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When spraying pesticides on pastures, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of herbicide poisoning. You should carefully plan the timing of pesticide application and avoid using forage grass that has been recently sprayed. It is recommended to wait until after rainfall or at least one month before using the grass as animal feed to reduce the risk of pesticide toxicity. This practice helps prevent poisoning in livestock.
Another important consideration is toxic plants commonly found in pastures, such as poison parsley and other poisonous grasses. These plants can cause serious health issues if ingested by animals. It’s essential to identify and remove them from grazing areas to ensure the safety of your livestock.
Certain plant materials should also be avoided when feeding pigs. For example, sprouted potatoes contain high levels of solanine, which can lead to paralysis and even death in pigs. Similarly, fresh sorghum and corn seedlings contain cyanogenic compounds that can release hydrogen cyanide when consumed, leading to poisoning. It's best to avoid these materials entirely when feeding pigs.
Harvesting forage at the right time is key to maximizing its nutritional value. Grasses should be cut before they start to head, legumes before flowering, and leafy forages during the leaf stage. This ensures that the feed contains the highest levels of vitamins and other essential nutrients.
Forage should not be stored for long periods. Fresh green feed, especially in summer and autumn, is best used immediately. If left too long, it can spoil, heat up, and produce harmful nitrites due to bacterial activity. Pigs that consume spoiled feed are at risk of poisoning, so it’s important to manage feed storage properly.
It’s also important not to feed only one type of forage for an extended period. Different forages offer varying nutritional benefits—grasses are rich in carbohydrates, legumes provide protein, and leafy forages are high in vitamins and minerals. Feeding only one type can lead to nutritional deficiencies. To maintain a balanced diet, it’s best to mix different forages and supplement with grains like corn, bran, soybean meal, and mineral supplements such as bone meal or eggshell powder.
After feeding green feed, it’s advisable to chop it into small pieces (about 0.5–1 cm) or beat it before mixing it with other feeds. This makes it easier for pigs to digest. For green feeds with poor palatability or high fiber content, fermentation can improve their quality and digestibility. When introducing new green feeds, start with small amounts—around 20% of the total feed—and gradually increase over 3–5 days to allow the pigs to adjust.
Finally, the amount of green feed should not be excessive, especially for young pigs. Overfeeding moist green feed can lead to digestive problems like diarrhea. Always monitor the quantity and adjust based on the pigs’ age and health condition.