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Feeding Pigs

This page is designed to provide basic feeding recommendations for each stage of a pigs life. It is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of swine nutrition for commercial production, but basic guidelines for those raising a few pigs for show or meat. This is divided into four sections below: Weaned pigs, Grower/Finisher pigs, Breeding pigs, and Show pigs.

Weaned Pigs

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Pigs are generally weaned between 21 and 35 days of age except on some large commercial operations which might wean at an earlier age. If pigs are weaned beyond 21 days, then supplemental or 'creep' feed should be offered as sows generally cannot keep up with the nutritional needs of the growing pigs, especially if she has a large litter. Weaned pigs should be fed free choice or 'ad libitum' with clean water being always available.

One problem that you may encounter is availability of wean pig rations from your local feed dealer. Most folks are not feeding weaned pigs anymore. Therefore,  there is not enough demand to keep these feeds in stock. However, many feed dealers are able to order rations if given some advance warning. Ask at least (2) weeks in advance in order to make sure that it is available when you need it.
All pigs require the following nutrients in different percentages:
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins & Minerals (esp. calcium and phosphorus)
  • Water (most important nutrient)
The table shows the requirements of a weaned pigs. Rations for the earliest weaned pigs may need to be moistened for a few days until the piglets are accustomed to eating it.

Grower/Finisher Pigs

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Grower/Finisher pigs can be fed a variety of foods depending on your production goals. However, pigs should never be fed trash. If you are raising your pigs on pasture, do not rely on the forages to provide for all of the nutritional requirements of the grower/finisher pig. Depending on genetics and your feeding program, pigs should reach a market weight of 250 lbs. from 135 to 165 days of age or longer. Grower/ Finisher pigs should be fed free choice or 'ad libitum'. Expect pigs to convert
  • For those wanting to raise a lean hog as quickly as possible, a premixed commercial ration would be your best option.
  • For those wanting to save some money and are not as concerned with time or leanness, other feeding options could be considered. Bakery waste (day old donuts, bread, etc.), excess dairy products, or excess vegetables from the garden could be fed.
If the pigs are pastured, they should be discouraged from eating too many acorns as this could cause the fat to become pale, soft, and runny (exudative) when butchered. There are other plants that could cause problems. Contact your local extension agent if you have any  questions.
All pigs require the following nutrients in different percentages:
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins & Minerals (esp. calcium and phosphorus)
  • Water (most important nutrient)

Breeding Pigs

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Breeding pigs are divided into three different groups: boars, gestating sows and lactating sows. Each of these have different nutritional requirements. The table on the right has feeding recommendations. You may find some variations on this, but this is what I use.

  • During gestation, it is not recommended that sows be overfed. This can lead to problems at farrowing and possibly lower milk production during lactation.
  • Breeding pigs may need an additional pound of feed if housed outside in cold weather.
  • Gestating sows and boars can be fed on well planted pasture for half or more of their nutritional requirements. Additional information about pasturing pigs can be found at  http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G2360
  • Lactating sows have the highest nutritional demands.They need more protein and lysine along with a greater intake of food. This is where you can really get the piglets off on the right foot. Do not short change the feed at this point.

    Additional feeding recommendations are made for breeding sows on the breeding page.
All pigs require the following nutrients in different percentages:
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins & Minerals (esp. calcium and phosphorus)
  • Water (most important nutrient)

Show pigs

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Nothing brings about more debate or differing opinions than the best way to feed a show pig. Today's show pigs tend to be heavily muscled and lean. Most of the national and regional feed manufacturers have specialized show feeds and supplements. I cannot give you an exact formula to have a winning pig. I will give some basic guidelines. As a minimum, pigs should be fed according to the table on the right. This will get your pig to weight, but probably not in show condition. The most important thing to learn is what an ideal show pig looks like so that you can tailor your feeding program to get your pig as close as possible to the ideal.
  • Although self-feeders are convenient, hand feeding is recommended as you are able to monitor feed intake closely.
  • Pigs are judged on the proportion of muscle to fat (or cover) as well as skeletal structure. A good diet will optimize the genetics of your pig.
  • The best feeding program will not make a pig with poor genetic potential a winner.
  • Start off with a high protein diet ~20%. This will help with muscular development of young pigs. This would be for a pig weighing 50 lbs.- 75 lbs.
  • Protein can be dropped to 18% for a pig weighing 75 lbs. - 175 lbs. for average muscled pig. For a heavily muscled pig that might be from 75 lbs. - 125 lbs.
  • Protein can be dropped to 16% to finish the pig. If time is running short, you may need to keep the pigs on a higher protein feed.
  • There are a variety of supplements out there to help improve muscling, increase growth, improve cover or strengthen skeletal structure. Follow recommendations exactly when using these as each could mess up your project. Remember, a little goes a long way.
If you have a a feeding program that works for you, please submit it to this site. I may post it on a special page of show diets.
All pigs require the following nutrients in different percentages:
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins & Minerals (esp. calcium and phosphorus)
  • Water (most important nutrient)
The following are show diets from national feed dealers. I do not endorse any one program over another. This is for informational purposes. You must decide which is best for your project.

Purina 
MoorMan's
Kent
Sunglo
Show-Rite