asf lines

[matt71915]

Connie
im planning on mixing the 2 lines i have and im going to try and get another line soon
So far i've only found 2 different lines in the southern WI and northern Illinois area
One line everyone seems to get theirs from is Carl Vail and then a guy in Illinois who sold them at the all animal expo

[matt71915]

so i talked to the guy i got Line A from
he said he got his original group from Florida
He also said that he never thought anything was wrong because he always got lower litter numbers

the recipe he is using now is as follows
2 part wild game bird seed
1 part rabbit feed
1 part oats
1 part barley
1 part soy meal/or natures choice lamb and rice dog feed

then it is run through a flour mill

this is a different recipe from when he showed me what he used in Feb. I cant remember the other one or find it anywhere

[Mike Cavanaugh]

I have seen lots of people use complicated feed mixes for ASF's. I have never seen any of these mixes work as well as 100% mazuri 6f or the correct hog feed. I get private messages all the time with "I feed this mix... and all these things are wrong." I always recommend 100% Mazuri or the hog feed. Usually a couple weeks later I get a "thank you!!!" private message from the same person.

[matt71915]

alright ill let him know

i was gonna check out the hog feed you recommended when i got to get more bedding

the kent works but hey if i could spend a couple bucks less for food ill do it

the only thing im not sure about is if it will be ok for domestic rats too?

[littleindiangirl]

Yea, when you mix your own feed, for ASF's, mice or domestic rats, you run the risk of a nutritionally deficient diet.

ALWAYS provide a core of lab block or an appropriate hog feed. If you want to add extra, make sure you aren't interfering with the base of the food.

I say, cut out the extra crap and feed a lab block. I have great success with rat blocks. Mike has great success with a hog feed.

Do the homework, try stuff out, and keep it simple.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

i say, cut out the extra crap and feed a lab block. I have great success with rat blocks. Mike has great success with a hog feed.

Do the homework, try stuff out, and keep it simple.

amen sister!!!

[matt71915]

im currently feeding kent 19% rodent diet alone.
I just remembered that he said he made him own food and the fact that his line of asfs were poor producers... so i told him why i thought his were producing so poorly.
I gave him info about mazuri, kent, and the country acres hog food and where to get it and he said he would check it out.

I'm still on the hunt for the hog feed though... my local tsc doesnt carry it and said they wont be ordering any. The tsc's in close by cities dont carry it either.
I don't get it because there are 2 pig farms just outside of town too..

[littleindiangirl]

There are a LOT of different hog feeds. Even one brand will have several different formulas, and some that would be inappropriate for rats.

Research research research.

BTW, some feeds are only available locally. Such as Mike's 'Country Acres' is available only in the south eastern region of the US, and is not sold elsewhere on a regular basis.

[matt71915]

oooh ok thats probably why i cant seem to find it
i did find a mini pig/ potbelly pig food that has similar protein and fat to the kent im using, the fiber is a little high and im not sure if its too high
protein min 16%
fat min 3%
fiber max 11%
i have yet to check if my TSC carries it though i was searching online and say it
Ill be going there either tomorrow or early in the week to see what they have

would other live stock feeds be suitable too, should i stay away from certain feed because they have something in them?

[littleindiangirl]

Most other livestock are grazers/herbivores. They will have a very high fiber content, I feel too high for rats.

The fat on the potbelly pig is low, not terrible, but low.

Google feed mills near your area, they may likely be purina dealers and can order a variety of products.