Feeding Show Pigs: Basic Show Pig Nutrition
Animal : Pigs
Nutrition for show pigs can be as simple or as complex as the pig dictates. Unfortunately, there is no one method to feed pigs headed for the show ring, and consistently compete at a high level.
There are many factors that influence how a pig is fitted for show. Some of these are:
All of these things impact how the pig utilizes the feed that is offered, and ultimately how the pig expresses the genetic – nutrition interaction.
Nutrition unlocks the genetic potential of your showpig project. A great feed will do only so much for poor genetic potential. However, a poor-quality feed can ruin great genetics.
Feeds medicated with Carbadox or Denagard®, are appropriate for receiving young newly purchased pigs. Injectable antibiotics are appropriate (consult your local veterinarian). Water soluble medication is also applicable.
HONOR® Show FIRST WEAN™ 319 or 519 pig feed, medicated with 35 grams/ton Denagard® is a very good choice for receiving pigs. This medication offers support for respiratory health and the gut immune system.
Remember that muscle is protein, and protein is comprised of amino acids. So, one strategy would be if you purchase a pig that is moderate to light muscled, you probably should look at feeding a 20% crude protein such as HONOR® Show FIRST WEAN™ 519 pig feed until the pig weighs at least 75 lbs.
If the pig you have purchased is heavily muscled, you may want to feed a lower crude protein feed, such HONOR® Show MUSCLE & FILL™ 719 or MUSCLE & COVER™ 819 early on to help the pig from developing “too much” muscle, and therefore becoming tight moving.
For very heavily muscled showpigs, the HONOR® Show MUSCLE & COVER™ 819 pig feed is a great option, once the pig reaches about 70 lbs. in bodyweight.
Also remember that every metabolic process has a caloric cost. Lean tissue synthesis, bone growth, skin and hair development all have an energetic cost. Energy fuels everything. To achieve maximum genetic expression, an appropriate level of energy must be fed, either in the complete feed, or with an energy supplement such as High Octane® Heavy Weight®.
As the pig grows and develops it may become tight moving or become somewhat “hard” muscled. When, or if you notice these signs, it is a good idea to decrease crude protein, increase dietary energy, or both.
Self-feeding can also be effective. The important thing is to spend time with your pig regardless of how you plan to deliver the feed. There is no substitute for time spent building a bond and trust between pig and exhibitor. Regardless of how you deliver the feed at the onset of your project, you will need to begin hand feeding at some point in the feeding period to allow your pig to look it’s best on show day.
Again, muscle is protein, and body condition or cover is a fat layer.
If you do choose to feed Paylean®, High Octane® Paylean® 900 pig feed is an excellent low inclusion, well-fortified product.
Good luck with your showpig project. Enjoy the learning process along the way. And, if you need help...ask. There is usually someone willing to help.
There are many factors that influence how a pig is fitted for show. Some of these are:
- Genetic road map
- Environment
- Management level
- Health status
- Gender (barrow or gilt)
- Age
Water
Water is extremely important to how the pig expresses its genetic potential, and how feed is utilized. Water is directly related to feed intake. If you find that your pig is not eating or growing well, look at the water source first. Water should be clean, fresh and abundant at all times. If the water is too cold during cool months, or too warm during warm months your pig will not eat correctly and will not fully express its genetic road map.Environment
Make sure your pig has a comfortable home. Your barn or pig house, should be draft free and dust free. A coughing pig will have a less than desirable outcome. The pen should be free of items that might cause injury and subsequently impact the movement and soundness of your pig.All of these things impact how the pig utilizes the feed that is offered, and ultimately how the pig expresses the genetic – nutrition interaction.
Quality show pig feed
There are also things that even the greatest of all feeds cannot accomplish. Even the best feeds will not increase body length, base width, or bone. Feed will not make the pig tall at the point of the shoulder. Nor will the best feed turn an unsound pig into a sound one. You will need to select animals that already express these features.Nutrition unlocks the genetic potential of your showpig project. A great feed will do only so much for poor genetic potential. However, a poor-quality feed can ruin great genetics.
Receiving pigs
If you purchase a pig(s) from a pig sale, consider medicating the pig for at least 14 days after purchase. When pigs are placed in the same air space as other pigs with a differing immune status the result can have serious consequences, if not properly addressed.Feeds medicated with Carbadox or Denagard®, are appropriate for receiving young newly purchased pigs. Injectable antibiotics are appropriate (consult your local veterinarian). Water soluble medication is also applicable.
HONOR® Show FIRST WEAN™ 319 or 519 pig feed, medicated with 35 grams/ton Denagard® is a very good choice for receiving pigs. This medication offers support for respiratory health and the gut immune system.
Remember that muscle is protein, and protein is comprised of amino acids. So, one strategy would be if you purchase a pig that is moderate to light muscled, you probably should look at feeding a 20% crude protein such as HONOR® Show FIRST WEAN™ 519 pig feed until the pig weighs at least 75 lbs.
If the pig you have purchased is heavily muscled, you may want to feed a lower crude protein feed, such HONOR® Show MUSCLE & FILL™ 719 or MUSCLE & COVER™ 819 early on to help the pig from developing “too much” muscle, and therefore becoming tight moving.
For very heavily muscled showpigs, the HONOR® Show MUSCLE & COVER™ 819 pig feed is a great option, once the pig reaches about 70 lbs. in bodyweight.
Also remember that every metabolic process has a caloric cost. Lean tissue synthesis, bone growth, skin and hair development all have an energetic cost. Energy fuels everything. To achieve maximum genetic expression, an appropriate level of energy must be fed, either in the complete feed, or with an energy supplement such as High Octane® Heavy Weight®.
As the pig grows and develops it may become tight moving or become somewhat “hard” muscled. When, or if you notice these signs, it is a good idea to decrease crude protein, increase dietary energy, or both.
Feeding show pigs oat groats
You might have noticed some folks feeding rolled oats (oat groats) along with their regular showpig feed. It might be a good idea to offer a small amount of oat groats (4 to 8 oz/day) each day with the pig’s feed to increase the particle size of the total diet. Although many pigs perform very well and are never fed oat groats, it is a personal decision. Environment and management play a huge role in the pig’s health status and response to feed.Showpig feeding methods
Whether you hand feed or self-feed at the beginning of the feeding period it is merely a feed delivery process. However, hand feeding usually results in the pig becoming gentle more quickly. When the pig associates you with feed, it begins to trust you. Pigs are like most creatures, they need to learn that you are not going to do them harm.Self-feeding can also be effective. The important thing is to spend time with your pig regardless of how you plan to deliver the feed. There is no substitute for time spent building a bond and trust between pig and exhibitor. Regardless of how you deliver the feed at the onset of your project, you will need to begin hand feeding at some point in the feeding period to allow your pig to look it’s best on show day.
Have a plan
Lastly, have a plan. Modern showpigs usually look their best at about 6 to 6 ½ months of age. So, when purchasing your pigs select appropriate aged pigs. Feed with the show ring in mind. From the start, try to picture what you desire your pig to look like on show day. And, feed to that end. There are many supplements, topdresses and nutritional products that allow you to change the outcome of your pig.Again, muscle is protein, and body condition or cover is a fat layer.
- To help muscling, feed a high protein feed or topdress, such as High Octane® Champion Drive™ at 1 lbs. per day.
- To help with cover or body condition, use a high energy feed or supplement (High Octane® Heavy Weight® at 8 to 12 oz per day).
- To help with fill and rib, feed High Octane® Depth Charge® at ½ to 1 lbs. per day along with regular showpig feed.
- For help with leanness, cleaning up front ends and help optimizing muscle, High Octane® Fitter 35® pig feed at 1 to 2 lbs. per day is an excellent choice, as well as High Octane® Fitter® 52 pig feed which is more aggressive at 1 lbs./day for the final 14 days.
- For help with appetite, adding more calories to the pig’s diet and optimizing fat cover, High Octane® Heavy Weight® pig feed does a very nice job. Start at 4 oz per day and increase by 4 oz per day about every 5 – 7 days until you are feeding the desired level.
- For help in the flank area and lower third of the body cavity, High Octane® Ultra Full® pig feed at 1 to 3 lbs. per day is a good choice.
If you do choose to feed Paylean®, High Octane® Paylean® 900 pig feed is an excellent low inclusion, well-fortified product.
Good luck with your showpig project. Enjoy the learning process along the way. And, if you need help...ask. There is usually someone willing to help.
