Pig Feeding Schedule: What to Feed Pigs at Every Stage – A Complete Guide by Aaron Vet Farms Ltd
Feeding is the backbone of profitable pig farming. Whether you run a small-scale piggery or a large commercial unit, what you feed your pigs—and when you feed them—directly determines growth rate, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), reproduction performance, and overall profitability. At Aaron Vet Farms Ltd, we understand that proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy, fast-growing, and disease-resistant pig herd. That’s why we have prepared this comprehensive feeding schedule to guide farmers on what to feed pigs at every stage of production.
Why Pig Feeding Matters in Modern Pig Farming
Feed accounts for 60–70% of the total cost of pig production, making efficient feeding one of the biggest determinants of profitability. A proper pig feeding schedule ensures:
Faster growth and better weight gains
Strong immunity and reduced disease outbreaks
Higher weaning weights and increased survival rates
Better feed conversion ratio (FCR)
Improved reproduction in sows and boars
Reduced production costs
With a well-structured feeding program, farmers can turn a piggery into a sustainable and thriving agribusiness.
Pig Feeding Schedule Explained – What to Feed at Every Stage
1. Feeding Piglets (0–8 Weeks)
Piglets are delicate and require a carefully structured diet to support growth and immunity.
a) 0–3 Days: Colostrum Only
Immediately after birth, piglets must suckle colostrum within the first 6 hours. Colostrum provides:
Antibodies for immunity
Energy and warmth
Hormones for gut development
Failure to receive colostrum leads to high mortality.
b) 3 Days–3 Weeks: Creep Feed Introduction
At around 3 days, piglets require creep feed, which is highly digestible and energy-dense.
Creep feed should contain:
20–22% crude protein
High-quality milk replacers
Digestible carbohydrates
Vitamins A, D, E
Minerals and amino acids (lysine, methionine)
Benefits of creep feed:
Stimulates early gut development
Reduces weaning stress
Improves weaning weights
Encourages early feed intake
c) 3–8 Weeks: Pre-Starter Feed
Before weaning, piglets need pre-starter or weaner mash.
Recommended content:
18–20% crude protein
High energy levels
Probiotics and enzymes
Piglets must always have fresh, clean water. A piglet that drinks well eats well and grows well.
2. Feeding Weaners (8–12 Weeks)
Weaners experience stress from separation, new feed, and new housing. A well-balanced diet helps them adapt quickly.
Weaner Diet Requirements:
18% crude protein
Easily digestible ingredients like maize, soya, fish meal
Adequate minerals and vitamins
Anti-stress supplements (vitamin C, electrolytes)
Feeding Frequency:
Provide feed 3 times a day for better growth
Always keep water available
Weaners should gain 350–450 grams per day if fed correctly.
3. Feeding Growers (12–20 Weeks)
Growers represent an important phase because weight gain determines profit potential.
Grower Diet Requirements:
16% crude protein
Moderate energy
Balanced minerals (calcium, phosphorus)
Fibre to support gut health
Importance of Balanced Grower Diet:
Supports muscle development
Reduces fat accumulation
Enhances feed efficiency
Ideal Daily Feed Intake:
1.5–2.0 kg per pig per day
Provide twice daily feeding
Growers should gain 600–700 grams per day under good management.
4. Feeding Fatteners/Finishers (20 Weeks–Market Weight)
Pigs at this stage need a diet that helps them reach market weight quickly without excess fat.
Finisher Diet Requirements:
14–16% crude protein
High energy ingredients
Low-cost raw materials to reduce cost of production
Daily Feed Intake:
2.0–3.0 kg per pig per day
Expected Weight Gain:
700–900 grams per day
A well-formulated finisher diet prepares pigs for slaughter at 90–110 kg live weight.
5. Feeding Pregnant Sows (Gestation Diet)
Pregnant sows (gilts or mature sows) need a diet that supports the growth of fetuses while preventing excessive body fat.
Gestation Diet Requirements:
14% crude protein
High fibre to reduce constipation
Balanced minerals
Adequate energy
Daily Feed Quantity:
2.0–2.5 kg per sow per day
Why Proper Feeding Matters:
Reduces stillbirths
Improves piglet birth weight
Prevents obesity (which leads to farrowing complications)
Sows should also receive iron supplements and clean drinking water at all times.
6. Feeding Lactating Sows (Nursing Diet)
Lactating sows have the highest nutritional requirements because milk production demands energy and nutrients.
Lactation Diet Requirements:
16–18% crude protein
High energy to support milk production
Added calcium and phosphorus
Amino acids (lysine and methionine)
Feed Quantity:
4–6 kg per sow per day depending on litter size
Benefits of Proper Feeding:
Higher milk production
Faster piglet growth
Better sow recovery after farrowing
A well-fed sow can wean strong, uniform piglets.
7. Feeding Boars (Breeding Males)
Boars require a balanced diet to maintain reproductive performance.
Boar Diet Requirements:
14–16% crude protein
Adequate vitamins (A, E) for fertility
Controlled energy levels to prevent obesity
Daily Feed Amount:
2.5–3.0 kg per boar per day
Proper feeding helps maintain libido, semen quality, and overall productivity.
How to Reduce Pig Feeding Costs – Practical Tips from Aaron Vet Farms Ltd
1. Use On-Farm Feed Formulation
Mixing your own pig feed using maize bran, soya, cassava, and fish meal reduces costs significantly.
2. Maintain Good Hygiene
Dirty feed troughs lead to feed wastage and bacterial contamination.
3. Reduce Feed Spillage
Use proper feeders and avoid overfilling troughs.
4. Practice Early Weaning
Strong feeding programmes allow early weaning at 6 weeks to save sow feed costs.
5. Provide Clean Water
Water improves feed intake and prevents constipation.
6. Buy Feed Ingredients in Bulk
This reduces cost per kilogram and ensures consistent supply.
7. Avoid Feeding Kitchen Waste
Unless boiled and treated, food waste introduces diseases.
Common Pig Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Many farmers unknowingly reduce their pigs’ performance through poor feeding decisions. Avoid the following:
Giving pigs too much maize bran alone (causes slow growth)
Feeding low-protein diets
Irregular feeding schedules
Not providing enough clean drinking water
Allowing moldy feed
Overfeeding sows, causing farrowing problems
Avoiding these mistakes ensures faster maturity and better profits.
Recommended Feeding Schedule Summary (Quick Guide)
Pig Stage Recommended Protein Feed Frequency Daily Feed Amount
Piglets (0–3 weeks) 20–22% Free-choice Creep feedWeaners (8–12 weeks) 18% 3× a day 0.8–1.2 kg
Growers (12–20 weeks) 16% 2×a day 1.5–2.0 kg
Finishers (20+ weeks) 14–16% 2×a day 2.0–3.0 kg
Pregnant Sows 14% 2×a day 2–2.5 kg
Lactating Sows 16–18% 2–3× a day 4–6 kg
Boars 14–16% 2× a day 2.5–3.0 kg