The use of raw feed for pigs offers multiple benefits, including reduced labor and cost, increased feed intake, improved weight gain, and better feed efficiency. However, it is crucial to follow proper feeding methods to ensure optimal results.
First, the selection of raw feed plays a key role. Common options include grains like corn, wheat, rice, and their by-products such as bran. Cooking these feeds can lead to more than 13% nutrient loss, reducing their effectiveness to only 87% compared to raw feed. Green feed should also be included in the diet. However, cooking can destroy most proteins and vitamins. Certain legume-based feeds, like soybean meal, peanut cake, and cottonseed cake, contain anti-trypsin, which hinders protein digestion in pigs. These must be heat-treated before feeding.
Second, the method of feeding raw materials matters. Raw feed can be either wet or dry. The water-to-feed ratio should not exceed 1:2.5, as excess moisture can reduce digestive juice secretion and enzyme activity, impairing digestion. The ideal ratio is 1:1, with the feed mixed until water droplets can be squeezed out. Dry feed should be ground into powder and fed after mixing. This approach helps prevent spoilage, allows for longer storage, and makes it easier to prepare compound feed for pigs.
Third, hygiene is essential. Raw feed must be washed and disinfected to avoid 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 prevent contamination. Some feeds, such as rapeseed cake, cottonseed cake, fresh cassava, and buckwheat, contain toxins that need to be removed through crushing, soaking, fermenting, or ensiling before feeding.
Fourth, the particle size of crushed feed is important. A diameter of 1.20–1.80 mm is ideal. Smaller particles (less than 1 mm) may cause pigs to stick their mouths together while eating, reducing palatability and potentially causing gastric ulcers. Larger particles (over 2 mm) are too rough, making pigs reluctant to eat.
Fifth, feeding raw materials separately maximizes digestive efficiency. Concentrate feed, rich in nutrients and easy to digest, should be offered first. Mixing it with large-volume green feed can reduce its digestibility due to high moisture content, which dilutes digestive enzymes.
Sixth, the amount of feed varies depending on the pig’s stage of growth. Piglets and growing pigs can be fed freely, while breeding pigs require controlled portions to avoid overfeeding and fat accumulation. For example, boars should receive 2–2.5 kg of concentrate daily when not breeding, increasing to 3–3.5 kg during breeding. Pregnant sows need 2–2.5 kg, while lactating sows require 5–6 kg per day.
Seventh, always provide enough clean drinking water. In winter, pigs need 2–3 times the amount of water compared to dry feed; in spring and autumn, 4 times; and in summer, up to 5 times. Lactating sows and piglets especially need adequate water to support milk production. Water temperature should be cool in summer and warm in winter.
Finally, transitioning from cooked to raw feed should be gradual. Start by replacing 1/3 of the feed with raw material, then increase to 2/3 after 3–5 days, and finally switch completely. This prevents digestive issues and ensures smooth adaptation. During the initial transition period, control the feed amount to avoid overeating and indigestion.
Swimming Crab
Blue Swimming Crab,Hairy Crab,Lump Crab,Frozen Blue Swimming Crab
ZHEJIANG EVERNEW SEAFOOD CO.,LTD , https://www.evernewseafood.com