The Farmlander - October 2021 South

Page 41

NUTRITION

Variety the spice in pig genetics recipe Selective livestock breeding has resulted in many benefits including increased profitability and productive performance, with faster growth rates, heavier carcass weights and improved milk yields.

feed into meat, but this drops away as

However, such artificial selection pressures can unwittingly induce undesirable outcomes. For example, drench resistance leads to poorer health and slower growth rates, with corresponding higher feed costs; pesticide resistance supports increased disease-carrying flies; and overzealous use of disinfectant favours superbugs.

least two together helps provide them

Research has identified that consequent upon human selective breeding, the European pig population has less genetic variability than its Asian counterparts. Various heritagebreed populations provide an invaluable reservoir of slightly different genetic material. This aids biodiversity and adaptability for resisting disease and surviving harsher environmental conditions. For example, the Tamworth’s physique enabled efficient foraging in oak and beech forests and walking considerable distances for food, while longevity rested on good mothering and vigorous piglet survivability. Their ginger coat provides them sunburn protection and better climate adaptability compared with paler or black-skinned breeds.

Keeping pigs on smaller blocks also

The major influences on growth are nutrition and genetics, followed by health, housing and the environment. With a feed conversion efficiency of 2.1, young growing housed pigs in optimal conditions efficiently convert

profitability. It can be very rewarding to

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their growth rates slow. Access to fresh, clean drinking water 24/7 is a must for pigs to grow efficiently and produce good quality meat. Pigs are social animals, so keeping at with company and warmth. Provision of adequate dry, warm bedding and draught-free housing with enough space for lying is essential, as outlined in MPI’s Code of Welfare for Pigs 2018. It is estimated that pigs housed outdoors require 15 percent more dietary energy compared with those housed indoors. has potential for lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with some other livestock species. Because feed scraps and pasture are

| The Tamworth’s ginger coat provides sunburn protection and better climate adaptability.

of variable quality and do not contain

LIVEWEIGHT GAIN TARGETS

essential amino acids like lysine, they

• Weaning to 15kg – 450g/day

cannot provide a balanced diet that supports efficient and rapid growth

• 15-40kg – 600g/day

rates. A good option for a smaller-sized

• 40-70kg – 850g/day

operation is feeding NRM Little Pig

• 70kg to slaughter (about 115kg) – more than 1kg/day

Tucker Pellets through until 15-17 weeks of age and then NRM Big Pig Nuts until

These targets are subject to variables owing to feeding system, nutrition, environment, health and genetics. Different pig breeds perform differently at different weights, but these weights are a good guide.

slaughter. These diets provide sufficient energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for disease prevention. Food normally accounts for over 50 percent of pig-farming costs, making feed-use efficiency an important indicator of farm productivity and know what you have fed your pigs and that you have blanketed them with good care while satisfying their wellbeing during growth prior to their providing you with meat for your family.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Tiffany Menzies, Farmlands Technical Product Manager

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © October 2021. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 41


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Articles inside

Clean water storage reaches new heights

4min
pages 61-64

Century Farms – Five generations call farm home

2min
page 65

Technology helps take strain out of fencing

2min
pages 59-60

From field tiles to smooth-wall pipes

2min
pages 57-58

Wise product choices do two jobs at once

4min
pages 51-54

‘Blanket’ keeps lid on open-stored water

3min
pages 55-56

Angus breeders embrace tissue sampling advances

4min
pages 46-48

Lifestyle blocks offer path to biodiversity

4min
pages 42-44

Mating’s trifecta: bulls, heat and AI

2min
page 45

New research proves deferred grazing works

2min
pages 49-50

Variety the spice in pig genetics recipe

2min
page 41

Smooth weaning puts calves on good path

2min
pages 39-40

Head start for NZ in sustainability drive

5min
pages 16-17

Restoring the magic on marginal land

2min
page 23

NZ dairying leads in lowering emissions

4min
pages 28-30

Growers in good heart over hazelnuts

5min
pages 20-22

Connections central to innovation park's vision

6min
pages 18-19

Flexibility needed in feeding broodmares

2min
pages 37-38

5 minutes with Tanya

4min
pages 6-7

When biodiversity thrives the environment thrives

7min
pages 24-27
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