is to have the barrows sheath be at the same level as barrows sheath be at the same level as the hocks. The gilts belly should be at the the hocks. The gilts belly should be at the same level as the hocks.same level as the hocks.

Gut Fill Products Gut Fill Products

!! Steamed Rolled OatsSteamed Rolled Oats!! Whole OatsWhole Oats!! Dried Beet PulpDried Beet Pulp!! Wet Beet PulpWet Beet Pulp

Jowl BurnersJowl Burners

!! A jowl burner product was designed to get A jowl burner product was designed to get rid of the lower 1/3 of the pigs body fat.rid of the lower 1/3 of the pigs body fat.

!! Decreasing jowl fat, elbow pocket fat and Decreasing jowl fat, elbow pocket fat and belly fat. belly fat.

!! This product is high levels of vitamins and This product is high levels of vitamins and minerals. minerals.

Structural AdditivesStructural Additives

!! There are a variety of structural additives There are a variety of structural additives out on the market.out on the market.

!! Are they needed?Are they needed?!! If you have a sound structured pig, then you If you have a sound structured pig, then you

don�t need any additional products.don�t need any additional products.

Appetite EnhancersAppetite Enhancers

!! Some producers use appetite enhancers. High Some producers use appetite enhancers. High levels of Vitamin B12 or B complex. levels of Vitamin B12 or B complex.

!! Sugar products that the pig enjoys to eat.Sugar products that the pig enjoys to eat.!! Maple SyrupMaple Syrup!! KaroKaro SyrupSyrup!! Molasses SyrupMolasses Syrup!! Marsh Mellows Marsh Mellows

These Products are not approved for Animal These Products are not approved for Animal Consumption! But people use them for weight gain.Consumption! But people use them for weight gain.

Structural AdditivesStructural Additives

!! Structural additives are mainly minerals Structural additives are mainly minerals and vitamins.and vitamins.

!! Some additives are not illegal for pigs to Some additives are not illegal for pigs to be eating in accordance with the be eating in accordance with the FDA/USDA. FDA/USDA.

!! Remember Human Medications are not Remember Human Medications are not intended for animal consumption. intended for animal consumption.

Final NoteFinal Note

!! Feeding pigs can be difficult and can Feeding pigs can be difficult and can require time. require time.

!! Feeding may require individual feeding for Feeding may require individual feeding for show pigs.show pigs.

!! Just remember to feed according to what Just remember to feed according to what your show is looking for. Breeding Gilt, your show is looking for. Breeding Gilt, Market Gilt, Show Barrow or Market Market Gilt, Show Barrow or Market Barrow. Barrow.