Meal or Pelleted Barley Rations, the Effect of Shaded Feeders and Waterers for Growing-Finishing Pigs on Pasture

This trial was conducted at the Eureka Station which is an area of the state where barley is relatively more easily available as a swine feed than corn. Barley has been shown to have about 90 percent of the feeding value of corn when properly supplemented. Barley has higher protein content than corn but also has a higher fiber content. One means which has been used to make this otherwise excellent feed more useful is to pellet complete ground mixed barley rations. Results have been variable with respect to improve d pig gains and feed efficiency when bar ley rations were fed in both meal and pelleted form. Pasture-raised spring pigs which are provided with only minimum shelter and have access to feed and water free-choice usually appear to be uncomfortable on warm days. Eating and drinking is usually limited to the night or cooler periods of the daytime. It is known that excessive heat reduces feed consumption which in turn reduces gains. Shade over feeders and waterers might be a means of permitting pigs to eat any time during the day. Swine production facilities at the Eureka Station limit the production to pasture conditions which are typical of those found on many farms. The objectives of this trial were to: (1) Compare performance of pigs fed a complete ground mixed barley ration in both meal and pelleted form, (2) compare performance of pigs with and without shade for the feeder and waterer, and (3) determine, if any, the joint effects of these treatments

Calcium and Phosphorus for Growing-Finishing Specific-Pathogen-Free Pigs

Since the introduction of SPF pigs on farms, nutritionists have wondered if the nutrient requirements of the pigs are similar to non-SPF pigs. Theoretically if the animal does not have a physiological stress, such as disease, and a good environment is provided, he should gain faster and thereby need more daily nutrients. However, the healthy, fast gaining pig will normally eat more feed in order to meet his nutrient requirements. Consequently, the nutrient requirements in terms of amount of nutrient per pound of total feed should generally be the same for SPF and non-SPF pigs. The word generally is emphasized because a specific requirement of a microingredient (s) might be slightly different. Already a few swine producers of pigs have questioned the calcium and phosphorus requirements. Their concern logically developed from observations of stiff legs and more feet and leg trouble with the SPF pigs than was observed in the herd before repopulating with SPF pigs. With these observations in mind, two field trials with various levels of calcium and phosphorus in the ration were initiated at the Eureka Experiment Station

Studies on Supplementing Barley Rations for Growing-Finishing Pigs

In north central South Dakota, barley is more readily available as a feed for swine than is corn. A number of studies have shown that barley either as the only grain or as part of the grain in swine rations supports satisfactory growth. Barley has higher protein content than corn but also greater fiber content. Like all cereal grains, it is considered low in both minerals and vitamins, and supplemental protein is usually recommended. A series of trials using barley as the only grain in rations for growing finishing swine have been conducted at the Experiment Station\u27s North Central Substation, Eureka. General results of these trials have indicated that pigs fed barley in pelleted form gained more rapidly and efficiently than pigs fed the same rations in meal form . Increased gains and feed efficiency, however, were not sufficient to offset the extra cost of pelleting. Trials utilizing low protein rations when the barley tested 11 percent protein or more have suggested a re-evaluation of recommendations with respect to supplementing barley

Relations between Financing and Output in the Not-for-Profit Hospital

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68639/2/10.1177_107755878804500204.pd