The Rural Voice, 1983-06, Page 43�/// /.
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Re-evaluating
restricted feeding
versus full feeding
by Richard Smelski, Swine Specialist,
Floor feeding versus self -feeders is
part of the age-old argument of restricted
feeding versus full feeding. Self -feeders
(full feeding) are once again being
re-evaluated due to: 1) the supposed
progress in genetics, nutrition and
environment; 2) larger size of pork
production units; 3) lack of good labour;
and 4) trend towards automation for ease
of management. Floor feeding as prac-
ticed in Ontario can be considered a form
of restricted feeding (if it isn't, it should
be). Exceptions to this are when feed is
available to floor fed pigs beyond 30
minutes after feeding and no doubt, this
method is very wasteful.
Anyone full feeding pigs on the floor is
just marketing corn and should not
expect the best profits from their pigs.
With this approach, you are not interest-
ed In obtaining decent feed conversion or
controlling the feed costs. A second
consideration is palatability. Spreading
feed on the floor on a full -feed basis
picks up excessive dirt, odours and
because It is exposed to air and
moisture, you will get feed spoilage. As a
result you get poor palatability. If the
pigs are not eating they are not growing.
This is wasteful, therefore, let's concern
ourselves more with the economics of
good management of restricted floor
feeding or self -feeders.
One of the best studies on the effect of
reduction in feed intake was performed in
England 1973 (Table 1).
If one considers pigs that are floor fed
and the feed is eaten up within 20
minutes of feeding, it should represent
85 per cent of ad lib (Table 1). Then these
PG. 42 THE RURAL VOICE, JUNE 1983
Table 1
Effect of reduction in feed intake
% of ad lib
100
95
90
85'
80
75
70
65
60
55
Daily Gain
0
- 4.2
- 7.0
-10.5
-14.7
-19.6
-25.1
-31.3
-38.1
-45.6
Feed Conversion Backfat
0 0
+ 0.8 + 3.6
+ 3.4 + 4.9
+5.2 +6.2
+ 6.3 + 7.4
+ 6.6 + 8.7
+ 6.2 + 9.9
+5.0 +11.2
+ 3.0 + 12.4
+ 0.3 + 13.7
Table 2 Floor feeding versus self-feeding
No. of pigs
Average daily gain (kg)
Feed Conversion
Dressing %
Market Index
Current Costs per 100 pigs
Income A
Feed Costs B
Replacement Cost C
Feeder Costs D
Difference
Floor Fed
72
.77
3.10
79.36
102
$13,030.
4,920.
6,000.
2.110.
Feeder Fed
72
.80
2.70
80.99
100
$13,544.
4,453.
6.234.
250.
2,607.