Pros and cons of pig premixes, composition and top producers
Livestock people need to know about pig premixes. These are special biological additives that can improve the taste of the feed, saturate it with vitamin and mineral components. It is important to know what types of premixes exist, on the basis of which they are produced, and also what are their advantages and disadvantages.
What is a premix and what is its use
Every farmer counts on the profit from raising pigs and pigs. Therefore, the meat of these animals should have the best properties. Biological additives called premixes have been specially developed for these purposes. The term "premix" itself combines two Latin words. "Pre" literally means "preliminarily" and "Mix" means "to mix."
Therefore, it is a filler for animal feed containing a specially selected complex of vitamins, minerals, or a combination of both. Supplements are mineral, vitamin and combined. The mixtures additionally contain amino acids. Wheat bran is more often used as a filler for the pig premix. This choice is due to the fact that it is a product with a uniform structure, in which other components are easily dissolved.
There are different types of nutritional supplements for piglets up to ten weeks old, young fattening pigs, sows and mature boars.
Quality pig premixes have a number of beneficial properties. They are capable of:
- increase the productivity of sows;
- improve offspring survival rates;
- ensure the birth of strong and healthy piglets;
- protect young animals from infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- positively influence the process of assimilation of valuable nutrients contained in feed;
- to accelerate the adaptation of young animals to new types of pig feed;
- improve the absorption of important nutrients, as a result of which the total feed consumption can be reduced by up to 30%;
- constantly cleanse the organisms of animals from toxic substances that penetrate during eating;
- activate the metabolic process;
- provide a healing and strengthening effect;
- reduce the level of susceptibility to diseases and strengthen the immunity of pigs;
- regularly increase the gain.
Pros and cons
Pork feed additives have advantages and disadvantages that every farmer needs to be aware of.
If the product is of high quality, tested and reliable, it has the following advantages:
- accelerated growth of individuals and improved quality of meat;
- optimal dosage of components necessary for the pig's body;
- excellent taste and quality of feed;
- the ability to control its consumption depending on the needs of the animal;
- improving the general condition of the pig population without increasing the cost of special feed;
- increasing the ability of the immune system of livestock in the fight against the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
The disadvantages are manifested exclusively in violation of technological processes for the production of premixes for pigs. A product becomes not only useless, but also dangerous if its components begin to disintegrate.
Vitamin and chemical composition
There are three categories of pig premixes:
- full (combined);
- vitamin;
- vitamin and mineral.
Up to thirty components can be included in the premix. These include vitamins, minerals and protein.
The vitamin premix contains the following vitamins:
Vitamin name | Purpose and useful properties |
AND | Useful for visual acuity. Promotes the proper development of the intestinal mucous membranes. Ensures the birth of a strong and healthy offspring |
Niacin (PP or B3) | Increases lactation in female pigs. It also activates the correct metabolism of carbohydrates. |
D | It is essential for the prevention of skeletal and articular deformities. Helps to better absorb phosphorus and calcium, distributing it evenly over bone tissues. |
E | It is used as a preventive measure against fertility and muscle weakness. It is necessary for the integrity of mucous and epithelial tissues. Forms strong immunity to common diseases. |
K | Ensures the correct growth of animals. Makes bones strong and healthy, prevents blood clotting and helps prevent obesity in pigs. |
Mineral premixes contain:
- iron (helps to better transport blood in pigs);
- copper (synthesizes hemoglobin and forms healthy bone tissue);
- zinc (activates the fermentation of food entering the intestines);
- cobalt (synthesizes vitamin B12 and protects against anemia);
- selenium (destroys toxic substances);
- iodine (activates the thyroxine production process, prevents the weakness of piglets).
Additional components can be:
- amino acids necessary for the formation of muscle tissue;
- enzymes that increase the nutritional value of feed.
- feed antibiotics Salinomycin and Avilomycin, which stimulate weight gain and growth.
Top manufacturers
Many agro-technical enterprises are engaged in the industrial production of premixes for pigs. Reputable manufacturers are:
- Karital-PROK;
- "Miagro";
- "BioPro".
Selection rules
When choosing a premix for fattening pigs, you need to remember the rules. First of all, you should take into account the reputation of the manufacturer. When buying, it is advisable to require a quality certificate for the product.
Criterias of choice:
- type of premix;
- purpose;
- the action to be taken.
When choosing premixes for piglets, you need to pay attention to the composition. The mandatory components of such products should be:
- vitamins A, B, D and K;
- calcium, zinc, iodine, phosphorus and other trace elements;
- supplements that help the growing body to absorb nutrients. These can be carotenoids, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Application Tips
It is necessary to apply the premix for pigs strictly according to the instructions on the package. You should also consider a few tips:
- Heat treatment of the premix is not allowed, since as a result of such exposure, vitamins decompose. The additives should be added to the feed cooled to room temperature.
- Do not exceed the rates and dosages indicated on the product packaging. The body of animals is not able to assimilate double doses of substances.
- Premix and feed must be produced by trusted manufacturers.
- Initial dosages should be minimal, with gradual increases.
- It is unacceptable to use premixes that do not correspond to the age and physical condition of the animal.
- Supplements that have passed the expiration date cannot be used, since vitamins are not stored in them.
- The frequency of use of additives is 1-2 times a day.