Swine Nutrition: Feed Conversion, Sow Productivity & Piglet Survival
Pigs convert feed efficiently only when amino acids, minerals and water are right. Here is where most small and mid-size piggeries lose growth without noticing.
Feed by phase, not by habit
Nutrient needs change sharply from weaner to grower to finisher. A single ration fed throughout wastes protein in the finisher stage and starves growth in the weaner stage. Phase feeding usually improves feed conversion without raising total feed cost.
Amino acids, not just crude protein
- Lysine drives lean growth and is the first limiting amino acid in most cereal-based diets.
- Methionine, threonine and tryptophan follow; balance beats simply raising crude protein.
- Excess undigested protein means more ammonia in the shed and looser dung.
The weaning transition
Weaning combines diet change, separation and mixing stress. Highly digestible creep feed introduced before weaning, warm draught-free pens, unlimited clean water and gut support through the first two weeks reduce post-weaning check and scours.
Sow productivity
- Protect body condition through lactation; thin sows return to heat late.
- Ensure calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D3 for skeletal soundness across multiple parities.
- Maximise lactation-phase water and feed intake — milk output limits litter growth.
- Ensure every piglet gets colostrum within the first six hours; split-suckle large litters.
Water is the cheapest growth promoter
A finisher pig may drink 8–12 litres a day. Check nipple flow rates every month — a slow drinker quietly limits feed intake and daily gain across the whole pen.
Nutrition support
AlimentosX formulates calcium, mineral mixture, energy, liver and toxin-control solutions across liquids, powders, gels and boluses for every species covered here.
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