4 Steps To Rearing Pigs - What Pig Farmers Need To Know

Many farmers see rearing pigs as a very lucrative business, which is why the industry has been going on for many years. Markets are high in demand for pork and to be able to win in such competition, one must be able to rear pigs the proper way. This means he or she must know what to provide for the pigs, how to pick healthy and impressive pigs with outstanding qualities, and also how to breed these pigs for more stock in the future.

For this article, tips on rearing pigs will be enumerated and discussed for readers who are interested in becoming pig farmers.

1. The first thing that a farmer must have when rearing pigs is a large housing space for the stalls or pig pens. These pens must be roomy enough for the pigs and their future litter and should be maintained and cleaned at all times. Another important thing to remember is fencing, which should be secure enough to keep the pigs from roaming around the house on their own. You can build these stalls with hog wire and secure them with fences.

2. Next, you need to be able to seek out good pig breeders who can provide you with well-rounded pigs for breeding and selling. If you're rearing pigs for their meat, you have to pick out breeders who are well-known for their healthy and impressive selections of pigs for slaughter. Take some time to browse through the yellow pages or visit your favorite local pig stores for referrals.

3. An important tip when rearing pigs is to know when the sows are ready to mate with the boars. You will know if it is time to mate when the vulvas of the pigs are swelling. This is a major indicator of fertility, so if you have young sows that are ready to mate, you can breed them on their first day of fertility already. Once you have sows that are older in age, you may have to start breeding the next day for a higher chance of pregnancy.

4. Feeding is a very vital part in raising pigs. Ideally, you have to feed pigs at least twice a day, but depending on the breed of the pig and the purpose of breeding them, you may have to increase the number of feeding times to speed up growth and weight gain. Always have a good supply of pig feed so that your pigs will remain healthy and plump.

By: Sarah B

When It Comes To Dog Food, It’s Better To Go Organic

These days, it seems that organic is the way to go. But when it comes to our canines, does it really pay to go organic? The answer is yes. Organic dog food contains a better source of nutritional value than even the most premium of non-organic brands. Feeding your four-legged friend organic dog food does more the leave him with a shiny coat. It gives your dog more energy, reduces digestive problems and improves your dog’s quality of life.

If we humans are feeling lethargic and low on energy then we’re not inclined to go on that walk or get to the gym. The same goes for your dog. Just like us, your dog’s energy level dictates how much he’ll exercise. The less active he is the more likely he’ll be overweight, which can lead to a host of problems including, hip dysphasia, diabetes and organ failure. By choosing to feed your dog organic dog food, you’re going to help him gain more energy and thus more exercise.

Organic food is naturally more nutritious than non-organic brands and nutrient-rich ingredients quite simply produce more energy. Organic food also does not contain bulk-fillers, which are inexpensive ingredients such as corn and potatoes that just “fill” your dog up. Some studies even show that dogs that eat organic tend to eat less amounts overall, which along with increased energy and exercise, aids in maintaining your dog’s healthy weight.

Since organic food is not made with chemicals, fillers and artificial substances, it doesn’t wreak havoc on your four-legged friend’s digestive system. Such harmful substances are replaced with healthy oats, whole grains and human-grade proteins such as chicken, turkey and lamb. These ingredients are much easier for your dog to digest and lead to less bloating, less gas and healthier amounts of waste. As an added benefit you’ll find that your dog will show a decrease in skin infections and allergies.

Even if your canine doesn’t seem to be lethargic or show any digestive issues or skin ailments, your his quality of life can be greatly affected by diet. The food you choose to feed your dog will have a direct impact on how he looks, behaves and feels. Organic foods boost the immune system of your dog, which will help him fight off future illness and infection down the road. Infections and illnesses are not only expensive to treat, but are also quite painful and annoying for your dog, thus diminishing his quality of life. Buying organic dog food essentially means that you’re being ensuring your dog a healthier future.

Today more and more Veterinarians are recommending dog owners buy organic––even above premium, non-organic brands. That’s because their benefits are plentiful. Dogs that eat organic food tend to eat less overall and absorb more of the nutrients they really need. The result is an increase in energy and maintenance of a healthy weight, a healthy digestive system with less waste and, with a boost to the immune system, an increase in quality of life. If going organic is good enough for us, it’s good enough for our best friends.

By: Jessie Mayfield