I recently wrote about the 4 things that I had to change to create a successful breeding program.
1- A scheduled vaccination program was my first post.
2 - When to pair your breeding stock was the second one....
Now it's time for 3 & 4.
Another subject that is largely dismissed in the small farm/ pastured pig movement is mold management.
It's specifically called mycotoxins. And, it could effect the results of your breeding operation.
.....
As I've mentioned before, I went into pigs thinking that they were this indestructible eating machine. That nothing could slow them down.
I have learned that's not true.
And this is not just for the Meishan, this is all pigs.
Mold, or Mycotoxins, can cause reduced success in your breeding operation.
Really!
Mycotoxins are another cause of infertility or reduced litter sizes.
As listed on The Pig Site, mold can be problematic.
What effect can mycotoxins have on pigs?
There are many different types of mycotoxins and these have different effects on pigs. It is important to remember that there are other factors that may contribute to these problems.
There is no safe level of mycotoxins for pigs.
Clinical signs in pigs associated with mycotoxins include:
- poor reproductive performance
- vomiting
- decreased feed intake and growth rate
- increased susceptibility to disease.
.....
After realizing this, I moved my feed storage to a climate controlled area. Georgia can be hot and humid and that's the perfect recipe for mold.
I also stopped any outside food from being fed to my herd. Especially bread.
Did you know that there are types of mold on bread that you can't even see?
YEP!
It's just not worth the risk to me.
So, take a look at your feed program, what your pigs are consuming, and, consider adjusting your program as well!
