Re: Question on rasing a few pigs

Posted by LAA on February 05, 2012 at 05:32:40 from (86.51.147.113):

In Reply to: Re: Question on rasing a few pigs posted by NW Ohio Tim on February 05, 2012 at 03:44:11:

I am in the livestock business and have been all my life, over the years I have made a profit with cattle, sheep and hogs as well as laying hens, every farm animal is healthier and has less feet and leg problems and less need for supplemental vitamins if they are run on pasture. The ''cheapness of feed'' I was referring to was due to the pasture itself, I did not say it would be faster gains, just the opposite, he actually mentioned that he had pasture available in the original post. Again, he was not talking about 500 head, he was talking about 2-3 head. I clearly stated that if he wanted the most efficient gains then dry lot was the way to go. As far as my comment about pasture systems in the 50's that was not entirely accurate because the real story is that probably no less than 50% of the sows in the US were farrowed on pasture and pigs fed out on pasture or in the open up until the late 70's, early 80's, it is still a viable method and proven to be the most economical for a small to mid size producer. As far as University studies and experiments go, why do you think the land grant university system was established in the first place? it was precisely to help farmers stay in business and produce more food for a growing population by improving the methods and conditions under which livestock are raised. You have an Animal Science degree yet you disdain Agricultural research, much of which has resulted in improving the quality of life for literally hundreds of millions of people world wide. By the way, pasture should not be a half mudded lot or the poorest piece of ground on the farm, it should be a well tended acreage that is properly managed, fertilized, limed and every effort made to keep a green and growing crop of some kind on it year round or, at least as many days per year as the local climate allows. I do live in the deep south and we have the advantage of mild winters but that also means year round, non stop microbial action taking place in the soil with the attendent constant leaching of nutrients, in other words, proper management of pasture in my area takes way more management effort than dry lot or barn feeding.

Replies:

Add a Reply Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Optional Video Title: Optional Video URL: Advanced Posting Options Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.   Advanced Posting Tools   Upload Photo  Select Gallery Photo  Attach Serial # List  Return to Post

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]