Evaluating vitamin premixes for swine

Abstract

Feed is a major portion of the total costs involved in Missouri swine production. Interest in on-farm ration formulation and mixing is growing, particularly in years of short feed supplies and high prices. If producers are willing to learn the nutrient requirements for various weights and classes of hogs and to apply information available on nutrient levels in feeds, they can formulate and mix swine rations that will result in performance comparable with those commercially available. On-farm mixing is not for all producers. It does demand accuracy, attention to detail, additional equipment in some cases, and a good job of mixing. Supplying vitamins has been a problem for those interested in on-farm ration formulation in some areas of Missouri. Several vitamin sources are available to producers. These vary rather widely in price, number of vitamins contained, concentration of vitamins in the mix, and other nutrients or additives present.