One of the questions I get a lot is:
“What exactly do you feed your pigs?”
At our farm, we don’t feed the same thing throughout the day.
We try to combine balanced nutrition with locally available feed resources to keep feed costs under control.
In the morning, our pigs get a well mixed feed that contains energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Some of the ingredients include maize, soya, concentrate, wheat bran, vitamins, and minerals.
This is one of their main meals of the day.
The goal is to provide energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals needed for growth, reproduction, and overall performance.
In the afternoon, we offer natural feed resources such as grasses, banana leaves or stems, sweet potato vines, water leaves, or fruits such as pawpaw, azzolla, Juncao nappier grass and other available green as snacks.
These provide fiber, keep the pigs occupied, supplement their diet, and help reduce feed costs.
This helps ensure they get enough nutrients and energy while also making good use of locally available feed resources during the day.
Now, let me make something clear.
I don’t feed this way because it is the only correct method.
I feed this way because feed is the biggest cost in pig farming, and I am always looking for ways to give my pigs adequate nutrition while keeping feed costs under control.
Natural feeds are supplements.
They are not complete replacements for a properly balanced ration.
The exact feed program also depends on the age and category of pigs.
Piglets, growers, finishers, pregnant sows, and lactating sows all have different nutritional requirements.
What works on one farm may need adjustments on another farm.
The goal is to use locally available feed resources intelligently without compromising nutrition.
Because in pig farming, profitability is not just about feeding your pigs.
It is also about feeding them efficiently.
