THE PIG INDUSTRY

Grey River Argus, 28 August 1937, Page 3

THE PIG INDUSTRY

■ (Notes by M. J. Scott, 8.A., B.Sc.) Balanced Feeds: In every country of the world the first approach that the scientist ; makes to the question of feeding is by way of the composition of the feed-stuffs. The amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrate determine accurately the value of a feed, and a knowledge of them usually accounts for the observed properties of the feed. The man who uses the feed, however, can make little use of the analysis, nor can he take any advan-

tage of the advice so frequently offered that he must use balanced

feeds. Not only has the animal a tolerance for a very wide range oi quantities, it has an even greater one for a range of qualities. After a short time it can adjust itself to four or even six times the amount of protein that is ideal, and can get along with about half the quantity it should require. Similarly with minerals, it can live and be healthy with just the minerals found in grain or it can consume added minerals at the rate of ounces per week. This tolerance is most remarkable while the pig is “idling,” and while it has a few reserves stored away in its body. As soon as these reserves become depleted or when the pig is fed liberally enough to grow, then trouble arises This takes the form of any of the common ailments from lameness and rickets to constipation, worm infection to pleurisy. Unsuitable feed that lowers the tone of the animal system is the opening through which most of the ailments of pigs find entry. Those whose pigs grow satisfactorily but still are subject to certain ailments, may dissent from the viewpoint stated above. It is quite possible to get rapid growth on unsuitable feed, but it need not be healthy growth. With unsuitable feeds the more rapid the growth the more unhealthy the animal is—a fact that is made use of in the production of experimental rickets. Even although it is “growth foi' feed used” tnat makes a feed supply valuable, growth and good health are a better combination than growth and ill health. The signs of health that are unmistakable are the sleek coat, a shining skin, a bright eye, energetic : action and normal excreta. A feed > supply that leaves pigs wanting in any of these, in spite of the fact that the pigs are growing rapidly is unbalanced and would be improved by the addition of the missing ingredient. ‘ The Missing Ingredient: I Most people can tell at a glance ifM

their pigs are in normal health, bu'l because of the interplay of many factors such as age, rate of growth, amount of sunlight, presence or absence of parasites and all the variables that influence a pig’s health, it is often ■ difficult to recommend with any measure of assurance treatment that will improve things. Although the value of minerals, condiments, and vitamins, is widely recognised, it is most remarkable how . many healthy pigs there are in the country that get no added minerals or condiments, and iive, sometimes on skim milk, sometimes on butter milk, sometimes on offal and sometimes on a wide variety of home-grown feeds, plus milk. The common thread that runs through these different places is the care of the owner. He feeds regularly, he feeds just as much as the pigs clean up. His pigs are always looking for more, but never really hungry. He is a careful observer. Any pigs that require attention get it promptly. He is careful to have just the right number of pigs that will use his feed supply at every time of the year, and generally he pays attention to all the details that re quire attention. As a result one can say with a good deal of conviction, and with no desire to be clever or offensive that the best supplement that can be used with any feed supply, no matter what its origin, is understanding and care on the part of the owner. It is not everyone’s good fortune that they can take care; or put otherwise, things go wrong with some in spite of the best of care. In such cases it becomes necessary to find something that can be added to the ration in order to keep pigs healthy with limited care.