The Complete Pig Feeding Guide: From Wean to Finish

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Raising pigs for meat production requires a proper feeding strategy to ensure that the pigs grow healthy and reach their desired weight at the right time. This Pig feeding guide will provide a complete overview of pig feeding from weaning to finish, including the different stages of pig growth, recommended diets, and tips for successful pig feeding.

What Is Pig Farming?

Pig farming, also known as piggery, is the raising of domestic pigs for meat production. It is a common agricultural practice in many countries around the world, with pork being a staple meat in many cultures. Pig farming is usually done on a large scale, with many pigs being raised in a single facility. Pigs are raised in various types of housing systems, such as confined pens, deep-litter barns, and open-field systems. 

Pig farming is a complex process that involves the proper management of pig breeding, feeding, housing, and health care. It is essential to provide pigs with a healthy diet, clean water, and a clean and hygienic environment to maintain their health and well-being. Pig farmers must also take care to manage the manure produced by the pigs to prevent pollution and other environmental impacts. Proper management and care of pigs is crucial to producing high-quality meat and ensuring the sustainability of the pig farming industry.

What To Feed Pigs

The most important part of pig rearing is knowing the correct way and things to feed pigs. Pigs can be fed a variety of different feeds depending on the stage of growth and the desired outcome. The common feeds for pigs include:

Grains: Corn, barley, wheat, and oats are commonly used as pig feed. They provide a good source of energy, protein, and fiber.

Protein sources: Soybean meal, fish meal, and blood meal are good sources of protein for pigs. They help to support growth and muscle development.

Minerals and vitamins: Pigs need a variety of minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin E, to stay healthy and grow properly.

Roughages: Pigs also benefit from roughages, such as hay and straw, as they help to keep their gut healthy and promote natural foraging behavior.

By-products: Some pig farmers use by-products from food processing, such as whey and distiller’s grains, as a source of feed.

It is important to note that the nutrient requirements of the pigs change as they grow and the diet should be adjusted accordingly. Also, it is essential to provide a consistent and balanced diet throughout the pig’s growth stages and to provide them with a constant supply of clean water. Additionally, it is important to consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist for the appropriate diet for the pigs, depending on their growth stage, genetics, and environment.

Foods To Avoid in your Pig Feeding Guide

There are certain types of food that should be avoided when feeding pigs, as they can be harmful to their health. Some of the foods to avoid feeding pigs include:

Avocados: The leaves, fruit, bark, and seed of the avocado plant contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause health problems and even death in pigs.

Rhubarb leaves: Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to pigs and can cause health problems such as kidney damage.

Raw potatoes and green tomatoes: Raw potatoes and green tomatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause health problems such as gastrointestinal issues and even death in pigs.

Moldy or spoiled feed: Moldy feed can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic to pigs and can cause health problems such as liver damage.

Garbage or food waste: Pigs should not be fed table scraps or garbage as it can contain spoiled or spoiled food and other contaminants that can cause illness.

Poisonous plants: Many common plants and weeds are toxic to pigs and can cause serious health problems if ingested.

Chocolate and caffeine: These foods contain theobromine and caffeine which are toxic to pigs.

Fatty foods: Pigs should not be fed a diet that is high in fat as it can cause health problems such as obesity and heart disease.

Uncooked beans: Uncooked beans contain hemagglutinin, a substance that can cause health problems such as respiratory distress and digestive issues in pigs.

Alcohol: Alcohol should not be fed to pigs as it can cause health problems such as liver damage and death.

Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage the red blood cells of pigs, which can lead to anemia.

Sweets and high-sugar foods: High-sugar foods are capable of slowing the growth rates of the pigs.

Dog food: This is simply inappropriate for the health requirements of the pigs.

Milk, Meat: These kinds of proteins can harbor viruses which are harmful to the pigs.

Fruits: Fruits like apples, peaches, apricots and pears contain amygdalin in their seeds which causes illness, discomfort and even death.

Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids and solanine which are very harmful to pigs.

It is important to note that these are only a few examples and it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist for the appropriate diet for the pigs, depending on their growth stage, genetics, and environment.

The Complete Pig Feeding Guide: From Wean To Finish

Pig feeding can be divided into three main stages: weaning, growing, and finishing.

Weaning:

Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant animal to food other than its mother’s milk and eventually ceasing to nurse. In the case of pigs, weaning marks the transition of piglets from sow’s milk to solid feed. Piglets are typically weaned at around 4-6 weeks of age. During this stage, it’s crucial to provide piglets with a diet that is high in energy and protein to support their growth and development. 

A common diet for weaned piglets includes a combination of milk replacer, starter feed, and water. As piglets grow, the proportion of starter feed in the diet should gradually increase until they are eating only solid feed. The process of weaning is an important stage of pig growth, as it helps the piglets to develop their digestive system and support their growth and development.

Growing:

Growing refers to the stage of pig development that begins after weaning and lasts until pigs reach market weight, typically around 120-250 kg. During this stage, pigs require a diet that is high in protein and energy to support their growth. The diet for growing pigs typically includes a combination of corn, soybean meal, and vitamins and minerals. During this stage, it’s important to provide pigs with a constant supply of clean water. Pigs also require a good environment that includes adequate space and appropriate temperature and lighting conditions to grow to their optimal size. This stage is crucial to ensure that the pig reaches its desired weight at the right time and that it’s healthy and well-nourished.

Finishing:

Finishing is the final stage of pig feeding, during which pigs are fed a diet that is high in energy to promote weight gain and fat deposition before they are sent to the market. The goal of this stage is to bring the pig to the desired market weight and prepare it for slaughter. The diet for finishing pigs typically includes a combination of corn, barley, and soybean meal. It is important to monitor the pig’s weight and adjust their diet accordingly to ensure they reach the desired market weight. Additionally, a clean and hygienic environment is also important to maintain the pig’s health and well-being during this stage. Finishing pigs need to be fed frequently and with a consistent diet to avoid any issues that may arise due to sudden changes in diet or environment.

Aside from the basic requirements, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure successful pig feeding. 

  • Firstly, it is important to provide a consistent and balanced diet throughout the pig’s growth stages. 
  • Secondly, a clean and hygienic environment is crucial to maintain the pig’s health and well-being. 
  • Thirdly, regular monitoring and record-keeping of the pig’s weight, diet, and growth rate will help identify any issues and allow for quick adjustments to be made.

Final Thoughts on The Complete Pig Feeding Guide: From Wean to Finish

Proper pig feeding guide is essential for the overall health and growth of pigs. Understanding the different stages of pig growth and the recommended diets for each stage is crucial for ensuring that pigs reach their desired weight at the right time. By providing a consistent and balanced diet, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, and monitoring pig growth, pig farmers can ensure the successful feeding and growth of their pigs.


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