What To Feed Pigs Rule 3/7
Here are some tips on what to feed pigs
Rule 3: One diet does not suit all pigs – Match Feed to Need.
Pig feeds and diets are assessed on the amount of lysine and DE (digestible energy) that they provide for the pig. Piglets, weaners and growing pigs have higher lysine and energy requirements compared to mature pigs. First lactation gilts, older lactating sows and dry sows all have different lysine and energy requirements. Pigs housed outdoors may have additional energy requirements (up to 15% extra) depending on weather conditions and exercise.
Larger scale commercial piggeries will feed specific diets to their weaners, growers, finishers, gilts, dry sows and lactating sows – usually 6 different diets. Small scale piggeries with only a few sows are usually unable to be this specific. However there is benefit in targeting the pig groups that benefit most from matching feed to need. These groups are the weaners and growers and the lactating sows and gilts.
A small scale producer needs to consider the age at which the pigs are sold. If all pigs are sold as weaners then a lactating sow diet will suffice for all pigs, with a top dressing of milk powder as the creep feed for suckling pigs. If pigs are grown out to the porker/grower weight then introduction of a grower diet for the weaners and growers would benefit those pigs.
If you are using pelleted feed then you need to make sure the pellet size is suitable for all pigs in the group. Meal or mash is preferable but you need feeders or troughs to reduce waste. If feeding wet feeds then cleanliness is important as stale moist feed is a good substrate for moulds and mycotoxins which can make pigs sick or worse cause their death.
