Q. How much synthetic lysine can be used to replace soybean meal?
Three and one-half pounds of feed-grade lysine (78.8% lysine) and 96.5 pounds of corn can replace 100 pounds of soybean meal. A higher amount may lead to threonine and tryptophan deficiencies.
Q. Can we increase the shelf life of pork by feeding higher dietary levels of vitamin E?
This effect is not as well documented in pork as it is in beef. High levels of vitamin E will reduce drip (water) loss and improve pork color, but the benefits and economics are unknown at the present time.
Q. Should antibiotics, copper sulfate, or dewormers be added to finishing feed?
Antibiotics are of benefit in some herds but not in all conditions. The response is usually less during the finisher period. Pigs housed in dirtier facilities that have manure buildups will more likely result in a beneficial response to antibiotics or antibacterial agents. Dewormers will be of benefit only if pigs are exposed (infected) with worms.
Q. What about limit feeding finishing pigs?
Limit feeding to approximately 85% of full feed improves leanness and feed efficiency but will result in lower weight gains. Industry average barrows may benefit most from limit feeding, by preventing them from becoming too fat.
Q. When should I start split-sex feeding?
Split-sex feeding should be initiated no later than 50-75 lbs.
Q. Will extra vitamins and minerals correct feet and leg problems?
Providing animals with higher dietary levels of these nutrients on a short-term basis has not been shown to be beneficial. Although certain vitamins (e.g., biotin) and minerals have been shown to affect feet and leg development, these nutrients need to be fed throughout the life cycle of the pig.
Q. Does the type of waterer make any difference?
Assuming an adequate water flow rate, the type of waterer has had little effect on performance, but may affect water wastage.
Q. Can I use poorer quality feeds in the grower-finisher period?
Poorer quality feeds may adversely affect pig performance, but it is better to feed these materials to the grower-finisher pig than to weaned or breeding animals. It is best to feed the material in question to a small group of "test" animals to evaluate the "feed refusal" response. It is recommended that the feed be analyzed for mycotoxins.
Q. Do pigs that are housed at high density require a different diet?
No. Even though pigs have less than optimal pen space and may eat less feed, they do not benefit from diets with higher concentrations of nutrients.
Q. How important is it to clean facilities between groups of pigs?
The higher the sanitation level that can be maintained in the facilities, the greater will be the performance benefit from the pigs.
Q. Since I feed pigs outdoors on dirt lots, what additional nutritional factors need to be considered?
The primary factor to consider is energy level during cold or hot seasons. Access to good quality water is critical, and deworming programs are essential.
Q. Should I provide free-choice minerals for my pigs?
No. Remember, "extra" minerals are of no benefit. Pigs have a tendency to waste minerals when fed "free choice."
Q. My pigs seem to stop growing at about 180 pounds. What is the cause of this, and how can I prevent this?
This condition, commonly called "stall out," is frequently a result of subclinical disease. High environmental temperatures may also play a role. Management practices such as segregated early weaning, all-in/all-out production, and/or three-site production with excellent sanitation and biosecurity may resolve the problem.
Q. What is the cause and how can I prevent tail biting?
Although a great amount of research has been done on this, the question has not been answered. It is apparent that tail clipping is helpful, but there is no known nutritional remedy for this condition. Some research evidence suggests that sprinkling salt on the floor has been helpful.