Great video go figure looked like they were enjoying the turnips at first then caught a whiff of the oats and it was over.

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

Yessir indeed. Sow 5, who is in milk, ate some turnips at first but then stayed with the oats. It’s not what I expected but oh well.

My dairy cows used to annihilate poison ivy whenever they passed it, since it is a deep soil accumulator and pulls up trace minerals from deep in the ground.. I imagine that this time the pigs went for the grasses and dock because they were hungry for more protein/certain trace minerals.

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

It’s amazing what they eat some times. I trimmed the shrubs at the house and brought them to the farm to put in the wood chipper and compost them. The cows ate all but the limbs bigger than about half my pinkie finger thick. I did not realize how high the protein content can be in small grains, cereal rye especially, while they are still in the vegetative state. Up to 20% protein. The greens on turnips are high in protein, which i why expected them to eat them first. I assumed the grasses would be closer to 8-10%. The dock did not surprise me much though.

What were they eating BEFORE they entered? Must have been low on vitamins etc would be my guess judging by the previous paddock shown in video.

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

It depends on the specific vitamins and minerals we are talking about. We feed a vitamin mineral mix but at times they will annihilate one curly dock while ignoring dandelion. Other times they may ignore dock and dandelion in preference for black gum leaves or some other plant that they typically do not eat. If they eat a lot of a plant that they typically only eat little of, like the dock, dandelion, or black gum leaves, then I know we have a significant mineral or vitamin deficiency. Eating a mouthful here and there is normal, especially if they have not had it much recently. The previous paddock had very little green stuff in it.

@w8stral

Жыл бұрын

@@DowdleFamilyFarms Yup, sounds like me if I have not had a salad in a while. If I start eating one, will inhale the entire thing and then order another. It is tastier if one has not had something in a while when you really should and I feel better as well. =)

?? Most pasture raised hog farmers say they have to feed grain at about 1/2 the amount ! Here's my question what type of feed are you feeding ? Is it the corn soybean feed of a confinement or is it something different ?? Plz reply thx

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

Most pasture pig farmers that I know of either feed a grain mix free choice, or they feed a set amount daily based on animal size. In my experience and observation, pasturing pigs does not reduce grain consumption anywhere near 50% unless they have truly outstanding pasture or unless they are starving their animals. A swine nutritionist I have worked with said pasturing pigs does not reduce grain consumption and may increase it because the pigs move around more. I’m not sure of the answer but I’m skeptical of anyone who says they feed pigs half as much grain. There are times when our pigs eat much less grain in the fall when we have lots of acorns and several tons of pumpkins. However, those alternative feeds only last a few weeks. The swine feed in a very typical soy and corn mix.

How much do you spend on seed per acre when you try to improve the land?

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

It depends on what animals will go on the land, which depends on the type of cover crop, which is determined by the time of the year. By far, the best cover crop for improving land is a sorghum sudan grass based mix, with cowpeas, brassicas, sunflowers, okra, and others, but it is a summer crop. That mix is great for cattle and decent for our breeding pigs, but not as good for our grower pigs. That mix can cost anywhere from $25-$45 per acre and it is worth it for grass finishing cattle. However, stands of some clovers and rape can be as little as $10 per acre and is excellent pig feed, but it doesn’t produce as much dry matter per acre as the sorghum sudan grass mix. Our costs really depend on our goals for the crop and what time of year it is and they range from $10-$40 per acre.

@safffff1000

Жыл бұрын

@@DowdleFamilyFarms Thank you, do have one source to purchase the seed from?

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

We purchase them at our local coop.

I Dock just called that, or does it have a longer name?

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

It’s often called curly dock or yellow dock. I think those are the same plant, just different names. There might be a difference between curly and yellow rock but I don’t think so. The Latin name is rumex crispus. Depending upon where you are located you probably have it or something similar like Boston plantain or chicory growing in your area.

What do you mean about BEST BABIES? Describe the differences and Reasons.

@DowdleFamilyFarms

Жыл бұрын

5:53 She produces larger litters, that are stronger, grow faster, and wean better compared to the others on our farm.

They are in hog heaven

@DowdleFamilyFarms

3 ай бұрын

Indeed.