Best Pig Feed Formula: Customizing Feed for Different Stages of Pigs

Pig farming is a popular and lucrative venture, and the quality of the pig feed given to them plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of the animals. Different stages of pig growth require different nutritional requirements, and it is important for pig farmers to provide their pigs with the best possible feed formula for each stage of growth.

Pig feed is a crucial component of pig farming as it affects the health, growth, and productivity of pigs. Pigs require a balanced diet consisting of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. The proportion of each nutrient required varies depending on the pig’s age, weight, and growth stage.

Nutritional requirements of pigs:

• Protein: Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance in pigs. The protein requirement varies depending on the pig’s age and weight. Younger pigs require more protein than older pigs, with lactating sows requiring the most protein. The protein content in pig feed is usually expressed as a percentage of the feed’s dry weight, with starter feeds containing around 18-22% protein, grower feeds containing around 16-18% protein, and finisher feeds containing around 14-16% protein.
• Energy: Energy is required for pigs to carry out daily activities and maintain their body temperature. The energy content in pig feed is usually expressed as the metabolizable energy (ME) value, which is the amount of energy that can be utilized by the pig’s body. The ME value of pig feed varies depending on the feed ingredients used, with cereals such as corn and wheat being high in energy. Pig farmers need to ensure that their pigs are given feed that provides the appropriate level of energy for their age and weight to ensure optimal growth and productivity.
• Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are required in small quantities for various physiological functions in pigs. The most common vitamins required by pigs include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins are essential for various functions such as vision, bone development, immune system support, and blood clotting. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are also important for bone development, muscle function, and nerve function. Pig feed usually contains a premix of vitamins and minerals to ensure that pigs receive the appropriate amount of these nutrients in their diet.

Types of pig feed:

• Starter feed: Starter feed is given to piglets from birth to around six weeks of age. This feed has a higher protein content (around 18-22%) to support the rapid growth and development of piglets. Starter feed usually contains ingredients such as milk, soybean meal, and fishmeal to provide the essential nutrients that piglets need for optimal growth. Piglets are weaned off their mother’s milk at around three to four weeks of age and are gradually transitioned to solid starter feed.
• Grower feed: Grower feed is given to pigs in the intermediate growth stage, from six to twelve weeks of age. This feed has a lower protein content (around 16-18%) than starter feed but a higher energy content. Grower feed usually contains ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, and wheat to provide the essential nutrients that pigs need for growth and development. The energy content in grower feed is important to support the pigs’ increased activity levels and muscle development during this growth stage.
• Finisher feed: Finisher feed is given to pigs that are almost mature, from twelve to twenty weeks of age. This feed has a lower protein content (around 14-16%) than grower feed but a higher energy content. Finisher feed usually contains ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, and barley to provide the essential nutrients that pigs need for optimal growth and development. Finisher feed is designed to help pigs gain weight and achieve their final market weight.

In addition to these main types of pig feed, there are also specialty feeds available for pigs in specific situations. For example, gestating sows may require a specialized gestation feed that is formulated to provide the appropriate levels of nutrients to support the development of the unborn piglets. Similarly, lactating sows may require a specialized lactation feed that is formulated to provide the appropriate levels of nutrients to support milk production and the growth of piglets. Pig farmers may work with a nutritionist to develop specialized feed formulations to meet the specific needs of their pigs.

Factors affecting feed intake

Feed intake in pigs can be affected by factors such as water availability, feed quality, stress levels, and temperature. Pigs need access to clean and fresh water to stay hydrated and maintain their body temperature. Feed quality is also important, and pig farmers should ensure that their pigs are given high-quality feed that is free from contaminants and has the appropriate nutrient content. Stress can affect feed intake, and pigs may eat less if they are exposed to stressful conditions such as overcrowding, transport, or changes in their environment. Temperature is another factor that can affect feed intake, with pigs eating less in hot weather to reduce their body heat production.

Pig Feed Formula by Growth Stage

• Sow Gestation: During pregnancy, sows require a balanced diet with a high protein and energy content to support the development of the fetus. The recommended feed formula should consist of 12-14% crude protein, 3-3.5% crude fiber, and 3,000-3,200 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (ME).
• Piglet Starter: Piglets require a high protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. The recommended feed formula for piglet starter should consist of 18-20% crude protein, 3.5-4.5% crude fiber, and 3,300-3,500 kcal/kg ME.
• Grower: Pigs in the grower stage require a balanced diet with a lower protein content than piglet starter feed. The recommended feed formula should consist of 14-16% crude protein, 5-6% crude fiber, and 3,400-3,500 kcal/kg ME.
• Finisher: Pigs in the finisher stage require a higher energy diet with a lower protein content than grower feed. The recommended feed formula should consist of 12-14% crude protein, 6-7% crude fiber, and 3,400-3,500 kcal/kg ME.

How to Make Pig Feed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pigs require a balanced diet to support their growth, development, and overall health. While there are commercially available pig feeds, some farmers prefer to make their own pig feed to ensure the quality and suitability of the ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make pig feed:

Step 1: Determine the Nutritional Requirements of Pigs

The first step in making pig feed is to determine the nutritional requirements of the pigs that you’re feeding. Pigs have specific nutritional needs based on their age, weight, and growth stage. They require a diet that’s high in protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. You can consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the appropriate feed formulation for your pigs.

Step 2: Gather the Ingredients

Once you know the nutritional requirements of your pigs, the next step is to gather the ingredients. Pig feed typically includes cereals, protein sources, minerals, and vitamins. Common cereal ingredients include corn, barley, and wheat. Protein sources can include soybean meal, fishmeal, and dried whey. Mineral supplements may include limestone, salt, and dicalcium phosphate. Vitamin supplements may include vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Step 3: Grind the Ingredients

After gathering the ingredients, the next step is to grind them into a uniform particle size. This can be done using a hammer mill or a roller mill. Grinding the ingredients helps to improve their digestibility and ensures that the pigs receive the appropriate amount of each ingredient. Click the picture below to view the whole process of pig feed making plant.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

Once the ingredients have been ground, the next step is to mix them thoroughly. This can be done using a feed mixer, which blends the ingredients together to create a uniform mixture. It’s important to ensure that each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the feed mixture to ensure that the pigs receive a balanced diet.

Step 5: Add Liquid Supplements (Optional)

Some pig farmers may choose to add liquid supplements to the pig feed mixture. This can include molasses, vegetable oil, or other liquid ingredients that can improve the palatability and nutrient content of the feed.

Step 6: Store the Feed

Once the pig feed has been mixed, it’s important to store it in a dry, cool place to prevent spoilage. Pig feed can spoil quickly if exposed to moisture or heat, which can lead to bacterial growth and nutrient loss. It’s important to use the feed within a reasonable timeframe to ensure that the pigs receive fresh, high-quality feed.

Conclusion

Providing pigs with the best feed formula for their growth stage is essential for their health and productivity. By customizing the feed formula to suit the pigs’ nutritional needs, pig farmers can ensure their animals are healthy and thriving. Ongoing research is needed to develop better feed formulas and improve pig farming practices.