A quality control program is the first step in producing quality swine feed on the farm. A good program is needed to monitor the quality of feed before feeding and even before mixing. The key component of a feed monitoring program is routine analysis of feed and feed ingredients. A routine sampling program for all feed ingredients and mixed feeds-combined with good feed records-can improve feed conversion, growth, and feed costs.
Feed Ingredients
The nutrient content of many feed ingredients often varies. The variation can affect both the quality and the cost of the complete feed. To get a good evaluation of feed ingredients, take samples from each load delivered. Take samples before unloading if the ingredients are delivered in bulk. Using a grain probe, take several samples from the front, middle, and rear of the truck, then combine these samples to get a representative sample of that load. If this method is not possible, take several samples while the truck is unloading. Although the combined sample may not be as representative of the load as when a probe is used, it will be better than a single sample.
While sampling each load is best, the cost of laboratory analysis for each sample can be prohibitive. One alternative is to mix samples from several loads, then submit the combined sample for analysis. It will be impossible to tell anything about a specific load from this type of analysis, but the sample will still aid in fine tuning the feed formulation. It will also point out problems due to contamination from foreign material such as weed seeds. Check grains for mycotoxins if they are a problem.
The analysis needed for feed ingredients depends on the ingredient. For grains, check protein (lysine if possible), fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and USDA grade. An official USDA grade includes test weight (an indicator of the energy content), moisture, broken kernels, and foreign material. The same analyses are needed for soybean meal, except for grade. Mineral sources (trace mineral premixes, basemixes, complete supplements) require a complete mineral analysis, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and salt. Check the protein content if it is guaranteed.
There is a monetary reason for routinely checking purchased ingredients. For example, if you buy soybean meal guaranteed to contain 48 percent crude protein and the analysis shows that it contains only 46 percent, a price adjustment is due. By checking that load, you know to adjust the formulations for the lower protein level and to have the supplier adjust the price.
Mixed Feeds
Routinely analyzing farm-mixed feeds is the only effective way to monitor feed mixing techniques. The method you use to sample mixed feed depends on your reason for the analysis. To determine if the mixing time is appropriate; take three or more samples from one batch of feed periodically as the mill is emptying. If all the sample analyses are close to the same, the mixing time is adequate. For a routine evaluation of the feeding program, use the same sampling technique, but combine all the samples before the analysis to determine if the right amounts of all ingredients were added. If problems exist in certain hog pens, collect feed samples from each feeder. This last method may not give an accurate evaluation of the mixing process because of separation during delivery and in the feeder.
Every batch of farm-mixed feed and every load of purchased feed should be checked. Unfortunately, the cost may be prohibitive. An alternative is to sample each diet mixed or purchased at least once every 3 months and when problems occur. The analysis should include protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, and salt. Amino acid and vitamin analysis would be very helpful, but these are often expensive and can be hard to get.
Collecting feed samples and having them analyzed will do little good if the lab report is not accurately evaluated. This report can be used to detect nutritional problems as well as possible causes for these problems. A thorough evaluation of a laboratory analysis by a competent nutritionist can pin-point problems and, perhaps, solve them. Table 1 contains some nutritional problems found in finishing diets, their effects on performance, and possible causes of the problems.
Feed Records
Another method of evaluating a feed mixing system is record keeping.
The amount of all ingredients used should be the same as the total amount
of feed mixed. The records needed to determine this are fairly simple. Record
the number of batches of each diet mixed, the amount of each ingredient
purchased, and the feed formulations. Figures 1 and 2 are
sample forms for keeping feed mixing records. Keeping these records will
also help in evaluating pig performance (feed conversion) and operating
costs.
Diet: __________ | ||
Ingredient |
% Of Diet |
Amount/Batch |
Total |
||
Diet |
Date |
Amount/Batch |
Batches Mixed (1 mark/batch) |
Total Batches |
| Record one mark every time a batch of feed is mixed. Count the number of batches mixed for each diet weekly or monthly. Amount/batch is the amount of feed mixed at one time. | ||||
(See printed publication for longer forms.)