The use of raw feed for pigs not only reduces labor and costs but also enhances feed intake, promotes weight gain, lowers feed consumption, and improves feed efficiency. However, it is crucial to follow proper feeding methods to maximize benefits and avoid potential issues.
First, selecting the right raw feed is essential. Common options include grains like corn, wheat, rice, and their byproducts such as bran. Cooking these feeds can lead to a nutrient loss of over 13%, making the feeding effect equivalent to just 87% of the raw version. In addition, green feed should be included in the diet. However, cooking destroys most proteins and vitamins. Feeds like soybean meal, peanut cake, and cottonseed cake contain anti-trypsin, which inhibits protein digestion in pigs. Therefore, they must be heat-treated before being fed.
Second, the raw feed method involves two types: wet and dry. The ratio of wet feed to water should not exceed 1:2.5, as too much water can reduce digestive juice secretion and enzyme activity, impairing digestion. The ideal ratio is 1:1, with the feed thoroughly mixed so that water can be squeezed out. Dry feed should be ground into powder and offered after mixing. Dry feeding offers advantages: it prevents spoilage, allows for longer storage, and facilitates the production of compound feed.
Third, raw feed must be washed and disinfected to prevent parasitic infections. Soaking in lime water or potassium permanganate solution is effective. It’s best to grow feed without using pig manure or unfermented waste to avoid contamination. Some feeds like rapeseed cake, cottonseed cake, fresh cassava, and buckwheat contain toxins and must be processed through crushing, soaking, fermentation, or ensiling before feeding.
Fourth, the particle size of crushed feed should be between 1.20–1.80 mm. This size is ideal for pigs, as it increases feed intake and improves digestion. Particles smaller than 1 mm tend to stick to the mouth, reducing palatability and potentially causing gastric ulcers. Particles larger than 2 mm are coarse and less appealing to pigs.
Fifth, when feeding raw materials separately, digestive juices are secreted more vigorously. Concentrate feed, rich in nutrients and easy to digest, should be given first. Mixing it with large-volume green feed can reduce the digestibility of the concentrate due to high moisture content, which dilutes digestive enzymes.
Sixth, the amount of raw feed varies depending on the pig's stage of growth and productivity. Piglets and growing pigs can eat freely, while breeding pigs need controlled portions to avoid overfeeding and fat accumulation. Boars should receive 2–2.5 kg of concentrate daily when not breeding, increasing to 3–3.5 kg during breeding. Pregnant sows require 2–2.5 kg, while lactating sows need 5–6 kg per day.
Seventh, providing sufficient clean water is vital. In winter, pigs need 2–3 times the amount of water compared to dry feed, 4 times in spring and autumn, and 5 times in summer. Lactating sows and piglets especially require adequate water to maintain milk production. Water temperature should be cool in summer and warm in winter.
Eighth, transitioning from cooked to raw feed should be gradual. Start by replacing 1/3 of the feed with raw material for 3–5 days, then increase to 2/3, and finally switch fully after another 3–5 days. This prevents digestive upset and ensures smooth adaptation. During the initial days, control the feed amount to avoid overeating and indigestion.
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