• Post Reply Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
permaculture forums growies critters building homesteading energy monies kitchen purity ungarbage community wilderness fiber arts art permaculture artisans regional education skip experiences global resources cider press projects digital market permies.com pie forums private forums all forums
this forum made possible by our volunteer staff, including ...
master stewards:
  • Nancy Reading
  • Carla Burke
  • r ranson
  • John F Dean
  • paul wheaton
  • Pearl Sutton
stewards:
  • Jay Angler
  • Liv Smith
  • Leigh Tate
master gardeners:
  • Christopher Weeks
  • Timothy Norton
gardeners:
  • thomas rubino
  • Jeremy VanGelder
  • Maieshe Ljin

What mineral supplements do pigs need

 
Posts: 284
Location: North East Scotland
3
goat forest garden trees
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I am about to get pigs again after a break of 6 years and last time we just fed organic pelleted feed. This time they will be in a 1.5 acre field of pasture and gorse and I'm hoping to feed fewer pellets. They will get some goats milk and barley plus some pellets. Will I need to give supplemental minerals?
 
Posts: 1114
Location: Mountains of Vermont, USDA Zone 3
70
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
1) Get your soil tested to find out how complete it is. Typically selenium and iron are the highest concerns.

2) Consider supplementing with kelp. It is available certified organic if you want. See: http://www.noamkelp.com

Our soils are complete according to the soil tests but I have discovered over the years that I get an increase of one piglet per year if I also feed kelp. It doesn't take much, about a quarter ounce per hundred weight per day. See:

http://sugarmtnfarm.com/2012/03/24/mineral-deficiencies/
 
Onion rings are vegetable donuts. Taste this tiny ad:
the permaculture bootcamp in winter (plus half-assed holidays)
https://permies.com/t/149839/permaculture-projects/permaculture-bootcamp-winter-assed-holidays
reply
    Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic