Key Factors (Continued from Page 34) as well as the payment incentives in the packer’s weight and grade program. But difficult as it is, you must go through the pro cess if you wish to remain competitive. Minimizing Nutrient Excretion Our industry is just beginning to consider the amount of nutrients that are excreted by the pigs. In fact, at least 60 percent of any nutrient we feed will end up in the manure. The excretion of two of the major soil nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, can be reduced by 15-20 percent through changes in diet formulation A simple and economical way to minimize nitro gen excretion is to lower the protein content and correct the deficiency by adding crystalline lysine. For example, 100 pounds of soybean meal can be safely removed from a one-ton diet by replacing it with 96.5 pounds of corn and 3.5 pounds of lysine- HCI. Many producers already do this because the corn/lysine mixture is often cheaper than the soy bean meal. Our 'problem with this substitution is that it lowers the nitrogen in the manure, while the phos phorus remains unchanged making the nitrogen- A 717-866-0200 Mil*. Toll Free 888-866-0201 Equipment 630 6. Lincoln Ave. Rt. 422 Myerstown, Pa 17067 Jake Stoltzfus & Mike Brendle, Owners We Sell & Service: •B — 1 Silo Doors by •jgimECfivu) -Matt.lei • *~RISSLER') *| Lancaster ” • SILOS • BUNKER SILOS • SILO RELINE __ Telemark Leasing iJSm API Stearns Leasing VflimETflil .aFi r with » henUg* #/ gutklt m :phosphorus ratio somewhat worse. Most producers develop their nutrient management plans on the basis of nitrogen. Under normal conditions, apply ing manure to meet the crop’s needs for nitrogen will provide more phosphorus than is required. A relatively new approach is to use phytase, an enzyme that helps improve phosphorus availability. Much of the phosphorus in plant-based ingredients is not digestible by the pig. To provide adequate phosphorus, we use inorganic supplements. By adding phytase to the diet, the phosphorus is more readily available, and we can reduce the amount of supplemental phosphorus. This means the total amount of phosphorus excreted in the manure is also reduced. This doesn’t completely eliminate the nitrogemphosphorus imbalance in the manure, but it’s an important step in the right direc tion. Feed Withdrawal If possible, withdraw access to feed about 16 hours prior to the expected time of slaughter. This reduces the risk of puncturing the gut during the processing, and it also saves you at least 50 cents per Pig- Water Intake Many producers are recognizing the benefits of Gi FEED & SUPPLY, INC. Manheim, PA Sjr I*w The Best Quality Dairy Feeds Full Line of Dairy Feed Ingredients For A Healthier Herd S. XT-Liv-St ck,W-t_rS ft_n_r I ck r.-ILts 0 e rs ANIMAL HEALTH SUPPLIES Bags or Bulk in most items - You Mix or YVe Mix Store: 717-665-5001 Mill: 717-665-6122 BOO-648-2968 farm Y 2724 Conestoga Creek Rd \ / X Morgantown, PA \ o/ ,Jf\ 610-286-9052) o 3g* Sales & I fg Rentals / (Turn to Page 36) B ’a rs B □ t-i 13 ra B El
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers