probotics instead of antibiotic

[jk47]

The use of the probitcs could be used in the swine industry instead of antibiotics
Due to the consumers concern of meat safety
And how healthy it is. Now for my personal opinions
the use of probitcs would make antibiotic more effective when needed because the disease cant build an immunity to them if they arnt used regularly and if probitcs given to the pigs when there young they would be immune and harder

 

[M.L. McKnight]

I read this post on Saturday and decided to give it some thought before responding. I agree that probiotics would be very helpful to the swine industry but I disagree with their overall model of production. In my opinion the swine industry needs to forget the notion of raising pigs on concrete and raise them outside in the pasture and practice pasture rotation with their stock. The pigs could get loads of nutrients and good bacteria from the soil and if you wanted to give your hogs a little extra then mix some yogurt in their feed.

 

[SheepGirl]

I disagre with that thought. Commercial hog production has its place as it is far more efficient feeding them harvested feeds than have the pigs harvest their own feed. Personally when i ever get pigs (not any time soon because my mom doesnt like them), i am going to pen them up because they are more productive and efficient when given a steady complete diet. Subtherapeutic antibiotics are used to prevent disease outbreaks in large, closely confined herds. Probiotics wont have the same effect. As far as subtherapeutic use, its not much different than having acne medication in makeup, coccidiostats in feed, antibacterial hand soap, or having any other daily use product have an active ingredient in it. JMO.

 

[jk47]

I agree with sheepgirl I keep my pigs on concret and ifs alot more cconvenient and cleaner the pens are sloped and all I have to do is hose the manure down into a channel in the middle of all the pens
Into a drain and mknight is right if one catches something they all do
And i give them certain meds. As a preventive I dont remember of my head if its an antibiotic or not

 

[M.L. McKnight]

I have been in some of the huge hog operations and have seen the endless pens of hogs on concrete and that soured me on the idea.
You can hose down the pens and then flush the trough to keep everything clean, I am drawn more to keeping mine on pasture. I have raised pigs for a time now and they do quite well on dirt. Dry lots are an option but if you ever get the chance, raise a few on pasture and you'll notice the difference.
I feed my hogs in addition to raising them on pasture. Factory farms raise pork, I raise pigs.

 

[jk47]

I more ment raising your own pigs is easer with a concrete pen with a drain. But commercial swine operation are different are dont really get hosed off when the pigs are there
And the pigs are dirtery
And like always you make a really good argument on pasture raised pigs. And kinda off topic but dont forget those before and after pictures of you pasture hogs

 

[M.L. McKnight]

I'm not trying to throw a wrench in anyone's plan Bud, just not a fan of concrete. I actually know a few guys in the Mid-West who raise their stock on concrete, keep their facilities pristine and have outstanding genetics.

I haven't forgotten about posting before and after pictures of my pigs, it won't be this winter though. I sold all of my little ones and had an issue with one of my sows that made her lose a litter. (My darling mule chased her and tussled with her. She is alright but I was kind of counting on that litter.)
I will be breeding my sows to a Berk x Hamp and will have to wait until late Spring-Early Summer before I get pork on the table. I will fill that space in the freezer with deer and there is a STRONG possibility that I'll dress out a number of wild hogs this season too.
I don't quite have a photographic memory but I find it extremely difficult to forget, I'll post some good pictures.

 

[jk47]

I didn't think you were trying to throw a wrench in anyone's plan. I thinks theres a number of different ways to raise pigs and each person has to choose the one thats fits their management style. As long as they produce a good quality product
And I also dont want to sway people from pasture raised ether I think thats also a great way to raise pigs. Also I hope you bag some deer for the feeezer

 

[M.L. McKnight]

I intend to bag two deer, 2-3 wild hogs and a pair of home raised pigs in the spring!
My smokehouse needs to be filled with hams, sausage and bacon.