Optimal diet for pigs

Feeding pigs

The 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.

Feed1st day of the period, kg/dayLast day of the period, kg/day
Onion0.11.3
Potato0.11.3
Eggplant0.11.2
Tomatoes0.11
Cabbage0.11
Bread0.11
Milk0.14

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.

FeedQuantity, kg/day
Onion1
Potato0.5
Eggplant0.5
Tomatoes0.5
Cabbage0.5
Bread1

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.

Feed351st day, kg/day380th day, kg/day
Onion10.1
Potato0.50.1
Eggplant0.50.1
Tomatoes0.50.1
Cabbage0.50.1
Bread10.1
  • 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.