Show Pig Feeding Program
by Blake Edwards
November 05, 2009
Show Pig Feeding Program
Phase I
When you receive your pigs we will place them on a starter ration. Most receiving rations are designed so that they combat respiratory development and also maximize early development.
Usually during the first month of feeding we will need to worm and vaccinate each hog. Wormers that can be used are Ivomec, Dectomax, SafeGaurd, and Panacur. Each will essentially do the same things. Alternate wormers each month. Make sure you read the dosage requirements as well as the injection site requirements. I will vaccinate each hog as needed.
During Phase I you will feed free choice. Meaning all they can eat. Make sure and clean out your feeders daily and walk for at least 15 minutes a day. It is also a great idea to chart the gain of your animals by weighing them weekly. We have scales at the barn, use them weekly.
Typically we will feed hogs in phase I to about 100-125 pounds depending on their design and needs to become a better show pig.
Phase II
At 125 pounds we will begin the hand feeding process if necessary, it is imperative that you not miss a day of feeding. 1 Day of missed feed affects the hog for 3 days.
At 125 pounds we will feed a high protein Grower. Depending on the individual hog we may feed 16-20 %.
If hogs begin to become ‘tight or hard’ in appearance we will lower the protein.
At this point in the feeding process we will add a fat supplement. These products are designed to help add “cover” to the hog and give us that show pig look.
We may also begin feeding oats, beet pulp or a beet pulp supplement depending on the individual pig.
Fat- 3-5 oz. per feeding.
Beet Pulp or Oats- ½ pound per feeding
Increase walking to 20-30 min per day.
Remember to clean hanging feeders and pens daily. You wouldn’t want to eat off dirty dishes and neither does your show pig.
Phase III
21-30 Days out of Designated show
Continue feeding program, may begin the use of paylean if needed. Paylean promotes increased primal and lean cut yields resulting in more meat–less fat with no effect on pork quality. We will only use paylean on a need basis.
Paylean should be fed at 9 grams for 21 days, but may be feed at a lower ratio for a longer period of time.
“Luck is a residue of hard work”
