Principles of Practical Pig Breeding and Feeding by E. W. Brooks & R. Bolton

Author:E. W. Brooks & R. Bolton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
Published: 2013-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

VITAMEALO No. 1 CONCENTRATE and VITAMEALO “X.A.” BASIS FOOD

For many years we had one concentrate for pigs—VITAMEALO No. 1—which is used at the rate of 10% in the ration. From time to time changes have been made in the constitution of VITAMEALO No. 1 where we have been able to improve, but recent developments led us into a wider field and as a result of these we marketed some time ago another food—VITAMEALO “X.A.” BASIS—which is used in the proportion of 15% of the ration—as an alternative to VITAMEALO No. 1.

The chief difference between these alternative foods is that VITAMEALO “X.A.” contains the dried Grass product already referred to and which, of course, accounts for its greenish colour.

We emphasise that this product is not the usual type of imported Alfalfa Meal, which we do not recommend. This grass product is being made specially for us and the process employed is such that practically the full value of young spring grass is maintained for a very considerable period.

Pigs are liable to suffer from deficiencies of Vitamin A to an extent not generally recognised. Furthermore, it must be realised that modern methods extort a much higher performance from the animals than nature ever intended, therefore stamina must be guarded and built up. It is particularly on the score of stamina and better health that we have introduced VITAMEALO “X.A.” BASIS. The two “X.A.” meals will provide 170—200 units of Carotene per oz. of food fed, as compared with the usual 3–5 units per oz. in average rations. Carotene is converted by the animal into Vitamin A.

Thus, it will be realised that a very rich supply of Vitamin A is made available in the “X.A.” rations. It is particularly important that when “X.A.” Meal is used wet, it is not left soaking unduly. Reference has already been made to this subject generally.

Caution is necessary when young pigs are changed over to “X.A.” ration. Just as animals tend to looseness when turned out on spring grass, so they may when put on to “X.A.” at first. This looseness is quite harmless, but to avoid it we recommend that for the first week, the “X.A.” ration is fed with an equal amount of Middlings, this dilutes the suddenness of the change.

Values of VITAMEALO No. 1 Concentrate and “X.A.” Basis Food compared. We give our candid comparison between the No. 1 Concentrate and the “X.A.” Basis. Where the system of rearing allows the sows in-pig and the sows with litters to be put on good pasture all the time there would be little advantage in “X.A.” over No. 1 in the spring and summer but for winter feeding. “X.A.” would provide a considerable amount of the value of the spring grass. Where sows are kept on indifferent pasture, in woodlands, or confined, then we advise “X.A.” all the time. In practice it will be found that “X.A.” will show a much more marked difference with pigs below the average than with first-rate animals—this is definitely to be expected.

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