TYPES OF PIG FEED

March 28, 2025

Pig Feeding: A Complete Global Guide to Efficient Nutrition and Growth

Pig feeding is one of the most important aspects of successful pig production worldwide. Whether for smallholder farmers in rural villages or large commercial farms supplying urban markets, feeding determines growth rate, reproduction success, meat quality, and overall farm profitability. In fact, feed accounts for nearly 70–80% of total production costs, making it the single largest expense in pig farming. Understanding how to feed pigs efficiently can make the difference between a profitable and a struggling enterprise.

This comprehensive guide provides practical insights into the science and art of pig feeding, covering all major growth stages, nutrient requirements, feed formulation, management practices, and cost control strategies. The goal is to help farmers globally produce healthier, faster-growing pigs using both commercial and locally available feeds.

1. Importance of Proper Pig Feeding

Feeding pigs is more than just giving them food. It is about providing balanced nutrition that meets their energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs at every stage of life. Proper feeding ensures that pigs reach market weight quickly, reproduce efficiently, and stay healthy throughout their production cycle. Inadequate or unbalanced feeding leads to slow growth, poor fertility, and higher disease susceptibility.

Economic efficiency: Feed represents the largest cost in pig production. Proper formulation and feeding reduce waste and improve profit margins.
Growth performance: Well-fed pigs convert feed more efficiently into body weight, achieving market size in 5–6 months instead of 8–9 months.
Meat quality: Balanced diets produce lean, tender pork with the right fat-to-muscle ratio preferred by consumers.
Reproductive health: Adequate nutrition supports regular estrus cycles, high conception rates, and large, healthy litters.
Animal welfare: Consistent, nutritious feeding prevents stress, aggression, and digestive disorders.

2. Nutritional Requirements of Pigs

Pigs require a precise balance of nutrients for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and lactation. These nutrients are categorized into six main groups, each serving unique biological functions.

2.1 Energy

Energy fuels all body activities — movement, growth, and reproduction. It mainly comes from carbohydrates and fats. Cereal grains like maize, barley, sorghum, and cassava are the most common energy sources in pig diets. The energy content of a feed is usually measured as Metabolizable Energy (ME) in megajoules (MJ) per kilogram of feed.

Energy requirements vary with age and production stage:

Piglets: 13–14 MJ ME/kg feed
Growers: 13–14.5 MJ ME/kg feed
Finishers: 13.5–14 MJ ME/kg feed
Lactating sows: up to 15 MJ ME/kg feed

2.2 Protein

Protein is the building block of muscles, enzymes, and tissues. Young pigs need higher protein levels to support rapid growth, while older pigs require less. Feed protein quality depends on its amino acid composition, particularly lysine — the most limiting amino acid in pig diets.

Pig Stage	Crude Protein (%)	Main Protein Sources
Piglets	20–22	Fish meal, soybean meal, milk replacer
Weaners	18–20	Soybean meal, groundnut cake, blood meal
Growers	16–18	Sunflower cake, groundnut cake, fish meal
Finishers	14–16	Maize bran, soybean meal
Breeding sows	16–18	Fish meal, soybean meal, legumes

2.3 Minerals

Minerals support bone formation, enzyme activity, and metabolic functions. Deficiencies lead to weak bones, poor growth, and reproductive failure.

Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P): essential for bone growth and milk production. Sources include bone meal and dicalcium phosphate.
Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl): help maintain water balance and nerve function; supplied by salt.
Iron (Fe): crucial for blood formation, especially for piglets. Injectable iron or iron-rich feeds prevent anemia.
Trace elements: copper, zinc, and selenium improve feed efficiency and immune response.

2.4 Vitamins

Vitamins regulate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Since pigs cannot synthesize most vitamins, they must be provided through feed or supplements.

Vitamin A: for vision and reproduction.
Vitamin D: for calcium absorption and bone health.
Vitamin E and C: boost immunity and prevent oxidative stress.
B-complex vitamins: improve energy metabolism and appetite.

2.5 Water

Water is the most critical yet often overlooked nutrient. Pigs can survive longer without feed than without water. Adequate clean water must be available at all times.

Piglets: 1–2 liters per day
Weaners: 2–5 liters per day
Growers: 6–8 liters per day
Finishers: 8–12 liters per day
Lactating sows: 15–25 liters per day

Automatic nipple drinkers or trough systems are ideal for maintaining continuous water access.

2.6 Fiber

Although pigs are non-ruminants, a moderate amount of fiber (3–6%) improves digestion and gut health. Fiber sources include rice bran, wheat bran, and vegetable residues. Excess fiber, however, reduces nutrient absorption and growth rate.

3. Types of Pig Feed

Pig feed can be classified based on physical form, nutritional composition, or the pig’s growth stage. Understanding feed types helps farmers choose appropriate rations and manage costs effectively.

3.1 Based on Feed Form

Dry Feed: Crushed or pelleted feed, easy to store and distribute. Most commercial pig feeds are dry.
Wet Feed (Swill Feeding): Mix of kitchen leftovers, fruits, and water. Though cheap, it carries risks of disease contamination and must be heat-treated.
Fermented Feed: Soaked or fermented grains and by-products that improve digestion and nutrient availability.

3.2 Based on Nutrient Function

Energy feeds: Maize, barley, sorghum, cassava, sweet potatoes.
Protein feeds: Soybean meal, groundnut cake, fish meal, blood meal.
Mineral feeds: Bone meal, limestone, salt, oyster shells.
Vitamin supplements: Commercial premixes, green leafy vegetables, molasses.

3.3 Based on Growth Stage

Feeds are formulated differently for each pig growth stage:

Starter feeds (Piglets): high in protein and energy for rapid early growth.
Grower feeds: balanced for muscle and skeletal development.
Finisher feeds: slightly lower in protein but rich in energy for fat deposition.
Breeder feeds: maintain body condition and support reproduction.

Each of these categories ensures pigs receive optimal nutrients at every production stage for efficient and profitable performance.

4. Feeding by Growth Stage

Each stage of pig growth has unique nutritional needs. The feed must supply the right balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy development and efficient feed conversion. Overfeeding or underfeeding at any stage can reduce growth rate, affect carcass quality, or delay maturity.

4.1 Piglets (Birth to 8 Weeks)

Piglets depend on their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. Colostrum intake during the first 12 hours is essential—it provides immunity, energy, and digestive enzymes. After a few days, the sow’s milk alone cannot meet the piglets’ rapid growth requirements, so supplemental feeding becomes necessary.

Creep feeding: Introduce a highly digestible starter feed at 7–10 days old to encourage early feed intake and reduce post-weaning stress.
Feed composition: 20–22% crude protein, high lactose, and energy-dense ingredients such as fish meal, skim milk powder, and soybean meal.
Feeding frequency: 4–5 times per day in small portions to prevent wastage and diarrhea.
Water: Always provide fresh, clean water in shallow containers to prevent dehydration.

Sample Creep Feed (per 100 kg):

Ingredient	Quantity (kg)
Maize meal	45
Soybean meal	20
Fish meal	10
Wheat bran	10
Milk replacer / skim milk powder	10
Vitamin-mineral premix + salt	2 + 0.5
Total	97.5

Piglets can consume 300–500 g feed per day by the time they are weaned at around 6–8 weeks, weighing 8–12 kg each.

4.2 Weaners (8 to 20 Weeks)

Weaners have sensitive digestive systems; diet transitions must be gradual to avoid stress and diarrhea. The goal at this stage is to achieve steady growth and strong muscle development.

Protein: 18–20% crude protein for rapid tissue growth.
Energy: 13–14 MJ ME/kg feed.
Feed intake: 1–2 kg feed per pig per day by 20 weeks of age.
Feeding frequency: 3 times daily or ad libitum (self-feeding) if using automatic feeders.

Sample Weaner Feed (per 100 kg):

Ingredient	Quantity (kg)
Maize meal	50
Wheat bran	10
Soybean meal	25
Fish meal	5
Dicalcium phosphate + limestone	2 + 2
Salt	0.5
Premix	0.5

Expected daily weight gain is 350–500 g under good management. Always keep feed fresh and troughs clean to stimulate appetite.

4.3 Growers (20 to 50 kg Body Weight)

At this stage, pigs convert feed into muscle rapidly. Growth efficiency peaks, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) can be as low as 2.5:1. The feed must supply enough energy and protein to sustain fast development without excessive fat deposition.

Crude protein: 16–18%
Energy: 13–14 MJ ME/kg
Feed intake: 2.0–2.5 kg per pig per day

Sample Grower Feed (per 100 kg):

Ingredient	Quantity (kg)
Maize	55
Wheat bran	10
Soybean meal	20
Fish meal	5
Limestone	2
DCP	2
Salt + Premix	1 + 1

Target daily gain: 500–700 g. Keep pigs in pens with enough space (1 m²/pig) and good ventilation to maximize feed utilization.

4.4 Finishers (50 kg to Market Weight ≈ 90–110 kg)

Finishers deposit more fat than muscle. The aim is to achieve market weight economically without excess fat that reduces carcass quality.

Protein: 14–16%
Energy: 13.5–14 MJ ME/kg
Feed intake: 2.5–3.0 kg feed per day
Feeding frequency: 2 times per day or ad libitum using automatic feeders.

Sample Finisher Feed (per 100 kg):

Ingredient	Quantity (kg)
Maize	60
Wheat bran	20
Soybean meal	12
Fish meal	3
Limestone + DCP	2 + 2
Premix + Salt	0.5 + 0.5

Expected feed conversion ratio (FCR) is 2.8–3.2, with average daily gain around 700–900 g. Provide adequate clean water and maintain dry pens to prevent feed spoilage.

4.5 Breeding Sows and Boars

Breeding pigs require balanced nutrition for fertility, milk production, and body-condition maintenance. Overfeeding leads to obesity and reproductive failure, while underfeeding delays heat cycles and lowers conception rates.

Sows During Gestation

Feed 2–2.5 kg per day of a 16–18% protein diet.
Increase feed during the last 3 weeks before farrowing to build body reserves.
Provide high-fiber ingredients such as wheat bran to prevent constipation.

Lactating Sows

Feed 4–6 kg per day depending on litter size (approx. 0.5 kg per piglet).
Use high-energy and high-protein feeds: maize 60%, soybean 20%, fish meal 5%, bran 10%, minerals + premix 5%.
Provide unlimited clean water — milk production requires up to 25 liters daily.

Boars

Feed 2–3 kg of a 16% protein ration per day.
Include vitamins E and C and trace minerals (selenium + zinc) for sperm quality.
Avoid excessive fattening; maintain moderate body condition.

4.6 Feeding Schedule and Transition Management

Feed changes should be gradual over 7–10 days to allow gut microflora adjustment. Sudden changes often cause stress and diarrhea.

Recommended schedule:

Pig Category	Feed Type	Feedings per Day
Piglets (0–8 weeks)	Creep / Starter	4–5 times
Weaners (8–20 weeks)	Grower	3 times
Growers (20–50 kg)	Grower	2–3 times
Finishers (50–110 kg)	Finisher	2 times or ad libitum
Breeding sows / boars	Breeder ration	2 times

Always clean feed troughs before refilling, provide fresh water after every meal, and monitor feed consumption daily. Pigs that suddenly stop eating may be sick or stressed and should be checked immediately.

4.7 Environmental and Seasonal Adjustments

Temperature affects feed intake and conversion efficiency. In cold climates, pigs eat more to generate heat, while in hot weather, they reduce intake to avoid heat stress. Adjust energy density accordingly—add oil or maize during winter, and increase water availability and ventilation during summer.

In tropical areas, spoilage of wet feeds can occur rapidly; use fresh ingredients and feed small portions frequently. Provide shade and clean water to prevent dehydration.

4.8 Monitoring Growth Performance

Weigh pigs regularly (every 2 weeks) or use girth-to-weight estimation methods to track progress. Target body-weight milestones:

8 weeks – 8–12 kg
16 weeks – 25–35 kg
24 weeks – 50–60 kg
32 weeks – 90–100 kg (market weight)

Record feed intake and weight gain to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). Efficient farms maintain FCR below 3.0.

5. Feed Formulation and Supplementation

Feed formulation is the art and science of combining different feed ingredients in the correct proportions to meet the nutritional requirements of pigs at minimum cost. A well-formulated feed must provide the right balance of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins while remaining affordable and locally available. Successful farmers continuously adjust feed composition based on ingredient prices, availability, and performance results.

5.1 Understanding Feed Formulation Principles

Know the pig’s needs: Nutrient requirements vary by age, weight, breed, and production stage.
Know your ingredients: Analyze or reference the nutrient value of each ingredient you plan to use.
Balance nutrients: Avoid excessive protein (it’s expensive) or energy (causes fattening).
Cost efficiency: Formulate least-cost rations using available raw materials.

5.2 Common Feed Ingredients and Their Nutrient Roles

Ingredient	Main Nutrients	Typical Inclusion (%)
Maize / Corn	Energy (carbohydrates)	40–60
Wheat bran	Protein & fiber	10–20
Soybean meal	High-quality protein	10–25
Fish meal	Protein, lysine, minerals	2–6
Groundnut cake / Sunflower cake	Protein & energy	5–15
Bone meal / DCP	Calcium & phosphorus	1–3
Limestone	Calcium	1–2
Salt	Sodium & chloride	0.3–0.5
Vitamin–mineral premix	Trace nutrients	0.5–1.0

5.3 The Pearson’s Square Method

This simple arithmetic method allows farmers to blend two ingredients to reach a desired nutrient (usually protein) level.

Example: To make a 16 % crude-protein grower ration using maize (8 % CP) and soybean meal (44 % CP):

Place 16 in the middle of the square, 8 on the left for maize, 44 on the left for soybean.
Subtract diagonally:
44 − 16 = 28 parts maize ; 16 − 8 = 8 parts soybean meal.
Total = 36 parts. → Maize = 28 / 36 × 100 = 77.8 % → Soybean = 8 / 36 × 100 = 22.2 %

Therefore, a feed containing about 78 % maize and 22 % soybean meal will yield roughly 16 % CP.

5.4 Least-Cost Formulation

Least-cost formulation uses spreadsheets or software to calculate the cheapest com

6. Feeding Management and Farm Efficiency

Even the most perfectly formulated feed will not deliver good results if feeding management is poor. Feeding management involves when, how, and how much feed and water are given, as well as the cleanliness of troughs, pens, and equipment. Proper management ensures that every kilogram of feed is converted efficiently into growth or reproduction output.

6.1 Establishing a Feeding Routine

Feed pigs at consistent times daily to establish predictable eating behavior and reduce aggression.
For small farms, two feedings per day (morning and evening) are sufficient; for young pigs, three smaller meals may yield better gains.
Provide feed in amounts pigs can consume within 20–30 minutes to avoid spoilage and waste.
Always remove leftover feed before refilling troughs.

6.2 Feed Delivery Systems

Manual feeding: Common in smallholder units; requires labor but allows close observation of pigs.
Automatic or self-feeders: Ideal for large herds; reduce labor and ensure ad libitum access. Keep hoppers clean to prevent mold.
Wet feeding systems: Mix feed with water at a 1 : 1 ratio for improved palatability; clean troughs twice daily to prevent souring.

6.3 Water Management

Water is the forgotten nutrient but is essential for digestion, temperature regulation, and milk production. Clean water must be available 24 hours a day.

Use nipple drinkers or gravity troughs placed at pig-shoulder height.
Check flow rate (1 – 2 liters/min) to ensure adequate supply.
Flush pipes weekly to remove bio-film buildup.
During hot weather, increase water points and provide shade.

Pig Class	Daily Water Need (Liters)
Piglets	1 – 2
Weaners	2 – 5
Growers	6 – 8
Finishers	8 – 12
Lactating sows	15 – 25

6.4 Hygiene and Biosecurity

Wash feed and water troughs daily to prevent mold, leftover scum, or disease build-up.
Control rodents and birds—they steal feed and spread pathogens.
Provide footbaths with disinfectant at pen entrances.
Isolate sick pigs immediately to avoid herd contamination.
Never mix old feed with fresh batches.

6.5 Feed Wastage Control

Feed wastage can quietly erode profits. Every kilogram spilled or spoiled is direct loss. Simple adjustments can save 5 – 10 % of total feed cost.

Use feeders that match pig size; avoid overfilled troughs.
Keep feeders dry and shaded from rain.
Grind or crush grains uniformly for better digestibility.
Provide the correct pellet size for each age group.
Regularly inspect feed lines and hoppers for leaks or blockages.

6.6 Grouping and Stocking Density

Pigs of similar weight and age should be grouped together. Unequal grouping leads to bullying, uneven feeding, and poor growth of weaker pigs.

Pig Type	Recommended Space per Pig (m²)
Piglets (up to 20 kg)	0.3 – 0.5
Weaners (20 – 40 kg)	0.6 – 0.8
Growers (40 – 70 kg)	0.9 – 1.1
Finishers (70 – 110 kg)	1.2 – 1.5
Breeding sows/boars	1.8 – 2.5

Maintain adequate ventilation (10 – 15 air changes/hour) to remove ammonia and keep pens dry. Damp pens reduce feed intake and cause respiratory problems.

6.7 Record-Keeping and Monitoring

Feeding data is vital for farm decision-making. Maintain accurate records of:

Feed purchased and feed used per week.
Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR).
Mortality, medication, and vaccination schedules.
Ingredient prices and batch formulation history.

With these records you can identify inefficient rations, estimate production cost per kilogram of pork, and plan feed budgets more accurately.

6.8 Environmental Sustainability

Recycle manure through biogas production or composting to reduce waste and odor.
Use feed ingredients from sustainable sources and avoid over-harvested fish meals.
Optimize feeding so minimal nitrogen and phosphorus are excreted into the environment.

6.9 Labor and Automation

Labor accounts for up to 15 % of production cost on most pig farms. Feeding automation—self-feeders, auger systems, and automatic drinkers—reduces labor hours, maintains consistency, and improves pig comfort. On small farms, simple wheelbarrows and locally made troughs can still deliver efficiency when managed well.

6.10 Cost Efficiency Evaluation

To know if feeding is profitable, compute:

Feed cost per kg gain = Feed price × Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
Profit margin = Pork selling price – Feed cost per kg gain – Other expenses

For example, if feed costs $0.35 per kg and FCR = 2.8, feed cost per kg gain = $0.98. If pork sells at $1.50 per kg live-weight, the gross margin is $0.52/kg before fixed costs.

6.11 Signs of Feeding Problems

Uneven growth or pigs fighting during meals → insufficient trough space.
Diarrhea and wet pens → spoiled or moldy feed, abrupt feed change.
Thin sows or weak piglets → underfeeding during lactation.
Fat boars and sows → overfeeding energy-dense diets.

6.12 Farmer Best Practices Checklist

Always provide fresh feed and water.
Clean feeders daily; dry pens every morning.
Weigh pigs fortnightly to monitor progress.
Record every feed batch and update ingredient prices monthly.
Consult a livestock nutritionist annually to revise formulations.

Good feeding management bridges the gap between nutrition theory and real-world profitability. Even with modest resources, disciplined routines, hygiene, and observation can dramatically improve growth performance and returns.

7. Cost Optimization and Sustainability in Pig Feeding

Feed represents the largest portion of pig production costs worldwide, often 70 – 80 % of total expenses. Profitability therefore depends on how efficiently feed is purchased, formulated, stored, and utilized. Smart cost management allows farmers to maintain high performance even when market prices fluctuate.

7.1 Purchasing and Ingredient Strategy

Bulk buying: Purchase grain and protein ingredients in bulk immediately after harvest when prices are lowest.
Co-operatives: Join or form feed-buying groups with nearby farmers to negotiate better prices and share transport costs.
Local sourcing: Replace imported ingredients with local energy and protein alternatives whenever possible.
Seasonal planning: Stockpile dry ingredients before the rainy season to prevent spoilage and price spikes.

7.2 Feed Processing Improvements

Grind grains uniformly to improve digestibility; medium grind (0.8 – 1 mm) is optimal.
Pelleting increases nutrient density and reduces feed waste by up to 10 %.
Steam conditioning before pelleting enhances starch digestibility and pig growth rate.

7.3 Using By-Products and Waste Reduction

Integrate agro-industrial by-products such as rice bran, cassava peels, and brewer’s grains into rations.
Utilize fruit and vegetable market waste after boiling or sun-drying to destroy pathogens.
Adopt a “zero-waste” mindset — recycle manure into organic fertilizer or biogas fuel.

7.4 Monitoring Feed Efficiency

Regularly calculate performance indicators to ensure feeding efficiency:

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): kg feed / kg weight gain — aim ≤ 3.0 for finishers.
Average Daily Gain (ADG): target ≥ 600 g per pig per day for growing pigs.
Feed Cost per kg Gain = Feed Price × FCR

7.5 Energy-Saving and Labor-Saving Systems

Install automatic feeders or auger systems where feasible to save labor and maintain feeding consistency.
Use gravity-fed nipple drinkers instead of buckets to reduce spillage.
Design pens so cleaning water drains easily, reducing manual work and maintaining hygiene.

7.6 Long-Term Sustainability

Adopt rotational crop–livestock systems where manure fertilizes feed crops.
Use renewable energy (biogas, solar) for feed milling or heating piglet pens.
Balance diets to minimize nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, protecting soil and water resources.
Follow animal-welfare standards to access premium, environmentally conscious markets.

7.7 Economic Example

Assume a farm with 100 pigs consumes 20 000 kg feed in 5 months at $0.35 /kg = $7 000. If FCR = 2.8 and market price = $1.50 /kg live weight, total pork = 7 140 kg × $1.50 = $10 710. Gross profit = $10 710 – $7 000 = $3 710 before other expenses. Improving FCR from 2.8 to 2.5 would save $900 in feed — proof that efficient feeding drives profitability.

Conclusion

Feeding lies at the heart of every successful pig enterprise. From the smallest backyard unit to the largest commercial farm, feed quality and management determine the speed of growth, reproductive success, and final carcass value. Throughout this guide we explored the essential nutrients, feeding stages, formulation techniques, management practices, and cost-saving strategies that make pig production efficient and sustainable across the globe.

Balanced diets rich in energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins transform feed into muscle, milk, and profit. Equally important are good routines — timely feeding, clean water, strict hygiene, and accurate record-keeping. When these fundamentals are combined, pigs thrive, mortality drops, and production costs decrease.

As the world’s population and demand for animal protein continue to rise, efficient pig feeding is more than a business opportunity — it is a necessity for food security and environmental sustainability. Farmers who embrace science-based feeding and responsible management will continue to prosper in this evolving industry.

In summary:

Feed accounts for 70–80 % of production cost — manage it wisely.
Adjust rations by growth stage to match pigs’ nutrient needs.
Use locally available ingredients and natural supplements to cut costs.
Maintain strict hygiene and regular water supply.
Record and analyze feed performance to guide future decisions.

“Feed your pigs right, and they will feed your future.”