Feed costs account for 60-75% of total production expenses in pig farming, making it the most significant financial burden for farmers. With fluctuating grain prices and increasing competition, reducing feed costs without compromising animal health and productivity is crucial for profitability.
This guide explores practical strategies to lower feed expenses while maintaining optimal pig growth and performance.
Table of Contents
1. Optimize Feed Formulation
A. Balance Nutrients According to Growth Stages
Pigs have different nutritional needs at each growth phase:
- Piglets (Weaning to 25 kg): High protein (18-20%) and digestible energy.
- Growers (25-60 kg): Moderate protein (16-18%) for muscle development.
- Finishers (60 kg to market): Lower protein (14-16%) with higher energy for fattening.
- Sows (Gestation & Lactation): Adjust protein, fiber, and minerals for reproduction.
Solution:
- Use phase feeding to avoid overfeeding protein in later stages.
- Work with a nutritionist to formulate least-cost rations using local ingredients.
B. Use Alternative Feed Ingredients
Commercial feeds are expensive; incorporating locally available, low-cost alternatives can reduce costs:
| Ingredient | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Cassava | High energy, cheap | Low protein, needs supplementation |
| Sweet Potatoes | Rich in carbs, good for energy | Must be cooked to improve digestion |
| Brewer’s Grain | High protein (25-30%), low-cost byproduct | High moisture, spoils quickly |
| Palm Kernel Cake | Moderate protein (14-18%) | High fiber, limit to 20% of diet |
| Soybean Hulls | Fiber source, improves gut health | Low energy, not for young pigs |
Tip: Ferment or heat-treat some ingredients (e.g., cassava) to remove anti-nutritional factors.
2. Improve Feed Efficiency
A. Reduce Feed Wastage
Studies show 10-30% of feed is wasted due to:
- Poor feeder design (overfilling, spillage).
- Pigs scattering feed.
- Moldy or spoiled feed.
Solutions:
✔ Use adjustable feeders (e.g., wet-dry feeders reduce waste by 15%).
✔ Feed pigs 2-3 times daily instead of free-choice to control intake.
✔ Store feed properly (cool, dry, rodent-proof).
B. Enhance Digestibility
Better digestion = less feed needed.
- Grind grains finely (improves digestibility by 5-10%).
- Use enzymes (phytase, xylanase) to break down hard-to-digest fibers.
- Add probiotics to improve gut health and nutrient absorption.
C. Implement Restricted Feeding for Sows
Overfeeding gestating sows leads to fat buildup and higher feed costs.
- Gestation phase: Feed 1.8-2.2 kg/day (varies by breed).
- Lactation phase: Increase feed gradually to support milk production.
3. Farm Management Practices to Cut Costs
A. Improve Herd Health
Sick pigs eat but don’t grow efficiently.
- Vaccinate against common diseases (e.g., swine fever, PRRS).
- Deworm regularly (parasites steal nutrients).
- Maintain biosecurity (prevent outbreaks that disrupt feeding schedules).
B. Proper Housing & Environment
- Avoid overcrowding (stress reduces feed efficiency).
- Keep pens dry & well-ventilated (cold pigs eat more to stay warm).
- Provide clean water (dehydration reduces feed intake).
C. Record Keeping & Monitoring
Track:
- Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) = Feed given / Weight gained.
- Ideal FCR:
- Weaners: 1.5-2.0
- Growers: 2.5-3.0
- Finishers: 3.0-3.5
- Ideal FCR:
- Growth rates (adjust feed if pigs are underperforming).
4. Alternative Feeding Systems
A. Pasture & Forage Integration
- Allow pigs to graze on grasses, legumes, or crop residues.
- Suitable for outdoor or semi-intensive systems.
- Best for sows & finishers (not piglets).
B. Swill Feeding (Food Waste Recycling)
- Cooked kitchen scraps can replace 20-30% of commercial feed.
- Avoid raw meat or spoiled food (risk of disease).
- Check local regulations (some countries ban swill feeding).
C. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as Protein Source
- BSFL contain 40-50% protein—great for piglets & growers.
- Can be home-grown on organic waste.
5. Long-Term Cost-Saving Strategies
A. Grow Your Own Feed Crops
- Maize, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and cassava can be cultivated on-farm.
- Reduces dependency on commercial feed suppliers.
B. Bulk Purchasing & Cooperative Buying
- Buy feed ingredients in bulk at discounted rates.
- Join farmer cooperatives for collective bargaining power.
C. Invest in Feed Processing Equipment
- Grinders & mixers allow custom feed formulation.
- Pellet machines improve feed efficiency by 5-10%.
Here are ten frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pigs:
1. Are pigs intelligent?
Yes! Pigs are among the most intelligent animals, often compared to dogs and even primates. They can solve puzzles, learn tricks, and have excellent long-term memory.
2. Do pigs sweat?
No, pigs have very few sweat glands, which is why they roll in mud to cool down. The mud also protects their skin from sunburn and insects.
3. How long do pigs live?
Domestic pigs typically live 12–15 years, but some can reach 20 years with proper care. Wild boars usually live shorter lives due to predators and environmental factors.
4. Are pigs clean animals?
Despite their reputation, pigs are naturally clean animals. They designate separate areas for eating, sleeping, and waste—if given enough space.
5. What do pigs eat?
Pigs are omnivores and eat a varied diet, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and occasionally small animals or insects. Domestic pigs are often fed commercial feed.
6. Why do pigs root (dig with their snouts)?
Rooting is natural behavior for pigs—they do it to search for food, explore their environment, and keep their snouts strong.
7. Can pigs swim?
Surprisingly, yes! Pigs are capable swimmers, and some wild pigs (like the Babirusa) are known to swim between islands.
8. How many piglets can a sow have?
A sow (female pig) can give birth to 8–12 piglets per litter, and some breeds may have even more.
9. Do pigs make good pets?
Miniature pig breeds (like potbellied pigs) can be good pets if given proper care, training, and space. However, they require long-term commitment due to their lifespan.
10. Why are pigs important to humans?
Pigs are a major source of meat (pork, bacon, ham), provide leather and medical products (like insulin), and are used in scientific research due to their biological similarities to humans.