**1. Reasonable Grouping**
Proper grouping of finishing pigs is essential for uniform growth and development. The grouping should be based on breed, sex, weight, and feeding behavior to ensure that pigs are grouped in a way that promotes balanced growth. A common principle is to keep weaker pigs together and avoid mixing strong ones with weak ones. It's also important to group pigs at night to reduce stress and promote social harmony. After some time, groups should be re-evaluated and adjusted as needed.
Group feeding is commonly used for finishing pigs. This method helps maximize space usage, improve labor efficiency, and lower costs. It also encourages competition among pigs, which can increase their appetite and weight gain. When grouping, it’s best to create nests that align with the natural behavior of pigs, such as keeping them in fixed areas. Each group should ideally have 10–20 pigs, while larger groups of 40–50 may be suitable for intensive housing.
**2. Feeding**
Finishing pigs grow rapidly, so they require nutrient-dense, full-rate feed to support their growth. Diversifying the diet ensures that pigs receive all necessary nutrients. A single feed type often lacks essential components, but combining different feeds allows for better nutrient utilization. For example, mixing corn and meat-and-bone meal improves protein absorption from 51% to 61%.
Feed quality plays a crucial role in both weight gain and carcass quality. Pigs are omnivores, and diets high in unsaturated fats can lead to soft body fat, which is not ideal for long-term storage. Therefore, it's advisable to reduce such feeds two months before market. The consistency of the diet also matters—too thin can reduce dry matter intake and increase urine output, while too thick may affect digestion. A water-to-feed ratio of 1:2 to 1:4 is generally recommended, with thicker rations in winter and thinner ones in summer.
**3. Feeding Timing, Quantity, and Quality**
Feeding should be done at regular times to establish a routine and promote digestive health. The number of feedings depends on the type of feed: 2–3 times daily for concentrates, and more for roughage-based diets. In summer, an extra feeding during the day may be beneficial, while in winter, an evening snack is recommended. Feeding quantity must be consistent to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Adjustments should be made based on the pig’s appetite and growth stage, ensuring each feeding is around 80–90% full. Feed types and ratios should remain stable to avoid digestive issues, and any changes should be gradual.
**4. Feeding Methods**
Two main feeding methods exist: free-choice and restricted feeding. Free-choice feeding promotes faster weight gain but can lead to excessive fat deposition. Restricted feeding improves feed efficiency and lean meat production but slows weight gain. A common strategy is to use free-feeding in the early growth phase (below 60 kg) and switch to restricted feeding later. This approach balances weight gain and carcass quality effectively.
**5. Feeding Management**
To achieve fast and efficient weight gain, proper feeding management is crucial. Using raw ingredients instead of cooked feed preserves nutrients and reduces energy costs. Dry, wet, and semi-wet feeding methods each have their pros and cons. Dry feeding is easy to manage but can cause more feed loss, while wet feeding is easier to consume but may dilute digestion. A combination method often works best, promoting better digestion and faster growth.
Feeding schedules should be consistent, with 3–6 meals per day depending on the pig’s age. Morning and evening feedings are ideal, and the amount should be adjusted to keep pigs slightly hungry but not overfed. Free-feeding can be used in early stages, while controlled feeding is better in later stages to optimize lean meat production.
**6. Feeding Frequency**
It’s recommended to feed finishing pigs 2–3 times daily. Studies show that feeding three times a day doesn’t significantly improve weight gain compared to twice. A typical split could be 35% in the morning, 25% at noon, and 40% in the evening.
**7. Water Supply**
Clean, fresh water is vital for digestion, metabolism, and temperature regulation. Pigs need about 2.5–3 liters of water per kilogram of feed. In summer, water supply should be increased. Avoid using low-quality water or substitutes, as this can waste feed and harm health.
**8. Pig House Environment**
Maintaining clean and hygienic conditions is key to disease prevention. Regular cleaning, proper waste removal, and training pigs to defecate in designated areas help keep the environment clean. Temperature should be kept between 15–23°C, with adjustments made for extreme weather. Dim lighting and good ventilation are also important to reduce stress and prevent respiratory diseases.
**9. Stocking Density**
Appropriate density ensures better growth and reduces stress. In cold seasons, 1–2 pigs per pen is ideal, while in hot weather, reducing density can improve comfort. Landrace pigs, known for aggression, require lower stocking densities.
**10. Deworming, Castration, and Disease Prevention**
Deworming and castration are critical for health and productivity. Deworming improves weight gain and feed efficiency, while castration reduces aggression and increases meat quality. Vaccinations and disease monitoring are essential to prevent outbreaks.
**11. Prevent Overexertion**
Excessive exercise, especially during fights or handling, can cause stress and even death. Keeping pigs calm and minimizing activity is important to maintain their health and growth.
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