Hog operations in Kansas are relatively few and far between, at least compared with the cattle industry. However, the producers in our region are as knowledgeable and exacting as anyone in the country. From farrowing, to growing and finishing hogs, show stock and pot-belly pigs, you’ll find swine herds of all shapes and sizes here on the Plains.
For breeding herds and farrowing operations, Countryside Feed offers a complete line of creep and starter feeds, as well as complete feeds and custom mixes specially tailored to the needs of gilts, sows and boars.
Once those pigs are ready to feed, our expert nutritionists can help formulate rations that promote both feed efficiency as well as healthy animals. We don’t cut corners on feed ingredients, or substitute lesser products to pad our own margins. We are in business for one reason only, and that is to serve the needs our livestock customers.
Get your questions answered about swine nutrition right here. Our nutritionists take on everything from getting finicky piglets started on feed, to hay and forage quality, to minerals and trace minerals and their effect on swine health and performance. To send us a question, simply click the button below and follow the prompts.
Scraps or grain-only diets are not the best pig feed.
Choosing the right feed is an important part of raising pigs. A well-balanced diet for pigs includes energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients to support your pigs’ growth, health and development. How much of these nutrients your pigs need depends on several factors, including life stage, weight, breed and environment.
Energy for Pigs
Common sources of energy in pig feed include cereal grains, grain byproducts and fats such as corn oil or soybean oil. The amount of energy pigs need can vary by age or environment. For example, pigs raised in locations with extreme weather might need extra energy to maintain their body temperatures.
Protein for Pigs
Proteins are made of combinations of amino acids, and they are not all the same. Pigs have specific amino acid needs to help support everyday body function, such as digestion, muscle development and growth. One amino acid, lysine, plays a bigger role than others. Without enough lysine, your pigs can’t efficiently use the other essential amino acids in their feed for optimal development. Diets of only corn and soybeans might provide limited lysine – less than needed to support optimal pig nutrition – while other non-essential amino acids may exceed the amount needed. Excess amino acids would go to waste if you weren’t feeding enough lysine.
Vitamins, Minerals, Botanicals and other functional components
Botanical, or plant-based, ingredients in a complete feed can be beneficial for pigs. Botanicals can enhance flavor and support digestion. Vitamins and minerals help with skeletal and immune system development and help your pigs feel active. Fiber helps support pigs’ gut development and maintenance of the digestive function. Finally, pigs must have access to as much fresh, clean water as they want to drink.
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