Using the right ingredients to meet the nutrient requirements of swine is important. Unless you process and mix these ingredients properly, pig performance and profits may suffer.
Grains should be processed to improve nutrient use and mixing. Grinding is the preferred processing method for most grains. The exception is wheat and possibly triticale. Research has shown an improvement in growing-finishing pig performance when wheat is coarse-rolled rather than ground.
Fine grinding of all grains improves nutrient availability, but it can result in ulcers. A medium grind is recommended for corn and grain sorghum. If a roller mill is not available, a coarse grind is recommended for wheat and triticale.
Any feed mixing system is only as good as the effort going in. Use the following steps as a guide for setting up or evaluating a mixing system. Even a slight improvement in feed quality could mean savings in feed costs.
1. Follow instructions on feed tags or formulations exactly.
2. Have ingredients analyzed regularly.
3. Have formulations adjusted by a competent nutritionist as the nutrient content of ingredients or the ingredients themselves change.
4. Compare ingredient costs and feeding value before buying a "cheap" ingredient.
5. Keep all feed-handling equipment (mixers, augers, bins, feeders) in good repair.
6. Weigh all ingredients before mixing.
7. Avoid under-mixing and over-mixing.
8. Have feeds analyzed regularly.
For more information, see Extension Circular ANR-637,
"Controlling The Quality Of Farm-Mixed Swine Feed." And, call
your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your
county's name to find the number.