Feeding pigs is both a science and an art. The right nutrition at the right stage of growth can mean the difference between healthy pigs that thrive and underperforming animals that cost more to raise. Whether you’re raising piglets, growers, or finishers, your choice of feed determines growth rate, feed efficiency, health, and ultimately profit.
This guide explores the fundamentals of pig feeding at each stage, focusing on nutrition requirements, feeding strategies, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to choosing the right feed for every phase of pig production.
1. The Basics of Pig Nutrition
- Energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water are the five essentials.
- Feed composition differs depending on growth stage.
- Overfeeding or underfeeding any nutrient affects growth and profitability.
2. Feeding Piglets (Birth to Weaning and Post-Weaning)
Nutritional needs:
- Colostrum (immediately after birth) for immunity.
- Creep feed by 7–10 days old to prepare digestive system.
- High-quality protein sources (soybean meal, fish meal).
- Easily digestible carbohydrates.
- Balance of vitamins and minerals, especially iron and calcium.
Best practices:
- Provide clean water at all times.
- Gradual transition from milk to solid feed.
- Avoid sudden diet changes to reduce post-weaning stress.
3. Feeding Growers (Weaning to 60 kg)
Nutritional needs:
- Protein-rich diets to support rapid muscle development.
- Energy sources (corn, barley, wheat).
- Proper calcium-phosphorus ratio for bone growth.
- Micronutrients for immunity.
Best practices:
- Monitor feed conversion ratio (FCR).
- Provide balanced protein-to-energy diets.
- Minimize feed wastage through proper feeders.
4. Feeding Finishers (60 kg to Market Weight)
Nutritional needs:
- Energy-focused diet for fattening.
- Protein levels gradually reduced.
- Essential amino acids maintained to prevent lean tissue loss.
Best practices:
- Adjust feeding rates to avoid excess fat deposition.
- Maintain clean feed and water supply.
- Target optimal slaughter weight with least feed cost.
5. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding piglets too early with low-quality creep feed.
- Using grower diets for finishers (leads to excess cost).
- Not adjusting protein levels per growth stage.
- Poor feed storage leading to spoilage and nutrient loss.
6. Cost-Effective Feeding Strategies
- Use locally available ingredients without compromising nutrition.
- Consider feed formulation or premixes.
- Adopt phase feeding to match nutrient needs with growth stages.
- Regularly monitor growth performance.
7. The Role of Water in Pig Feeding
- Water intake is directly linked to feed intake.
- Piglets require warm, clean water.
- Growers and finishers need free-flowing water systems.
8. Supplements and Additives
- Enzymes for better digestion.
- Probiotics to improve gut health.
- Minerals and vitamins as top-dressers.
- Antibiotic alternatives to reduce disease risk.
9. Formulating Feed for Each Stage
- Piglets: 20–22% protein, highly digestible.
- Growers: 16–18% protein, energy-rich.
- Finishers: 14–16% protein, high energy, balanced amino acids.
10. Sustainable Pig Feeding Practices
- Reduce reliance on imported feed.
- Integrate farm by-products like cassava, sweet potato vines, or rice bran.
- Minimize feed wastage through feeder design and proper storage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right feed for piglets, growers, and finishers ensures healthy growth, efficient feed conversion, and higher profitability. Farmers who understand the nutritional requirements at every stage can maximize production while minimizing costs.
Feeding pigs is not about giving them more—it’s about feeding smarter. By applying the right strategies, you ensure your herd’s health, growth, and long-term farm sustainability.