6 Pig Feed Formulations: Starter, Grower & Finisher Rations for Optimal Growth

Pig feed production is art and science. Proper diet at every stage of growth can translate into more weight gain, better feed conversion rates, lower mortality, and finally more profit. Nutritional needs of pigs differ wildly as they grow from the starter stage, to growing to finishing. Below are two feed rations for every stage with background and recommendations. You may alter these to your area, ingredient availability, and pig lines.

Starter Stage（5 to 25 kg）

At the Starter Stage, piglets are transitioning from milk to solid diets, and their gut is still developing. Highly digestible, nutrient-dense feed must be offered to support rapid growth, establish a strong immune system, and ensure healthy gut function. The ideal energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral level during this stage lays the platform for best overall growth during subsequent Grower and Finisher stages.

Formulation A

Corn 53%, Soybean Meal 24%, Fish Meal 10%, Milk Powder 5%, Wheat Bran 5%, Premix 2%, Natural Feed Additive 1%

High protein content to support rapid growth.
Balanced energy from corn for healthy weight gain.
Easily digestible ingredients for young animals.
Provides essential amino acids from soybean meal and fish meal.
Contains milk powder for extra protein and immune support.
Wheat bran adds fiber for healthy digestion.
Premix supplies vitamins and minerals for overall nutrition.
Natural feed additives promote gut health and nutrient absorption.

Formulation B

Corn 59%, Soybean Meal 22%, Soy Protein Concentrate 8%, Fish Meal 5%, Dried Dairy 5%, Premix 2%, Enzyme Blend 1%

High energy from corn to support early growth.
Adequate protein from soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and fish meal for muscle development.
Dried dairy provides easily digestible protein and supports immunity.
Balanced amino acids to promote healthy growth.
Premix supplies essential vitamins and minerals.
Enzyme blend improves feed digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Formulated for young animals with sensitive digestive systems.

Formulation A has more fish meal and milk powder, providing more quality protein and stronger immune support. Formulation B replaces some of this with soy protein concentrate and a little more corn, with a focus on higher energy and vegetable protein.

Formulation B also has a mixture of enzymes to improve digestibility, while Formulation A utilizes natural feed additives to support gastrointestinal health. In general, A emphasizes premium animal protein and early immune system development, while B emphasizes energy-dense, low-cost, and easily digested plant-protein nutrition.

Grower Stage（~25 to 60 kg）

At the Grower Stage, pigs are in rapid growth and requiring increased feed intake, and hence nutrition must support muscle development, bone structure, and efficiency of weight gain. Adequate energy and protein are required to maintain constant growth, and fiber and minerals contribute to digestive health and bone structure. Properly formulated feed at this stage will see pigs growing efficiently and ready for the Finisher Stage.

Formulation A

Corn 60%, Soybean Meal 18%, Fish Meal 3%, Rice Bran 15%, Premix 2%, Limestone 1%, Salt 1%

Corn provides energy for growth.
Soybean meal and fish meal supply protein for muscle development.
Rice bran adds fiber and some energy.
Premix supplies essential vitamins and minerals.
Limestone and salt maintain proper mineral balance.
Focuses on balanced growth with moderate protein and energy.

Formulation B

Corn 58%, Soybean Meal 20%, Fish Meal 3%, Wheat Bran 15%, Vegetable Oil 3%, Premix 1%, Limestone 1%, Salt 1%

Corn and soybean meal provide energy and protein.
Fish meal supports muscle growth.
Wheat bran offers fiber for digestion.
Vegetable oil adds concentrated energy and supports weight gain.
Premix, limestone, and salt supply necessary micronutrients and minerals.
Emphasizes higher energy and digestibility for faster growth.

Formulation A is aimed at balanced growth with rice bran providing a source of fiber and moderate protein from fish meal and soybean meal. Constant energy is provided in the form of corn, and the right mineral balance is maintained with salt and limestone.

Formulation B, by contrast, is aimed at higher energy and faster weight gain, with rice bran being replaced by wheat bran and vegetable oil added as a concentrated energy source. It also has a little more soybean meal for additional protein. In general, A is for steady, balanced development, and B is for rapid growth and improved digestibility.

Finisher Stage（~60 kg to Market）

At the Finisher Stage, the pigs are at market weight, and it is time to maximize the growth efficiency, building of muscle, and feed utilization. Diets should be highly energetic for rapid weight gain without sacrificing appropriate protein and fiber intake to ensure lean muscle and the proper functioning of the digestive system. Good nutrition during this stage ensures pigs reach optimal market weight with acceptable body composition and health.

Formulation A

Corn 65%, Soybean Meal 15%, Wheat Bran 15%, Vegetable Oil 3%, Premix 2%

High corn content provides strong energy for weight gain.
Wheat bran adds fiber to support digestion.
Vegetable oil supplies concentrated energy for efficient finishing.
Moderate protein from soybean meal supports basic muscle growth.
Premix ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met.

Formulation B

Corn 62%, Soybean Meal 18%, Rice Bran 15%, Fish Meal 2%, Vegetable Oil 3%, Premix 1%

Slightly higher soybean meal and some fish meal provide higher-quality protein for lean muscle development.
Rice bran adds fiber for digestive health.
Vegetable oil maintains high energy for growth.
Premix supplies vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Designed to balance energy intake with protein quality for both growth and muscle development.

Formulation A contains high energy for gain with corn as the main source of energy and wheat bran as a source of fiber supplemented by vegetable oil as the secondary source of concentrated energy. Formulation A is formulated for effective finishing with moderate protein.

Formulation B has slightly more soybean meal and slightly fish meal for lean muscle growth using higher-quality protein. It uses rice bran as fiber and reserves vegetable oil for energy. A tends to emphasize the consumption of maximum energy for immediate gain in weight, while B tends to emphasize energy with higher-quality protein for growth and lean muscle building.

Best Practices for Pig Feeding Management and Feed Transition

Gradual Feed Transition: When making the change from the Starter to the Grower phase, mix the new and old feeds together for several days. The slow transition avoids upsetting the digestive system and makes it easy to adjust.

Regular Weighing and Monitoring: Weigh pigs weekly to track growth performance. Use average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) data to make adjustments to feed formulas or feeding levels to optimize efficiency and growth.

Environmental and Temperature Control: Maintain optimal barn temperature and humidity. Prolonged heat or high humidity will reduce consumption of feed and impede growth, while proper ventilation and bedding management increase comfort and feed efficiency.

Hygiene and Disease Prevention:Clean water for drinking, dry and clean housing, and disinfecting as a regular routine. Minimizing stress and exposure to disease-causing pathogens avoids disease and maintains normal growth.

Additional Considerations: Regular feeding cycles, adequate feeder space provided, and observation for signs of nutrient deficiencies. Good management practices and good feeding resulting in good nutrition maximize growth, health, and overall production efficiency.

Conclusion

Providing the right nutrition during each stage of growth is essential to attain healthy, efficient, and profitable pig farming. Starter feed supports initial development and the building of immune systems, Grower feed optimizes muscle building and steady weight gain, and Finisher feed optimizes energy consumption and lean meat production. Coupled with proper management, slow progression of feed change, proper hygiene, and environmental control, these formulas help your pig herd maximize its genetic potential without sacrificing health or efficiency. Through customizing feed programs to your herd's needs, better growth performance, lower costs, and total increased productivity can be accomplished.

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