Hog Feeding

Swine Feeding and Nutrition provides detailed information on aspects of swine production. It begins with a presentation of the past, present, and future of swine industry. Then, it reviews the many factors that can affect nutrient requirements and needs. This text summarizes minerals, vitamins, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, fiber, fatty acids, fat, energy, water, enzymes, and antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds in swine industry. Furthermore, it discusses the relative value of feeds for use in swine diets and the feeding requirement for baby pig, growing-finishing pigs, and the breeding herd. This book will be very valuable to beginners in swine production, established swine raisers, feed manufacturers and dealers, county agents, farm advisors and consultants, and veterinarians. Animal science and agriculture students and instructors will also find this book helpful.

Extract: There were 78 percent fewer hog farmers in 1978 than in 1950 but they produced about as much pork, and were located in the same regions of the country. The hog industry has moved rapidly to fewer and larger operations that draw on more capital-intensive technologies, like special housing with automated cleaning and feeding equipment. Differences are found in the characteristics and technical input/output ratios of smaller vs. larger operations, with apparent advantages for large operations in many important areas. These findings are based on a 1981 survey of hog producers.