Optimal diet for pigs#
An optimal feed ration is a feeding regimen that allows an animal to gain maximum weight and produce the maximum amount of manure.
Pigs aged 1 to 30 days#
The animals are considered young and gradually increase their feed intake from a minimum on the first day to a maximum on the last day of the period. Weight gain also increases steadily with an optimal diet and ranges from 0.1 kg to 6 kg per day.
- Age period: From 1 to 30 days.
- Weight gain with optimal diet: From 0.1 kg to 6 kg per day.
- Increase in feed consumption: Uniform, from minimum to maximum.
Table. Feed consumption for optimal diets in piglets aged 1–30 days.
| Feed | 1st day of the period, kg/day | Last day of the period, kg/day |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 0.1 | 1.3 |
| Potato | 0.1 | 1.3 |
| Eggplant | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| Tomatoes | 0.1 | 1 |
| Cabbage | 0.1 | 1 |
| Bread | 0.1 | 1 |
| Milk | 0.1 | 4 |
Pigs aged 31 to 350 days#
At this age, a fixed optimal diet is used, ensuring stable weight gain.
- Age period: From 31 to 350 days.
- Weight gain with optimal diet: 0.5 kg per day.
- Diet: Constant, no changes from day to day.
Table. Feed consumption under optimal diet for pigs aged 31–350 days.
| Feed | Quantity, kg/day |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1 |
| Potato | 0.5 |
| Eggplant | 0.5 |
| Tomatoes | 0.5 |
| Cabbage | 0.5 |
| Bread | 1 |
Pigs aged 351 to 380 days#
Animals are considered elderly and gradually reduce their feed intake from maximum to minimum levels. Weight at this age neither increases nor decreases.
- Age period: From 351 to 380 days.
- Weight gain: None.
- Weight loss during fasting: None.
- Reproduction: Not possible unless already occurred.
- Manure production: Stops when feed is lacking.
- Gestation: Possible if mating occurred before 351 days.
Table. Feed consumption under optimal diet for pigs aged 351–380 days.
| Feed | 351st day, kg/day | 380th day, kg/day |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 1 | 0.1 |
| Potato | 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Eggplant | 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Tomatoes | 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Cabbage | 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Bread | 1 | 0.1 |
- Older pigs may not need to be fed unless manure is required.
- In the absence of food, the gestation period increases.
- Total lifespan of the animal: 380 days.