Raise healthy pigs with Tiger Feeds’ carefully formulated feed: Part 1

All pigs, from the smallest piglet to the oldest pig, can rest assured that they will reach full potential when their owner feeds them with the Tiger Feeds Pig range. Pigs are sensitive animals with a high risk of contracting diseases. You can enhance their performance and reduce losses by providing them with the best feed available. Tiger Feeds focuses on six different formulas – each one carefully developed for a specific stage or need. This month we shall look at the first three mixes. The Sow and Boar mix is supplied in a meal format, and is classified as a pig breeder diet. It is specially formulated to address the specific needs of the pregnant sow, boar, and gilt. A strict feeding programme should be followed. The recommended levels may, however, be adjusted depending on the body condition of individual animals.

Feeding recommendations of the Sow and Boar mix:

• Dry sow: Feed directly after service, a restricted diet of 2,2 kg per day. At four weeks prior to farrowing, increase to 2,5 kg per day. • Boar: Feed a restricted diet of 2,2 kg per day. • Gilts: Feed a restricted diet of 2,5 kg per day four weeks prior to service.

A working boar has specific nutritional needs and Tiger Feeds can supply that. A lactating sow needs extra and specific nutrients to produce enough milk for her piglets.

Table 1: Sow and Boar mix

Nutrient Protein Fat Fibre Moisture Calcium Calcium Phosphorus Total lysine Quantity 135 25 80 120 8 12 6 7 Unit g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg Max/min Min Min Max Max Min Max Min Min

Table 2: Lactating Sow mix

Nutrient Protein Fat Fibre Moisture Calcium Calcium Phosphorus Total lysine Quantity 150 25 80 120 8 12 6 8 Unit g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg Max/min Min Min Max Max Min Max Min Min

The Lactating Sow mix is supplied in a meal format and is also classified as a pig breeder diet. Lactating Sow has been formulated to address the specific needs of the lactating sow in order to maximise milk production and subsequent weaning weight.

Feeding recommendations of the Lactating Sow mix:

• Feed 2,5 kg on the first day (preferably split into three feedings per day, for example morning 1 kg, lunch 0,5 kg and supper 1 kg.

The total is 2,5 kg) • Increase by 0,5 kg per day until the sow reaches her maximum intake. (Peak lactation normally occurs around day 21, with an average maximum intake at this stage of about 12 kg per day.

Weaning to service

Feed ad libitum from weaning to service. Thereafter change to Sow and Boar. The Piglet Creep mix is supplied in a meal or crumble format, and is classified as a pre-wean diet. Piglet Creep is a highly digestible diet, which is used to assist the piglet in the change it makes from a liquid milk diet to a solid cereal diet. The correct diet during this period will maximize growth and reduce post-weaning weight loss.

Feeding recommendations Pre weaning:

Feed from 7 days of age to one week post weaning. (Feed ad libitum in small quantities as often as possible.)

Post weaning:

It is recommended that fresh water is always available, and the feed is given ad libitum in small quantities as often as possible.

Expected intakes:

From 7 days to 5 weeks and 5,6 kg per pig for this period.

Table 3: Piglet Creep mix

Nutrient Protein Fat Fibre Moisture Calcium Calcium Phosphorus Total lysine Quantity 200 25 40 120 8 10 6 8 Unit g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg g/Kg Max/min Min Min Max Max Min Max Min Min

The transfer from milk to a solid diet can be stressful for a piglet and the ration should make this process as easy as possible.

Contact Given Hamanungu on +260-97-540-3834 or +260-96-793-3658, or givenhams@gmail.com for more information on starting your own pig production venture.

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