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Feed Selection A number of high quality feeds exist of which most experienced feeders will have a favorite.
However for the novice feeder, the key is simply to find a feed which will work for you. In doing this, there are a
couple of points we hope you will consider. First, find a proper "show" feed that will be available throughout the show season.
Nothing can be worse than being low on feed and going to the feed store just to realize they are out of your favorite brand.
From here you will have few options as you can either let your pig go hungry (not recommended), or you can change to a different
feed until more of your favorite comes in (still not recommended). Our advice is to avoid this situation. Keep a steady
supply of feed on hand by restocking your feed supply once you get down to your final two or three bags if not before.
Also, before you purchase any feed to start the year, visit with your feed dealer about availability of the feed for the coming
months. Make sure to ask questions and observe what other experienced feeders are doing. Now, once you have found your feed dealer, locate a feed that
is between 18 & 20% protein and has 3 to 7% fat to get your pig started. However, the ration you start with
may need adjusted throughout the feeding period depending on the development of your show pig. If your pig needs more
muscle or shape, or even extra pounds, you will want to stay with a higher protein feed. If your pig needs more fat
cover as he grows, you may want to consider dropping your protein level to 16 or 17% and increasing your fat percentage.
Also, if soundness is an issue, lowering protein levels may help your project out as well. Always, ask your 4-H or FFA
leaders and don't be scared to seek help.
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Feed Delivery Next, there are number of opinions on how to feed your hog each day. Some prefer self feeders
to get show pigs going and others will only feed pigs by hand. The key is be sure your show pig is eating at least 2 to 3%
of his or her body weight each day depending on what you are trying to do. If you feed by hand it is important to feed at
regular times each day and measure the feed in pounds. Don't just randomly put feed out without knowing how much you are
feeding. Also, if you have more than one pig in a pen, be sure each pig is getting his share. If one pig gets too much and
the other gets too little, this is an easy way to get one pig weighing too much and one not enough. If you self feed, check
your feeder each day to make sure feed in the feeder, and that feed is coming out at the bottom (make sure the feeder is not
clogged or jammed).
Feed Additives Page
upon page could be written just about additives, but for now let's just discuss a couple of basics. One additive
to discuss is Paylean which is very often misunderstood, but for now, think of it as a tool which may or may not fit your
show project. The key to Paylean is to feed it as recommended and to pigs you think it will benefit. If your pig
is too hard in his muscle or is stiff moving Paylean should not be fed. Yet, if you need to enhance your pig's muscle,
or help his overall width, Paylean may be the tool you need. The key here is don't abuse this product by overfeeding
daily, or feeding for too many weeks. Also, if your pig does need help in terms of muscle, don't wait too long to introduce
this to your feeding program. Finally, always seek the advice of your County Extension Agent, FFA Advisor, or experienced
feeders as to feeding instructions.
Water Probably the most commonly overlooked nutrient essential for show ring success is water. Your project should
always have ample, clean water in order to ensure the pig reaches his maximum genetic potential.
Wormers Another routine you will need to develop is to get your show pig on a regular de-worming program. This process
will need to be done either by injection or through feed. Pour on wormers work great for cattle, but are not an option
for swine. As far as injectable wormers go, Ivomec or Dectomax should be given every 30 days keeping withdrawal times
in mind. De-wormers such as Safe-Guard and Atgard can also be used and may come premixed in your feed or can be added.
Use at least one of these products regularly, or also consider rotating their use as each one has benefits.
Maintaining Health Keeping your show pig healthy will be the most important part of your project. If he doesn't
feel good, he is not going to want to eat, if he doesn't eat he won't grow, etc., etc. Proper health begins with proper
bedding. Keeping your pig warm and dry is essential to keeping him healthy. Secondly, always keep fresh clean water available
to your pig. This, with a balanced diet, will help keep the immune system strong and fight off illnesses. Even with proper bedding and nutrition, your pig still may catch a "bug", especially
if you show at jackpot shows or there are extreme changes in temperature and weather. Watch and listen to your pig, he will
"tell" you if he is not feeling good. Take an extra 10 minutes each day and learn your pig's patterns. It may
save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Almost always the first sign of illness will be a change in appetite. Make
note of changes in feeding patterns exhibited by your show pig. Listen as your pig breaths. You want to hear if there is any
raspiness or difficulty breathing. Also, listen if your pig is coughing and see if there is a change in his stool. If you notice any of these symptoms, your pig probably needs antibiotics. You should probably
consult your veterinarian, County Extension Agent, or FFA advisor before administering any pharmaceuticals. They will be able
to assist you in determining the correct drug for the problem and also the correct dosage to be administered. You will also
need to be aware of the withdrawal times required for any pharmaceutical used. With a proper health plan your pig will be
able to reach his highest genetic potential and you will have success in the show ring. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Daily Responsibilities
Finally, we hope this brochure
helps you get your show pig going strong and assists you in reaching your goals. For additional information please visit our
websites, or feel free to contact us at anytime. Our contact information is located below, along with a few daily questions
we hope you will answer to maximize you show pig's potential.
Daily Check Sheet - 1. Does my pig have his normal appetite?
- 2.
Is my pig's water working properly?
- 3. Do I have enough dry bedding
out?
- 4. Is my pig breathing normally?
- 5. Is my pig active and alert?
- 6. Is my pig walking soundly?
- 7. Did I hear my pig coughing?
- 8.
Have I weighed my pig recently?
- 9. Is my pig developing like I had hoped?
- 10. Is there enough feed to get me through tomorrow's feedings?
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