You can feed your mature pigs with a variety of wholesome grains. Rice, barley, corn and wheat are the common grains that most of the pig farmers use. Most of these whole grains are high in carbohydrates.
Full Answer
What can I give my pigs to help them grow?
Two pigs always do better than just one. Vitamin B12 when injected may have a positive effect on feed intake during periods of low feed intake, stress, disease, or other conditions resulting in poor feed intake. Fresh feed and fresh water is still the gold standard for pig growth and performance.
How do you feed a pig with high protein?
Give your pig a mix of many types of protein. See what the pig likes best, and feed it primarily that type of protein. Combining soybean meal with a corn diet will provide your pig with well-balanced amino acid levels. Choose a grain for your pig. Whatever you choose, 50% of your feed should be yellow corn.
How can I increase the weight of my Pig?
Some have high protein and high fat, while others are high in either fat or protein. Decide how much weight you want to increase your pig by, then incorporate fat supplements or fatty foods into the pig’s diet. Typically, pigs under 150 pounds receive half a pound to one pound of supplements.
What is the fastest way to fatten up a pig?
As you might expect, the pigs do gain weight. Corn is a cheap feed for pigs and it does fatten them up quickly. Sugar is also an oft-touted remedy when it comes to putting weight on pigs. Many farmers feed their pigs donuts, candies, molasses, and cane juice products to get them to put on weight rapidly.
How do I make my pig fatter?
Feed your pig whatever high-fat feed that it finds most palatable, and you find most affordable.Skim milk, yogurt, and dairy are also foods that can increase pig fat.Sweet foods with high sugar content -- donuts, candy, and cupcakes -- can also rapidly increase your pig's weight.
What do you feed pigs for growth?
Feeds should meet the animal's needs for maintenance, growth and reproduction. Good pig feed contains sufficient energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Rice bran, broken rice, maize, soya-beans, cassava, vegetables and distillers' residues are often used in pig feed.
How much corn is needed to fatten a pig?
With traditional diets, Taubert figures it took 10.2 bushels of corn to get a pig to market weight — and that includes the corn allocated to sow, gilt developer and nursery diets.
Is corn good for pigs?
Corn is an excellent source of energy for pigs, and most other energy feedstuffs are priced relative to corn. The amino acids of soybean meal complement corn's amino acids resulting in a diet that matches the nutritional needs of the pig well.
Is molasses good for pig?
It can be concluded therefore that "A" molasses is a satisfactory substitute for rice by-products in growing pig diets in terms of performance, and its use is economically advantageous during the sugar harvesting season in southern Vietnam.
Which feed is best for pigs?
Pigs can eat all kinds of scraps, or leftover food such as mealie-pap, bread, vegetables, fruit and pig pellets. Real pig pellets are, however, the best feed. Do not only feed one vegetable (such as cabbage), because pigs need a varied diet to stay healthy.
Is salt good for pigs?
The right minerals are essential for muscle, nerve and immune system functions and for sound reproductive health. Salt is especially important for gestating and lactating sows, and can be useful as a carrier for other nutrients essential for swine.
What are the 3 type of feeds for swine?
There are three main types of liquid feeding systems: 1) Mixing high moisture ingredients to create a complete diet; 2) Remixing a dry complete diet with water; and 3) Feeding a liquid ingredient in addition to a dry complete feed.
What are pig boosters?
Piglet Booster an essential growth promoter supplement for swine, pigs which enhance overall health and growth to them. It is a special mixture of proteins with essential Amino acids, trace minerals and elements for better growth and production.
Is chicken manure good for pigs?
Dried poultry manure, produced locally by sterilization and drying, was evaluated as an addition to a conventional diet, at levels of 10, 20 and 30%, for growing pigs from 23 to 85 kg live weight. The 32 pigs remained healthy and the dried manure had no apparent adverse effect on the carcasses.
How do you feed pigs cheaply?
Here are five ways to reduce swine feeding costsIncorporate DDGS into diets. ... Use small grains when available. ... Take a look at other co-products. ... Use fish meal substitutes. ... Eliminate inorganic phosphorus.
How long does it take to fatten a pig?
Most pig farmers buy “weaners,” piglets about two or three months old that are no longer reliant on their mother's milk; they then raise the pigs to slaughter weight (typically about 250 pounds), which on factory-style farms is attained by the time they're 6 months old.
How can I get my pig to gain 3 pounds in a day?
move them to a smaller pen so they can't run around and burn of the feed and do minimum exercise. Also put some paylean and fat in there feed and that will improve there gain. I like Sunglo Explode and Sunglo Sumo. You could also feed them smaller amounts and feed them 3-5 times a day.
Is salt good for pigs?
The right minerals are essential for muscle, nerve and immune system functions and for sound reproductive health. Salt is especially important for gestating and lactating sows, and can be useful as a carrier for other nutrients essential for swine.
What feed is best for pigs?
Pigs can eat all kinds of scraps, or leftover food such as mealie-pap, bread, vegetables, fruit and pig pellets. Real pig pellets are, however, the best feed. Do not only feed one vegetable (such as cabbage), because pigs need a varied diet to stay healthy.
What do pigs eat to get fat?
Corn is a cheap feed for pigs and it does fatten them up quickly. Sugar is also an oft-touted remedy when it comes to putting weight on pigs. Many farmers feed their pigs donuts, candies, molasses, and cane juice products to get them to put on weight rapidly.
How to get pigs to eat more?
Rather than feeding a pig a bucket of molasses, for example, try drizzling just a little bit on the feed . This will encourage your pig to eat more without taking on too many empty calories. You can also try simply wetting your pig’s feed. This will soften it, making it easier to ingest and more palatable.
Why is it so hard to get pigs to put on weight?
From health problems to poor genetics, bad feed and pigs that are just naturally small , it can sometimes be quite tough to get your pigs to put on weight. Whether you’re raising pigs for your own family’s consumption or you sell the meat to other customers, knowing how to fatten up a pig – the right way – is essential. Here are some tips.
What does it mean when a pig has a big liver?
A big liver is a sick liver. While feeding a pig sugar will cause it to gain weight more quickly, the quality of the meat will not be nearly as high. When it comes to keeping pigs sedentary, pigs that are raised in confinement will grow at a faster rate than those who are given room to roam.
How much weight can a pig gain in a day?
Then, they might gain as much as 2.2 pounds per day. Use a good starter ration until your pigs reach 100 pounds and then switch to a finisher ration will get your pig to the desired weight. These rations are specially formulated to have the ideal amount of protein until your pig reaches market weight.
Why is my pig not eating enough?
In some cases, pigs might not eat enough if they are too hot or don’t have enough water, so keep these factors in mind, too. Provide your pig with a variety of foods as it grows.
How to get weight on a hog?
Weight on a Hog. 1. Try Milk. Milk is a good food to put weight on a hog because it contains lots of nutrients and essential amino acids but also healthy fats and calories. This is the perfect balance when it comes to providing your pig with a palatable supplement that will help it gain weight.
What to feed a pig to get protein?
Select a protein source. Tankage (animal feed made from residue left behind from the tanks in which animal carcasses were rendered) and meat scraps are two good sources of protein. Soybean oil meal is another option. Give your pig a mix of many types of protein.
How to make pigs eat better?
Palatability enhancers are toppings that you apply to your pig’s feed in order to make the food taste better. If your pig enjoys what it’s eating, it will eat more of it, thus increasing its weight. Try several palatability enhancers and see which pushes your pig to eat the most. Add water to the feed.
How to give a pig more space?
There are several ways to give your pig more space, such as: removing pigs from the pen and putting them in a separate, larger enclosure. selling pigs until you have a population that can thrive within the confines of the pen. expanding the size of the pig pen.
How to help a pig with nutritional deficiencies?
Increase the pig’s nutrient intake as you increase the amount of food it eats. Take your pig to the vet or nutritionist for blood work and a nutritional analysis. The vet will be able to tell you if your pig is suffering a nutritional deficiency, and what supplements can correct it.
What is the best way to get a pig to gain weight?
2. Give your pig feeds with a high fat content. Fat in pig feed comes from poultry, pork, tallow, vegetable oils, and blended animal or vegetable fats. The type of fat that is included in your pig’s feed has little impact on the weight gains it will make.
How to soften pigs?
Always give your pig fresh water. Even if you add water to your pig ’s feed to soften it, you should also provide a bowl or trough for water. Change your pig’s water regularly. Water should be cool but not cold.
Why do pigs gain weight?
Weight gain occurs as a result of ingesting excess calories. If a pig is not eating enough food, it will lose weight. If a pig eats over and above the caloric volume needed to maintain its current weight, it will increase its weight. Increase the pig’s nutrient intake as you increase the amount of food it eats.
What is the best feed for pigs?
The best feed for pigs is a complete pig feed. The best feed for pigs, the feed that will help them grow the fastest and keep up with their daily energy needs, is a complete feed that you buy in ground or pelleted form. Complete feed means that you can feed this formulation as the sole ration to your pigs and they will get all ...
How to get the most bang for your buck with pig feed?
The way to get the most bang for your buck with pig feed is to keep plenty of fresh, clean water available to your pigs at all times. Not paying attention to your pig’s water needs is stressful for your pigs, while wasting your time and money.
Why are pigs comfortable?
Keeping your pigs comfortable will help them grow more quickly, which will get you more use out of the money and time you have put into feeding them. Just like you, when pigs are too hot all they think about is laying around and waiting for it to cool down some.
What is complete feed?
Complete feed means that you can feed this formulation as the sole ration to your pigs and they will get all of the nutrients they need to grow. You can, of course, supplement the feed with pasture, hay and/or yard or vegetable scraps, but you don’t have to. The complete feed has everything the pigs need in it already.
Why do pigs short on water?
This means by shorting your pigs on water, you are also shorting yourself by slowing down the growth of your pigs. The longer it takes for your pigs to grow to finishing weight, the more money you’ll have in feed, since the bigger pigs have higher daily maintenance needs.
What does it mean when a pig runs out of water?
Water intake has a huge influence over the amount of feed that your pigs will be eating! When you restrict water intake (letting your pigs run out of water is a water restriction), you are also restricting feed intake. Restricting feed intake means lower weight gains for your feeder pigs. This means by shorting your pigs on water, ...
How much should a pig eat?
Pigs up to 50 pounds should be getting the 21% feed and pigs from 50-80 pounds should be eating the 16% feed. Pigs from 80-160 pounds should be eating a 14% complete feed and pigs over 160 pounds should get a 12.6% complete feed. Older pigs can digest pasture and other forages better than younger pigs. Pigs of all ages can be given pasture ...
What is the main food of a pig?
Water is the central part of a pig’s diet. One-half to two-thirds of its body weight is water . Access to clean drinking water is essential to a pig’s growth rate. Newly weaned pigs are especially prone to dehydrate. However water is supplied, water devices must be sanitized and properly positioned.
How much weight do pigs gain?
With a proper diet, expect weight gains of about 1.5 to 1.7 pounds per day up to approximately 110 pounds.
What is the most important part of swine production?
The most important part of swine production is in knowing the correct way to feed pigs. Whether browsing through a piglet feeding guide or studying swine management techniques, pigs need a high energy diet that is low in fiber that contains ample protein. Pigs will consume enormous amounts of food quickly.
Why are pigs important?
Pig temperature requirements are important to growth and production . Pigs are a highly adaptable animal and can perform well within a range of temperatures. However, temperatures too low or too high can have adverse effects on stock.
What foods slow down growth?
Fish. Meat. Fruits. Potatoes. Foods high in sugars can slow growth rates while milk, meats, and fish can harbor viruses. Pits and seeds of apples, pears, apricots and peaches contain a naturally occurring substance called amygdalin which is a cyanogenic glycoside that is released when chewed causing illness, discomfort, or even death.
How to raise and maintain a healthy stock?
To raise and maintain a healthy stock, maximize growth and reproduction, and increase production, it is necessary to feed them the right food and a balanced diet from wean to finish.
How much should a piglet weigh?
Piglets, younger pigs that weigh less than 40 pounds, should be introduced to a solid diet through creep feeding while they are still suckling. Dietary needs will increase daily with a pig’s weight.
What to feed pigs to grow?
Feeding the Growing Pigs. Growing pigs require especial feeds for proper growth. At this stage you can feed your pigs with some grains along with pellet feeds. You can wean them off pellet feed and switch them to natural grains, once your pigs get older and larger. This will make up the bulk of their nutritional demands.
What is the best feed for pigs?
Pellet feeds are considered as best for the piglets, because it comes in small and easily digestible pieces that are the perfect size for young pigs to munch on. These types of pellet feeds are specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of the growing pigs.
How to get pigs to produce meat?
A nutritious and balanced diet will help your pigs to produce very high quality meat. First of all, start the young piglets off with a fortified dry food that meets their complex nutritional demands. You can begin giving them a mixture of grains, fruits and vegetables as they get older.
What do pigs eat?
Feeding the Mature Pigs. You can feed your mature pigs with a variety of wholesome grains. Rice, barley, corn and wheat are the common grains that most of the pig farmers use. Most of these whole grains are high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can cause your pigs to put on fat rather than lean, healthy muscle.
What are some good foods for pigs?
Leafy vegetables are good for the pigs such as cabbage, lettuce, sweet potato vine, spinach etc. Some fruits are also good for them such as melons, bananas, apples, pears or other fruits. Root crops are also good for feeding pigs.
How much should a pig eat?
And a fully grown pig can eat between 15 and 50 lbs of feed daily depending on the size of your breed. You should provide some extra food to the pregnant and lactating pigs.
Can pigs eat cheese?
Gather up any leftover fruits, vegetables, and grains from your kitchen and combine them in a large container. The pigs actually will eat just anything, but that doesn’t mean that they should. You should never feed your pigs with processed meat or cheese products. Also avoid feeding pigs overly sugary baked goods.
How much water do pigs need?
Pigs need three times the water as they do feed, so if you want your pigs to eat more to grow more, the first thing you need to do is make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Check your pigs’ water twice a day for two things: Is the level going down? If not, figure out what’s wrong.
How to keep pigs cooler?
Provide extra water for a wallow to keep pigs cooler. If it’s hot, provide a wallow. I know when I give my porkers extra water to slosh in on a super hot day, they immediately perk up, after wallowing, of course, and go eat. I know they can make a mess, but it’s worth it to keep your pigs happy and lower their stress.
How old are feeder pigs?
Wonderful question, here are some key points to look for to make sure you are getting a great set of feeder pigs. High quality feeder pigs are: At least 6 weeks old, 8 weeks is better, 12 weeks is best. Spunky. Slick haired. Wide through the chest and between the eyes. Close to the same size as their litter mates.
Why do pigs need water?
It might seem unusual to talk about water before going over feed, but there’s a great reason why water is first: limited water will limit the growth of your feeder pigs.
What is a crossbred pig?
Crossbred piglets are bred to be easy keepers and fast growers. Notice I didn’t specify any breed (in the list above)! There are great feeder pigs of nearly any common breed of pigs. Even better is a cross of two or more of the common pig breeds to make a feeder pig with tons of vigor and growing ability.
Do pigs need buddies?
Pigs need buddies, preferably two buddies! For some reason, pigs like to be in groups of three. This means that if you are going to get 5 or 6, get 6, since that’s two sets of three. If you are going to get 3 or 4, get 3, otherwise one will be the odd one out and have trouble with the rest of the group. I have a group of three feeder pigs right ...
Do piglets need higher protein feed?
The younger piglets must have the higher protein feeds to grow well. Switching the ration for older pigs in nice, but not mandatory. If you have the option, it will save you some money to switch to a lower protein feed when your pigs are bigger. If you just have one option of feed, use what you can find.
What is the best food for pigs?
Ingredients for the pig feed. Corn: The corn should be ground or at least cracked. Whole corn is difficult for smaller piglets to effectively use. Soybean Meal: The soybean meal must be ground, not whole beans. Whole beans are not digestible, the grinding process also cooks the meal making it usable for the pigs.
How to calculate rations?
Before we get going there are are few things you need to know: 1 Rations are listed in pounds needed to make a ton (2,000 pounds) of feed. 2 These numbers can be easily reduced to smaller batches as long as you keep the proportions the same. 3 You will need a scale that can measure both pounds and smaller amounts like ounces. 4 Your feed will only be as good as the ingredients you put into it.
What is the best feed for pigs?
Fresh feed and fresh water is still the gold standard for pig growth and performance. If you purchase feed that contains insect damage, mold, has an off or unpleasant odor return it to your local dealer for fresh feed. Check the water daily to ensure it is working, fresh, cool, available, and abundant to the pig.
What does a show pig eat?
Environmental conditions can dictate what the pig will eat. The better the environment (penning, facilities, temperature, concrete vs. dirt, etc.), the better the pig will eat and perform. The answer here is to have good environmental living conditions for your show pig. In short, the better the facilities and environment, the better your pig will eat and the better your pig will appear physically.
What is Ambitine pig?
Ambitine ® technology is a carefully researched blend of plant extracts and acidifiers to help support gut health and essential oils that help stimulate enzyme secretion for feed digestibility. Immune status of the pig is a very strong determining factor of feed intake and subsequent growth rate. Pigs that are sick will have very low feed intakes.
How does water affect pigs?
Water intake affects show pig feed intake. Water intake is the number-one factor that determines feed intake. Feed intake is directly related to water intake. Anything that limits water intake will limit feed intake and the physical appearance of the pig. Make sure that the pig’s water is clean, fresh, cool and abundant all the time.
Why is my pig's growth rate so low?
Poor feed intake is the primary cause for low growth rate. Poor feed intake itself may be caused by many reasons. It is important to diagnose exactly what is causing the problem. Genetic programming of the pig could cause low feed intake and subsequent poor daily gain. Usually, as pigs get leaner and more heavily muscled, ...
Why do pigs eat less?
So, feeds that are higher in metabolizable energy (ME) will produce lower feed intakes, because the pig doesn’t need to consume as much to meet its daily nutrient requirements.
How to increase pig growth rate?
Increasing the concentration of nutrients in the diet will help improve growth rate. Feed supplements such as Purina ® HIGH OCTANE ® show supplements are valuable at optimizing energy, essential amino acids, and other ingredients that can influence the amount a pig eats per day.
How to feed a pig for butchering?
Use pig feed from a feed mill. The absolute cheapest way to feed a pig for butchering is to use feed from a feed mill that grinds their own feed . They will have floor stock of the popular feeds already done and waiting for you to pick up. Feeds like pig grower and laying mash are likely to be floor stock for most mills.
Why do you need to keep pigs growing?
You’ll spend more on feed per pig than you did to buy the pig in the first place! The reason you need to keep pigs growing quickly is that younger pigs are more efficient than older/bigger pigs at gaining weight from the food they eat.
Does pig feed cost more?
No or low grain intake pig feeding will cost more. Having your pigs eat food sources other than ground pig feed will make them grow slower which will increase the cost to raise them. As referenced above, read the article on feed to gain and the relationship to the weight of the pig.
Do pigs need room to move?
It also means your pigs will take a bit longer to reach finishing weight than a pig raised in a smaller pen. Don’t get me wrong, pigs need room to move, for sure! They need to be able to root and do something interesting all day.
Do you need a scale to weigh out mineral and soybean meal?
You’ll need a scale to weigh out the mineral and soybean meal. Since the purpose of this article is finding the cheapest gains for your pigs, you have to do the math for your area’s prices to make sure it is a better deal for you. If you do decide to go the homemade feed route, here’s one thing to keep in mind.
