In the realm of pig farming, the secret to success rests in the art of proper nourishment. Understanding how to feed pigs optimally is the cornerstone of raising healthy, thriving pigs. This journey requires more than mere sustenance; it demands a deep comprehension of dietary needs, growth stages, and the delicate balance that fuels the progression from piglet to market weight.
In this blog, we explore the intricacies of pig feeding – from the essentials of nutrition to the nuances of growth factors
From the Weaning Stage to the Finishing Stage
The knowledge of how to feed pigs properly is the most crucial aspect of swine farming. Pigs require a higher-energy diet that is low in fiber and contains plenty of food quickly, whether you're consulting a piglet feeding guide or researching pig management techniques. From weaning until finishing, pigs must be fed the proper food and a balanced diet to produce, maintain a healthy stock, or maximize.
The most important part of swine production is knowing the correct way to feed pigs. Whether you're browsing through a piglet feeding guide or studying swine management techniques, pigs need a high-energy diet that is low in fiber and contains ample protein.
Pigs will consume enormous amounts of food quickly. To raise and maintain a healthy stock, maximize growth and reproduction, and increase production, it is necessary to feed them the right food and a balanced diet from wean to finish.
What You Should Feed Your Pigs
Good pig feed contains sufficient energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Rice bran, broken rice, maize, soya beans, cassava, vegetables, and distillers' residues are often used in pig feed.
Combining soybean meal with grains or corn provides pigs with the necessary amino acids. Among all plant proteins, soybean meal alone compares with animal protein in terms of quality amino acid content.
In fact, it can serve as the sole protein-based ingredient in most swine diets. Pigs will eat just about anything – all kinds of scraps or leftover food, such as bread, other grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Their growth rates are best maintained when the animals are fed feeds specifically formulated for pigs.
Related:
Pig Farm Odor Management: Strategies for a Smell-Free Environment
Successful Pig Production and Management: Key Factors to Consider
Foods to Avoid in Pig Feeds
1). Sweets and High-Sugar Foods:
Pigs possess a sensitive digestive system, and a diet high in sugars can result in digestive issues and slowed growth rates. Feeding pigs excessive amounts of sugary foods can also induce obesity and other health problems.
2). Milk and Dog Food:
These should not be ingested by pigs. They may contain components that are unsuitable for pigs' nutritional requirements and can cause dietary imbalances. Milk can also be problematic for pigs to digest, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues.
Note: Cracked Corn can form a part of pig feed, particularly fish-flavored varieties, which can attract unwanted pests and lead to feed contamination. Proper feed storage is crucial to prevent infestations.
3). Fruits:
In moderation, they can be included in a pig's diet; however, feeding excessive amounts can result in imbalanced nutrition and digestive problems. Additionally, certain fruits may contain pits, seeds, or compounds that are harmful to pigs.
4). Meat:
Providing pigs with meat, especially uncooked or raw meat, may expose them to infections and pathogens that could negatively impact their health. It is advisable to refrain from offering any kind of meat to pigs.
5). Apple, Pear, Apricot, and Peach Pits/Seeds:
The pits and seeds of these fruits contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when ingested. Cyanide is toxic and can cause illness or even death in pigs. It is important to remove pits and seeds before feeding these fruits to pigs.
6). Potatoes:
These contain natural toxins called glycoalkaloids. Ingesting large amounts of glycoalkaloids can lead to gastrointestinal issues, discomfort, and even death in pigs. Potatoes also contain solanine, which is toxic and can lead to diarrhea and heart failure in pigs.
Note:
Create pig feed combinations that meet their nutritional needs and steer clear of ingredients that might harm their health. The key to guaranteeing the pigs' well-being and ideal growth is to provide them with a balanced diet, store their feed properly, and assess their health regularly.
To ensure that your pigs are receiving a safe and nutritionally adequate diet, it is always a good idea to speak with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist if you have any questions about specific foods.
How to Formulate Good Pig Feeds
Formulating a good feed will help to achieve the optimum growth of your piggery stock. Pigs' feeds should meet the animals' needs for maintenance of growth and reproduction, as well as vitamins.
Farm grains, such as maize, rice, and soya beans, are the most common and best sources of food to feed pigs on farms. Typically, corn-based feeds are used because they are high in digestible carbohydrates, low in fiber content, and cost-effective.
The feeds should be supplemented with other vitamins, proteins, and some anti-bacterial compounds for the feed to slow the growth of naturally occurring bacteria that may be harmful to the animals (pigs) or your livestock.
Feeds mixed with rice bran, broken rice, maize, soya beans, cassava, vegetables, and distillers' residues have shown positive results.
How to Feed Piglets (Under 40 Pounds/ 18 Kg)
Piglets have different dietary needs compared to adult pigs, and proper nutrition during this critical growth phase is essential for their health and development. Creep feeding is a common practice used to introduce piglets to solid food while they are still nursing from their mother.
Creep feeding involves providing specially formulated solid feed to piglets in a separate area from the sow. This allows piglets to access and consume solid feed without competition from larger pigs. Creep feeding is usually started when piglets are a few weeks old, and it helps to transition them from a milk-based diet to a solid feed.
The nutritional requirements of piglets are different from those of adult pigs. Piglets require higher levels of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support their rapid growth and development. Creep feed should be formulated to meet these specific requirements, providing the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
When introducing piglets to solid feed, it's important to do so gradually. Start by offering a small amount of creep feed, and then increase the amount as the piglets become accustomed to eating solid food. This gradual transition helps prevent digestive upsets and allows the piglets to adjust to the new diet.
As piglets grow, their dietary needs increase. Piglets gain weight quickly during the early stages of life, so it's crucial to monitor their growth and adjust their feed accordingly. The amount and composition of the creep feed should be adjusted based on the piglets' age, weight, and growth rate.
Creep feeding also plays a role in preparing piglets for weaning. By gradually introducing solid feed, piglets become accustomed to eating from a feeder, which makes the transition to a post-weaning diet smoother.
Proper nutrition during the pre-weaning and post-weaning phases is important for minimizing stress and promoting healthy growth.
Alongside creep feed, piglets also need access to clean and fresh water. Adequate water intake is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
Growing and Finishing Pigs (40 Pounds and Above)
Pigs that are growing and weigh between 40-125 pounds, as well as finishing pigs that weigh 125 pounds to market weight (approximately 230 pounds or more), should transition from the grower feeds, which are nutrient dense with more protein, to the finisher feeds that are less dense.
Expected Growth Rates in Pigs
Piglets grow quickly throughout the early phases of their development, especially during the nursery stage. Although growth rates may vary throughout this time, on average, you should anticipate weight gains of 1.5 to 1.7 pounds every day, up to a maximum of about 110 pounds.
Later Growth: As pigs transition into the later stages of growth, typically after reaching a weight of around 110 pounds, their growth rate may increase. Weight gains ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 pounds per day can be expected. This growth rate is often achieved when pigs are in the finishing phase, and they are consuming a diet designed to maximize weight gain while ensuring their health and well-being.
Factors Influencing Pig Growth
- Genetics: Different pig breeds and genetic lines have varying growth potentials.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients in the right proportions is crucial for optimal growth.
- Health: Pigs that are healthy and free from diseases will grow more efficiently.
- Environment: Adequate housing, ventilation, and space can positively impact pig growth.
- Management: Proper care, regular monitoring, and appropriate management practices contribute to better growth.
The target market weight for pigs varies depending on the industry and market demand. Typically, pigs are sent to market when they reach a certain weight, which can vary from around 220 to 280 pounds or more. This variation depends on factors such as breed, market trends, and consumer preferences.
Environmental Control for Optimized Growth in Pigs
Under maximized feed intake, several other factors also need consideration to maximize pig production. This includes temperature, an adequate supply of water, and proper sanitation, among others.
a). Temperature:
Pig temperature plays a pivotal role in pig growth and production. Pigs are remarkably adaptable animals and can perform well within a range of suitable temperatures. However, excessively high or low temperatures can adversely affect pigs.
In the event of extreme cold, the temperature can plummet, compelling pigs to eat more while expending extra energy to stay warm. This results in sluggish growth, heightened stress, reduced feed consumption, and eventually, the demise of pigs. Thus, it is crucial to keep pigs cool during summer.
Consequently, providing proper ventilation or heating and ensuring adequate air space within the pen is essential to maintaining pig growth and production rates. Disruptions in these aspects can lead to slowed growth and maturation rates, decreased conception rates, and a reduction in pig flow.
b). Water:
Offer an abundance of fresh, clean drinking water. Water constitutes a central component of a pig's diet; approximately half to two-thirds of a pig’s body weight is composed of water. Access to clean drinking water significantly influences a pig’s growth rate. Newly weaned pigs are particularly susceptible to dehydration.
Regardless of the method used to supply water, water devices must be sanitized and positioned correctly. Pigs must have continual access to water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration.
