What to feed pigs: A 4-step guide to proper nutrition

Are you wondering how to feed your pig? Proper nutrition is essential for your pig's health, and having the right knowledge is key. In this blog post, we'll provide a 4-step guide to pig feeding and ration types. We'll discuss the importance of understanding the nutritional needs of your pig, the different types of pig feed available, and how to make sure your pig is getting the nutrients they need. With this guide, you'll be able to keep your pig healthy and happy through proper nutrition and a balanced diet. Read on to learn more about how to feed your pig!

Understanding Pig Feeding Requirements
Feeding your pigs starts from the moment they are born, with piglet feed being introduced within the first few weeks of their lives. Piglets can be introduced to creep feed as early as 12 days old, which will help stimulate their appetite and get them accustomed to solid food.

When feeding piglets, it's important to present the feed on trays or in a specialist bowl, away from the dunging area. Additionally, the piglet feed should be energy-rich and contain cooked porridge oats, fishmeal, and milk powder. Additives should also be included in the ration to improve digestion and gut integrity.

After weaning, the same diet should be offered to piglets for about a week before gradually transitioning them to a pig grower ration. This ration should also be energy-rich, with a higher protein content to support growth and development.

Once the pig reaches the pig finisher stage, the diet should focus on maintaining body weight and producing quality meat. This ration should have a lower protein content than the piglet and pig grower feed and should focus more on carbohydrates and fats.

Throughout the weaner phase, it's recommended to revise the ration up to three times to ensure optimal growth and development. By following these feeding guidelines and providing the right type of feed for each stage of the pig's life, you can ensure that your pigs grow healthy and strong, and produce quality meat.

Piglets
Piglets require careful attention to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. While they do rely on their mother's milk for the first few weeks of life, their demand for nutrients grows and can outstrip the capacity of the sow to supply them. This is where creep feeding comes in, which is a means of smoothing the transition at weaning with minimal performance checks.
Creep feed can be introduced from 12 days old, and should be offered on trays on a flat surface or in a specialist bowl, away from the dunging area when sows are feeding. Small quantities of feed should be replaced at least twice daily to keep the feed fresh and palatable. The ration at this stage should be energy-rich, combining cooked porridge oats with fishmeal and milk powder.
It's recommended to aim for at least 300g of total feed intake per piglet pre-weaning. Creep feed and starter feeds contain additives to improve digestion and gut integrity, such as organic acids, essential oils, probiotics, and enzymes.

Overall, ensuring proper nutrition for piglets is crucial for their growth and development. Introducing creep feed and providing an energy-rich ration can help ensure they are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.

Weaner
When it comes to feeding weaner pigs, it is crucial to understand their specific nutritional needs. Weaners are piglets that have recently been separated from their mother and are transitioning to a solid diet. During this stage, they are highly vulnerable and require a carefully balanced feed to ensure healthy growth and development.

Weaner feed should contain a combination of essential nutrients to support the piglets' rapid growth. Protein is particularly important, as it aids in muscle development and overall growth. The feed should contain around 18-20% protein, derived from high-quality sources such as soybean meal or fishmeal.
In addition to protein, weaners also require carbohydrates and fats for energy. The feed should have a balanced ratio of these macronutrients to provide the necessary energy for their active lifestyle. It is also crucial to include vitamins and minerals to support their immune system and overall health.

Feeding weaner pigs is typically done in a controlled manner, with specific feeding times and portion sizes. This helps ensure that each piglet receives an adequate amount of feed and prevents any competition or bullying among the group. As weaners grow rapidly, their feed intake will gradually increase, and it is essential to adjust their ration accordingly.

By providing a well-balanced weaner feed and following a structured feeding routine, you can ensure that your pigs receive the proper nutrition they need to thrive during this crucial stage of growth.

Grower

The grower stage is when pigs are between 30-60 kg, and they require a different feed from the weaner stage. Grower feed should have a protein content of around 16%, and it should be rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

It's essential to provide pigs with enough feed during the grower stage to promote healthy growth. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, while underfeeding can lead to stunted growth and a weak immune system.

One way to ensure your pigs are getting the right amount of food is to provide them with a controlled amount of feed. This method ensures that they are not overeating or under-eating. Another way to ensure your pigs are getting the right nutrients is to add supplements to their feed, like probiotics and enzymes.
As the grower stage progresses, it's important to monitor your pigs' weight and adjust their feed accordingly. You can gradually increase their feed intake until they reach the finishing stage. Overall, providing your pigs with the right grower feed and monitoring their diet will lead to healthy growth and a successful harvest.

Finisher
The final stage in the pig feeding journey is the finisher phase. At this point, your pigs are fully grown and ready for market. The finisher feed is crucial in ensuring that your pigs reach their full potential in terms of weight gain and muscle development.

Finisher feed should be high in energy and protein content, as this is the stage where the pigs will put on most of their weight. The feed should also contain essential vitamins and minerals to support their overall health and well-being. It is recommended to provide a balanced diet, with a combination of grains, soybean meal, and other protein sources.

During the finisher phase, it is important to monitor the pigs' weight and adjust their feed intake accordingly. You may need to gradually increase the amount of feed provided to accommodate their growing size and appetite. Additionally, ensuring that the pigs have access to clean water at all times is crucial for their digestion and overall health.

The finisher phase usually lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the desired market weight. Proper nutrition during this stage is vital to produce healthy, high-quality pork. By following this 4-step guide to pig feeding and ration types, you can ensure that your pigs receive the proper nutrition they need at every stage of their growth.