mixing feeds

[mr hog]

Hi doc nemo and everybody is there a proven formula for mixing feeds?The big farms do I would like to try to save some money..any info would be great thankx

[Slyfox]

depende po sa breed ng baboy mo. meron kaukulan nutritional requirement on each breed. ano po breed ng baboy mo?

[nemo]

There is a proven process in formulating feeds.

But proven formula is a bit subjective. It is not only the genetics but also the environment and age of the animal is taken to consideration.

Contrary to the belief of others there are times that commercial feeds are higher in specs/formula than feeds mixed in large farm.

[genie_ps]

Yes Doc, I believe it's subjective.  Some farms have ad hoc formula depending on their preference.   I might not totally agree with you but yes there are times only and not totally that commercial feeds are higher in specs than farm formula. 

In my own opinion, there are times when raw materials are scarce like at present.  If my brain RAM serves me right, the government has announced the intention of allowing importation of some 500,000 metric tonnes of corn because of our country's production shortfall.  Just goes to show, that feed mills could be resorting to corn alternatives such as cassava or wheat as replacement ingredient.  In which case, some farms might even get the better of the feed mills in sourcing locally since they need only very little corn compared to commercial mills.  Usually, in the provinces, pig farmers are privy to deals with small corn farmers in which case feed millers don't bother doing because of their huge requirement.  Understandably, it's a tedious work collecting bits and pieces from different places.

I am presently using commercial feeds, but that doesn't mean I am happy with it.  Well time changes.  I could go back to the old days just like what my Lola did.  She used to feed her hogs with "Kulasiman and kangkong"  (lol).  Pero mind you Doc, mas masarap at walang kaba kainin ang baboy during the old days.

[nemo]

I am not sure but i do believe that substituting ingredients just to obtain the proper specs and price of feeds is an accepted truth/fact in the feed industry.

In the end of the day it is the specs and price would count and not really the ingredients that use in it.

As long as ingredients are not substandard.

[mikey]

Doc, feed companies also import large volumes of USA soybeans,as for the corn,well to my knowledge corn makes livestock fattier,here in Canada wheat grain makes our hogs a better product and makes us a top exporter of frozen pork,the Americans are a top producer of corn,their livestock gets more corn in their diets.I guess I am not so far off so far,if our whole wheat,barley and soybeans grow,will put us ahead of most,as for the diet thing,my take is if you had 100 people,feed them the same thing,not all would grow at the same rate,genes play an important part here,may be more so than breed specific.I have always seen myself more of a lone wolf type,do not like to run with the pack but rather lead the pack.Some of the feeds here in North America contain steriods,its main purpose to get the stock up to weight as fast as possible,at any cost to the health of that animal.Poultry is a prime example,how do you get a chick from 1 day old to your dinner table in 5 weeks,breed plays a important part but its in the feed.Farming is now big business,to have an edge over the next guy/girl,nothing personal,just business.Business people in the protein delivery bus.
Good Farming Boys/Girls             

mikey Proud to be an INDEPENDANT PRODUCER

[mr hog]

thankx all for your help

[mr hog]

Sir mikey you have mail

[genie_ps]

In the end of the day it is the specs and price would count and not really the ingredients that use in it.

As long as ingredients are not substandard.

There you hit the nail right on the head, Doc.   Thanks for educating a newbie.