The modern intensive pig industry has made significant progress in disease prevention and control, utilizing pigs with superior genetics, advanced equipment, and efficient management systems. However, a critical factor that should not be overlooked is the importance of rational, comprehensive, and balanced feed nutrition. Without proper nutritional balance, it becomes difficult to achieve healthy farming and secure the desired economic returns. Currently, there are numerous feed ingredients available for pigs, each with varying production regions and nutrient levels. The diversity of premixes further complicates the situation. Any quality or safety issues at any stage—whether in raw materials or premixes—can seriously affect the normal operation of pig farms, harm pig health, and lead to negative consequences. Based on practical experience, this article summarizes the key factors and control strategies affecting pig growth at different stages, offering valuable insights for farmers.
**First, Factors Affecting the Quality of Raw Materials and Their Countermeasures**
It is essential to strengthen awareness of the quality of feed ingredients. The most basic requirement is that all feed ingredients must be fresh, free from adulteration, mold, or contamination by harmful chemicals. Below are analyses of several main raw materials:
**1. Corn**
Corn is the most abundant raw material in pig production, making up 60%-70% of the feed formula. It serves as the primary energy source. There are two types: early-maturing and late-maturing corn. Early-maturing corn is round, smooth, bright, and hard, rich in protein and horn-like substances. Late-maturing corn is flat, with a concave top, dull color, and lower protein content. Due to its high starch and crude fat content, corn is the most important high-energy ingredient for pig raising. Key considerations include:
- When harvesting, broken kernels can reduce nutrients and even produce toxins. To prevent contamination, it's important to avoid grinding and insect damage during storage.
- Un-dried corn is prone to mold and spoilage, which can lead to zearalenone contamination, causing reproductive issues in sows and affecting growth in finishing pigs. Moisture should be kept below 14%, and storage should be dry, ventilated, and cool.
- For pig feeding, it's advisable to use older corn rather than fresh corn to prevent mold. Northeastern corn, especially from Jilin and Inner Mongolia, is highly recommended.
**2. Bran**
Bran consists of endosperm, seed coat, and embryo after processing. It has high crude fiber but low energy value, along with high crude protein (13%-16%) and B-vitamin content. In addition to providing nutrients, bran helps regulate diet concentration and improve digestibility. It also has a mild laxative effect, beneficial for postpartum sows. Important points when using bran:
- Deteriorated bran should not be fed, as it can cause digestive problems and diarrhea.
- Excessive bran may lead to constipation due to its high water absorption. Adjust the amount based on the pig’s size.
- Consider the crude fiber level and adjust accordingly depending on the pig’s needs.
**3. Soybean Meal**
Soybean meal is a byproduct of soybean oil extraction, containing 42%-48% crude protein. It is the main protein source in pig diets. Key points:
- The amount of soybean meal should be adjusted according to the pig’s growth stage and requirements.
- Test the protein content and potassium hydroxide solubility to ensure quality and effectiveness.
- Overcooked soybean meal may lose nutritional value, so check the color and texture carefully.
**4. Fish Meal**
Fish meal is a high-quality animal protein feed, rich in amino acids and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It is expensive, so quality checks are crucial. Important considerations:
- Test for purity, as many fish meals are adulterated with feather powder or inorganic nitrogen.
- Use fish meal only when necessary to optimize cost and performance.
- Purchase from reliable sources, ensuring quality and consistency.
**5. Other Raw Materials**
Materials like cottonseed meal, rapeseed meal, sesame meal, peanut meal, alcohol dregs, and rice bran can be used selectively based on cost and nutritional needs.
**Second, Factors Affecting Additive Premix and Full-Feed Quality**
Feed additives play a vital role in balancing nutrition, improving feed efficiency, and preventing diseases. Common types include amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and preservatives. Most farms use 2%-4% composite premix to create full-price feed. Key considerations include selecting high-quality additives and ensuring they meet the specific needs of the pigs.
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