Traditional Breeds Meat Marketing (Feeding) Continued
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Uploaded September 2004

Feeding Piglets - 3-8 Weeks
The general body conformation of a pig develops in the first 8 weeks of life and little can be done to increase growth rate or conformation if piglets do not receive adequate extra rations as well as sows' milk and are underweight as a result.

All rare breeds of pigs should attain 18-23 kgs liveweight by 8 week weaning and should be eating at least O.5 kgs (1¾ lbs) of feed per day before weaning.

End 4th week
Liveweight 7.5 kgs or more per pig
Piglets should be eating at I0.22 kgs (½ lb) per day each

End 6th week
Liveweight 11.5 kgs or more per pig
Piglets should be eating at least 0.7 kgs (1½ lb) per day each

End 7th week
Liveweight 18 kgs or more per pig
Piglets require a minimum of 0.8 kgs (1¾ lbs) per day each

8th week
Liveweights should be 18-23kgs per pig
Piglets require a minimum of 18-23 kg (2.2 lbs) per day each

Feeding Fattening Stock - from 8 Week Weaning
It is, essential to provide growing pigs with warm, dry beds, adequate pen space and a good clean supply of water. In trying to produce a good succulent and tender pork product it is very important to feed a balanced ration. Weaned pigs can be put on an ad-lib sow ration to about 40 kgs (90 lbs) liveweight and then restrict feed to a maximum of 2.2 kgs (5 lbs) per day. An alternative is to give 1.4-2.5 kgs (3-5 lbs) per day of sow ration. Use a ration which has adequate mineral and vitamin levels, but not any ration with antibiotics or probiotics or high levels of vitamins or minerals as growth promoters. If the pigs clear all the ration in 20 minutes and leave the hopper shiny then either increase the ration to the maximum 2.5 kgs (5½ lbs) per day or l.5 kgs (4 lbs) and add rolled barley up to 0.23 kgs (½ lb). Barley can lead to too much fat being laid down if fed to pigs nearing pork weight. It is important to weigh pigs regularly and to observe any pigs that are not getting adequate feed. If necessary, split groups to achieve even growth rates.

Where pigs are finished outdoors with a good grass/clover cover, rations can be reduced by up to 25% maximum.

Over 40kgs liveweight: give a maximum of l.8 kgs (4 lbs) feed per day and 0.22 kgs (½ lb) rolled barley as above. If the pigs are getting too fat then replace rolled barley with sugar beet nuts up to a maximum of 15% of total ration. This will help to prevent backfat deposit for pigs nearing pork weights. For heavier pigs for bacon (gilts and castrates only), the same restricted feeding, plus sugar beet nuts to prevent fat deposition can be used.

Where regular supplies of fresh vegetables and fruit are available, these can be fed in place of manufactured rations and 4 lbs of fruit or vegetables may replace 1 lb of ration. However, it is important not to feed less than 2 lbs of ration per day to ensure adequate minerals and vitamins.

Source: Rare Breeds Survival Trust