If you’re planning to start rearing pigs, understanding the right feeding program at every stage of growth is key to achieving healthy animals, fast growth, and good profits. Feeding should be tailored to each stage, from piglets to weaners, growers, and sows, to meet their specific nutritional needs.
Below is a simple, practical guide on how to feed your pigs from birth to market weight.
🍼 1. Creep Feed for Piglets (7 Days – Weaning at 3–5 Weeks)
Piglets should be introduced to creep feed at 7 days old while still suckling. The goal is to help them transition smoothly from milk to solid feed and encourage early gut development.
Feeding rate:
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Provide 0.2–0.5 kg of creep feed per piglet per day.
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Continue until weaning at around 21 days (3 weeks).
At weaning, piglets typically weigh between 11–13 kg. Continue feeding them on the starter diet until they reach about 18 kg before introducing the sow and weaner meal.
🐷 2. Sow and Weaner Meal (8–16 Weeks)
Once piglets reach around 8 weeks of age, begin feeding sow and weaner meal. This feed helps support strong body development and prepares the pigs for the finishing phase.
Feeding rate:
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Start at 0.6 kg per piglet per day at 8 weeks.
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Gradually increase to 2 kg per piglet per day by 16 weeks.
By this stage, pigs should weigh 30–40 kg and be ready to transition to finisher feed.
🐽 3. Pig Finisher (16–24 Weeks or Until 60–70 kg Slaughter Weight)
The finishing phase focuses on building muscle and fat to achieve market-ready pigs.
Feeding rate:
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Start with 2.5 kg of finisher meal per pig per day.
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Gradually increase to 3 kg per pig per day by 24 weeks.
At 24 weeks, pigs should reach a slaughter weight of 60–70 kg, depending on the breed and management.
🐖 4. Feeding the Sow (Dry, Pregnant, and Lactating)
Proper nutrition for sows ensures good reproductive performance and healthy piglets.
Dry sows and gilts:
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Feed 2.5 kg of sow and weaner meal per day.
Before and after mating:
Administer an additional 1 kg per day for one week before serving and one week after serving to enhance fertility and conception rates.
Lactating sows:
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Feed 2.5 kg per day for maintenance, plus 0.25 kg per day for each piglet being suckled.
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For example, a sow nursing 10 piglets would need 2.5 + (10 × 0.25) = 5 kg/day.
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🌾 Final Tips for Success
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Clean water: Always provide plenty of clean, fresh water; pigs need it for digestion and temperature regulation.
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Hygiene: Keep feeding troughs clean to prevent diseases and feed wastage.
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Gradual changes: Introduce new feeds gradually over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upsets.
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Observation: Monitor your pigs daily for growth, appetite, and general health.
🧭 Conclusion
Feeding pigs correctly from birth to market weight is the foundation of profitable pig farming. By following this feeding program, starting with creep feed, then sow and weaner meal, and finally the finisher, you’ll ensure steady growth, healthy animals, and a successful pig-rearing venture.
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