| 摘要 |
Hogs are provided with all the feed they care to consume for a limited feeding period of time, and thereafter all feed is denied to the hogs for a limited feedless period of time. Preferably, weaner hogs are provided with all the feed they care to consume during three separated, limited feeding periods of approximately two hours each per day. These feeding periods are alternated with three feedless periods during which all feed is denied to all the small hogs. This feeding regime is maintained until the hogs weigh approximately 100 pounds. Thereafter, two limited feeding periods are provided each day until the hogs reach market weight. In this way, hog weight gain per day is maximized and the amount of feed consumed per pound of hog weight gained is minimized. Apparatus for carrying out this feeding method includes a feed pan or trough (27-29), a high capacity feed delivery conveyor (15), and a timed feed shutoff means (30) interposed between the feed trough means (27-29) and the feed delivery conveyor (15) for alternatively delivering and preventing delivery of feed to the feed trough (27-29). If desired, a water nozzle (66) can be located above the feed trough (27-29) to delivery water to the hogs during a feeding period. A timed water shut-off means (50) can be interposed between the water nozzle (66) and the water delivery pump (56) for alternately permitting and preventing delivery of water to the water nozzle (66). |
