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
Grower/Finisher Pigs
Breeding Pigs
![]() 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.
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All pigs require the following nutrients in different percentages:
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Show pigs
![]() 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.
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All pigs require the following nutrients in different percentages:
Purina MoorMan's Kent Sunglo Show-Rite |