D2B—Lancaster Faming, Saturday, March 5,1983 NEWARK, Del - To grow well, pigs must eat properly. Whether a fanner buys ready mixed feed or prepares his own, it must contain certain necessary nutrients, says University of Delaware Extension livestock specialist Richard Fowler. He has several suggestions to help pork producers evaluate and improve feed quality. A balanced swine diet contains ground grain for energy, some from of protein like soybean meal, plus supplementary vitamins and minerals. Sow lactation rations may contain additional ingredients like alfalfa meal, ground oats or what bran for bulk. Feeder pig starter diets often are more ef fective when milk products and sugar are added, Fowler says. The grain may be ground, rolled, roasted or fed in a high moisture form. “Dry rations sometimes are moistened and fed as a paste or in water. But my observation of wet Steam, Gas Show directory LANCASTER - Wheeled farm engines that have been retired from active duty are put through their paces for an admiring public, every summer throughout the United States and Canada. Some of these engines are gigantic vehicles propelled by steam; many others are tractors powered by internal combustion engines. With them are stationary gas engines, which also had a role in producing farm energy. Just about 400 shows are held on this continent annually with all the atmosphere of an oldtime country fair. The shows are Ml of nostalgia—wholesome en Swine rations require careful preparation feeding is that-it requires more careful management. And the results may not be any better than those obtained with dry feeds,” he says. He recommends having a swine nutritionist check rations to be sure they contain proper amounts of all essential nutrients. The Extension Service does not do this, but can provide suggestions for rations. “When formulating your own feed,” Fowler says, “remember that ingredients differ. Com and barley are not equivalent energy sources especially for a young pig. Substitute ingredients only after checking with a nutritionist. Use feed additives as directed and observe withdrawal restrictions.” There are five ways to obtain complete swine rations, the specialist says. They can be bought and delivered directly to the farm. In tertainment and education every member of the family. To find where the shows are held, consult the ninth annual Steam & Gas Show Directory? issued by the Stemgas Publishing Co. Cost of the illustrated book is $3.50; order from Stemgas, Box 328, Lancaster, PA 17603. The events feature far more in addition to engines—good food, steam calliopes, museums showing all sorts of oldtime equipment, flea markets, railroad rides, book sales, quilting bees and fun that many city folk have forgotten how to have. 4-H — a family affair this case, the cost will include and minerals soon lose their markup on ingredients plus potency, Fowler warns. Some charges for grinding and delivery. manufacturers package sup- The second method is a version plements separately for this of the grain bank. Producers who reason. grow grain and feed hogs can It is also possible to prepare base deliver or store grain at a com- mixes on the farm. But this mercial elevator which has feed requires mixing equipment mixing capabilities. The elevator designed for vitamin and trace will do the grinding and mixing on mineral preparation plus very request and then deliver the accurate scales. Someone must rations, charging some markup for also be available to prepare the storage, supplemental ingredient mix. This method offers greater additions, preparation and flexibility in ration formulation delivery. and lower ingredient costs, but A third method involves buying works best on farrow-to-finish complete feed supplements and farms of 100 sows or more, mixing them with ground grain on * ‘The method of feed preparation the farm. Two or three sup- you choose depends on the time plements are required for farrow- and labor available to mix feed,” to-finish units, Fowler says. Fowler says. “Don’t attempt to Depending on how much is used, make base mixes unless you’re they can be stored in bulk bins or willing to weigh and mix all bags. Cost of this system includes ingredients carefully.” markup, delivery and handling. Proper storage is also essential Base mixes or premixes such as to a successful feeding program, vitamin and mineral supplements Keep bagged ingredients on pallets can also be bought and blended on or raised platforms. Install hopper the farm with corn and soybean bottoms on bins that will be emp meal. These premixes should not tied and refilled often, be stored longer than three months Complete clean-out is important because, when combined, vitamins in bins holding grain bought at J'(BSP "weE?? ! I “GEE. EVEN FORD TRACTORS HEED A LITTLE | ammmmmr Hardware Jt ■ sales and service ■ Don’t wait till \ ■ . Fwdcssmtic-u : ,ast minu v’ _ • Wheelbarrows " X ■IB ii GET YOUR for : I TRACTOR READY i| FOR SPRING iliiow :i ! | JS| ALLEN H. MATZ, INC. I 3816 E. Newport Road I Z ■ Gordonville, PA 17529 H 9 1 Mile East oflntercourse on Rt. 772 ■ J ](f SERVING THE COMMUNITY I Write or CaH; 717-768-8569 | ♦ 111 THIRTY-FOUR YEARS a If no answer call: 717-768-3568 B £ LANC. 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Designed to make the non- mI. iTTri Bl -*^- 8 professional work like a pro rtUSCfYjgJ i>3 J.B. ZIMMERMAN & SONS •rj DAVID E. STOLTZFUS The Husqvarna 50 Rancher cute weekends down to size. West of Blue Ball, PA. on Route 23 717-354-4955 frequent intervals, or those where the contents change. Check bins regularly to avoid grain buildup and possible molding. Hopper bottoms for grain should slope 45 degrees. Those for bean meal should slope 60 degrees unless they have an antibridging device. Fowler says vibrating devices have not proved effective in preventing bridging. Instead, he recommends using a rotating vertical device with hanging chains. On-farm mixing equipment usually consists of tractor-powered units or stationary mills. Clean and check these for accuracy. Test feed samples regularly for protein, calcium and phosphorus to assure proper diet formulation and mixing, he advises. Fanners can determine the feed preparation system best suited to their operations by calculating the cost of finished feed in the bin or feeder and comparing this with the production performance of pigs. “You may be surprised to leam that there are more effective alternatives than the one you’ve been using,” Fowler says. fr.irtors . Equipment The Ch»n Sam Pretetnnalt