Lesson 5: Nutrition & Feeding of Swine o Methionine
o Arginine
Physiological States Requiring Nutrients o Tryptophan
- Non-Essential AA [can be synthesized by the pigs on their
- Maintenance own so not required to be included in the diet]
[more on the animal’s survival—doesn’t gain/lose weight/doesn’t
work, doesn’t reproduce ovum for reproduction; nutrients are
o Alanine
required in this physiologic state wherein the animal is neither o Asparagine
gaining nor losing weight, does not work and does not develop o Aspartate
fetus]
o Cysteine
- Growth
[developing animals, tissue synthesis, muscle development]
o Glutamate
- Fattening o Glutamine
[important 4 fatteners/finishers w/ 2cm fat] o Glycine
- Reproduction o Proline
[development of ova and sperm, fetal development] o Serine
- Lactation o Tyrosine
[lactating stage of sows; higher nutrient due to suckling babies]
Feed Additives
Nutrients can be classified into
- Antimicrobial Agents
- Energy Nutrients
o commonly added to improve weight
o Carbohydrates, fats & proteins
gains, feed conversion efficiency &
- Nutrients for Tissue Building, Maintenance,
and Repair reproduction
[antimicrobial resistance of bacteria when
o Proteins, minerals, & water too many antibiotics are used, use of AMA
- Nutrients for Regulation of metabolic body must be approved first by FDA before use]
processes - Enzymes & Probiotics
[improves nutrient availability & absorption]
o Water, proteins, fats, minerals, &
- Sweeteners & Flavoring Agents
vitamins [for palatability]
[all must be available in varying amount in pigs, due to the body
functions requiring certain nutrients] Feeds for Swine
Minerals - swine belongs to the monogastric species &
should be given combinations of high-energy,
- pigs require at least 13 elements low-fiber feeds (concentrates) at the least
o Ca, Cl, Cu, I, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Se, Na, Su, possible cost
Zn, Co [70% of cost goes to feeds; large expense to fatten
- confined pigs demand dietary mineral pigs; low cost feed but high nutrients/energy to satisfy
nutrient requirement]
supplements to avoid deficiencies & disruption
of vital processes [confined =/= freely forage & obtain Feed Ingredients
natural minerals like iron from soil]
- Basal or Energy Feeds
Vitamins o low in fiber (<18% Crude Fiber), high in
- Fat-Soluble energy
o A, D, E, K ▪ ex. corn, sorghum, wheat,
- Water-Soluble barley, oat
o Biotin (B7) - Protein Feeds
o Folacin (B9) o low-fiber feeds containing 20% or more
o Niacin (B3) Crude Protein
o Pantothenic Acid (B5) ▪ plant proteins
o Riboflavin (B2) • legume grains, oil seed
o Thiamin (B1) residues
o Pyridoxine (B6) ▪ animal proteins
o Cyanocobalamin (B12) • fish meal, meat & bone
[more superior than plant
o Choline proteins bcs AP have more EAA;
[vit. C is also water soluble but can be synthesized by downside: superiority to plant
pigs on their own so need to add it on their diet (non- proteins make it more expensive
beta requirement)] esp. in older animals; but it’s not
advisable to make it 100% plant
Proteins proteins, at least add animal
proteins to ensure good proteins
,Cooking Dry & Pregnant Sow
- increases palatability - sows should be flushed to promote ovulation &
- remove toxic components esp. in native feeds increase number of ova released from the ovary
o ex. boiling - flushing
cassava to → increasing the daily feed intake of gilts
remove by 0.5kg to 1.0kg for 10-14 days before
hydrocyanic service [giving high energy diet; another practice is
acid [can cause GI self-feeding pigs with 14% protein gestation ration
upsets, like vomiting, throughout the free service period; more ova released
diarrhea; other ex. include pongapong (can cause from the ovary = more piglets born during gestation]
irritation)]
Pregnant Sow
Grinding - control weight gain during gestation period [limit
energy intake; must meet maintenance; some fat deposition of
- necessary where selective proteins for maternal tissue]
feeding may ensue [namimili - adding fat to the sow’s diet before farrowing
ng kinakain minsan ang pigs; grinded increases the fat content of colostrum & milk
or fine feed = less selective feeding;
[colostrum & gilt also needs fat; must be observed bcs sow may be
others eat too fast w/o chewing;
too dat or too thin → dystocia; 1st trimester: feed is limited bcs too
easier digestion; done when pigs are
much feed may add head increment thereby affecting ovum
selective eaters & also for those pigs
formation or fetus development and litter size may decrease; 2nd
that eat in a hurry w/o properly chewing]
trimester: add feed if sow became too thin; 3rd trimester: maintain
- grains should be medium ground [fine ground may be preferred weight at that age]
too dusty & some doesn’t want feed too fine; grinding fine feed - normally, 1.8 to 2.3 kg of balanced 14% CP
requires extensive labor & power]
ration will meet the daily nutrient requirements
- also facilitates mixing of unpalatable feeds w/
- do not feed sows on farrowing day [may add to GI
more palatable ones [mixed feed leaves them no choice
accept & dystocia]
but to eat unpalatable/feeds they don’t like; reduced instances of
selective feeding]
Lactating Sows
- lactating diet should be high in energy, low in
Pelleting
fiber w/ adequate protein/amino acids,
- improves physical nature vitamins & minerals [like laying mash]
of bulky feeds - gradually increase the feed given each day to
- increase feed density lactating sows & then, allow full feeding on the
- improves feed intake 4th & 5th day after farrowing [upon farrowing, feed
minimally then gradually increase on the 4th & 5th day after F then
- avoids wastage/selective full feeding to increase milk yield, prevent sickness in piglets,
feeding reassure sow’s condition for the rebreeding is successful esp. after
- reduces storage space weaning period]
- added cost - average milk production of sows is 7.5-9.5L/day
[entirety of a feedstuff mixture is in 1 pellet – all nutrition req. → - good indicators of adequate lactating sow
complete disappearance of selective feeding bcs they have no nutrition are the weight of 28-day old piglets
choice;]
(should be about 7.5 kg) and duration of
Feeding Guide weaning & post weaning heat (4-7 days) [basis is
weight of piglets at weaning age – 28 day old; average must be7.5
- Dry & Pregnant Sows kg; if ave. piglet weight is 5.5 or less then 7 post-weaning period
- Lactating Sows means nutrition is inadequate]
- Sucklings/Baby Pigs Suckling/Baby Pigs [have diff. sources of energy, which are easily
- Starter Pigs digested by the pig based on their age; mismatched may cause diarrhea (loss
- Grower/Finishing Pigs of water & electrolytes → lose weight that may result to death]
- Breeding Pigs - piglets < 7days old
^ common practice for lactating sows & growing pigs are fed ad
libitum while controlled feeding is practiced in boars & non-
o utilize only glucose & lactose [mostly from
lactating gilts; in feeding guide, it is important that you do not just milk]
feed & feed the pigs, the weight, backfat, age must be monitored; - piglets 7-10 days old
should not be too fat or too thin, esp. in gestating sows as they o utilize fructose & sucrose
may suffer dystocia or difficulty in giving birth
- 2 weeks old or older
Recommended Nutrient Levels for Different Classes of o feed starch or cereal based diet
Swine Fed ad libitum - introduce booster feed to piglets at 5 days old
- shift to pre-starter feeds when piglets are 5-10
rd th
, Feeding Starter Pigs Recommended Nutrient Allowances for Swine
- 1 week after weaning (10-12 kg LW), shift to
starter ration (18% CP)
- example of gradual shifting
o 1st day: 75% Pre-starter, 25% Starter
o 2nd day: 50% PS, 50% S
o 3rd day: 25% PS, 75% S
o 4th day: 100% Starter
[others use 50-50 for 3-4 days then, 100% starter;
varying styles depending on management]
- Gradually shift from starter to grower feed
when pigs are 18-20 kg LW [not gradually shifting feed
may upset the stomach and cause diarrhea]
Daily Feed Intake & Expected Weight of Pigs at Varying
Age
Grower/Finishing Pigs
Daily Feed Intake & Expected Weight of Pigs at Varying Ages
- stage when pigs are 3 months old & weighs 20- Daily Feed Intake Expected Weight
Age of Pig (month)
(kg) (kg)
60 kg LW
1 0.20 6.5
- feed 16% CP grower mash to 20-35 kg pigs 2 0.50 18
- feed 15% CP grower mash to 35-60 kg animals 3 0.85 35
- beyond 60 kg LW, feed finisher ration (14% CP) 4 1.30 55
5 1.80 75
- feed pigs up to market or slaughter weight of 6 2.30 90
90-110 kg [at that weight, they may not anymore add weight 7+ 2.80 100
or meat even if you feed them—only fat is deposited] ^
[varying CP due to protein utilization of pigs at such age]
Breeding Pigs Lesson 6: Herd Management
- give breeders high-energy feeds before
[Care of pigs at diff. life stages; farm must have an effective management
breeding to increase ovulation rate & produce program;]
larger litter size at farrowing [CP req. is 16%]
- sow should not be too fat at breeding [too fat may EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
reduce litter size; increased incidences of still born & nullified fetus
(fetus that died inside the womb)]
- effective management aims to elicit better
- do not feed boars shortly before mating [they may productivity from available resources such as
feel sluggish due to being full] hog stocks, feeds, facilities and equipment,
medicines & biologicals [to attain objectives, and make
Body Condition Score profit for the farm]
ESTABLISHING THE OBJECTIVES
✓ Manager must be able to measure the progress
[via good recording system – record keeping to know
performance]
✓ An effective sow must give a min. of 16 good
finishers/year
[Under tropical conditions, other farms produce 18-19 finishers per
year
- Condition Score 1: ✓ Farmers should market pigs at around 90kg at 5
o the sow is visually thin, w/ hips & ½ months of age [90-120 kg]
backbone very prominent & no fat
cover over hips & backbone RECORD KEEPING
- Condition Score 2: ✓ Records must be simple, practical & easily
o the hip bones & backbone are easily felt understood
w/o any pressure on the palms [hb & bb [info arranged systematically; easily understood by
may not easily be seen] farm workers for coordination & smooth management;
- Condition Score 3: [ideal condition score] diligently provide data & info – do not copy as it will
affect the operation]
o takes firm pressure w/ the palm to feel
✓ Essential in decision-making process for future
the hip bones & backbone
management operations
- Condition Score 4: [esp. if a gilt is near its inheat period, schedule AI; if
o it is impossible to feel the bones even sow is to farrow, prepare crate; if BATCH finisher
w/ pressure on the palm of the hands almost ready to be marketed & nearly reaches target
o Arginine
Physiological States Requiring Nutrients o Tryptophan
- Non-Essential AA [can be synthesized by the pigs on their
- Maintenance own so not required to be included in the diet]
[more on the animal’s survival—doesn’t gain/lose weight/doesn’t
work, doesn’t reproduce ovum for reproduction; nutrients are
o Alanine
required in this physiologic state wherein the animal is neither o Asparagine
gaining nor losing weight, does not work and does not develop o Aspartate
fetus]
o Cysteine
- Growth
[developing animals, tissue synthesis, muscle development]
o Glutamate
- Fattening o Glutamine
[important 4 fatteners/finishers w/ 2cm fat] o Glycine
- Reproduction o Proline
[development of ova and sperm, fetal development] o Serine
- Lactation o Tyrosine
[lactating stage of sows; higher nutrient due to suckling babies]
Feed Additives
Nutrients can be classified into
- Antimicrobial Agents
- Energy Nutrients
o commonly added to improve weight
o Carbohydrates, fats & proteins
gains, feed conversion efficiency &
- Nutrients for Tissue Building, Maintenance,
and Repair reproduction
[antimicrobial resistance of bacteria when
o Proteins, minerals, & water too many antibiotics are used, use of AMA
- Nutrients for Regulation of metabolic body must be approved first by FDA before use]
processes - Enzymes & Probiotics
[improves nutrient availability & absorption]
o Water, proteins, fats, minerals, &
- Sweeteners & Flavoring Agents
vitamins [for palatability]
[all must be available in varying amount in pigs, due to the body
functions requiring certain nutrients] Feeds for Swine
Minerals - swine belongs to the monogastric species &
should be given combinations of high-energy,
- pigs require at least 13 elements low-fiber feeds (concentrates) at the least
o Ca, Cl, Cu, I, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Se, Na, Su, possible cost
Zn, Co [70% of cost goes to feeds; large expense to fatten
- confined pigs demand dietary mineral pigs; low cost feed but high nutrients/energy to satisfy
nutrient requirement]
supplements to avoid deficiencies & disruption
of vital processes [confined =/= freely forage & obtain Feed Ingredients
natural minerals like iron from soil]
- Basal or Energy Feeds
Vitamins o low in fiber (<18% Crude Fiber), high in
- Fat-Soluble energy
o A, D, E, K ▪ ex. corn, sorghum, wheat,
- Water-Soluble barley, oat
o Biotin (B7) - Protein Feeds
o Folacin (B9) o low-fiber feeds containing 20% or more
o Niacin (B3) Crude Protein
o Pantothenic Acid (B5) ▪ plant proteins
o Riboflavin (B2) • legume grains, oil seed
o Thiamin (B1) residues
o Pyridoxine (B6) ▪ animal proteins
o Cyanocobalamin (B12) • fish meal, meat & bone
[more superior than plant
o Choline proteins bcs AP have more EAA;
[vit. C is also water soluble but can be synthesized by downside: superiority to plant
pigs on their own so need to add it on their diet (non- proteins make it more expensive
beta requirement)] esp. in older animals; but it’s not
advisable to make it 100% plant
Proteins proteins, at least add animal
proteins to ensure good proteins
,Cooking Dry & Pregnant Sow
- increases palatability - sows should be flushed to promote ovulation &
- remove toxic components esp. in native feeds increase number of ova released from the ovary
o ex. boiling - flushing
cassava to → increasing the daily feed intake of gilts
remove by 0.5kg to 1.0kg for 10-14 days before
hydrocyanic service [giving high energy diet; another practice is
acid [can cause GI self-feeding pigs with 14% protein gestation ration
upsets, like vomiting, throughout the free service period; more ova released
diarrhea; other ex. include pongapong (can cause from the ovary = more piglets born during gestation]
irritation)]
Pregnant Sow
Grinding - control weight gain during gestation period [limit
energy intake; must meet maintenance; some fat deposition of
- necessary where selective proteins for maternal tissue]
feeding may ensue [namimili - adding fat to the sow’s diet before farrowing
ng kinakain minsan ang pigs; grinded increases the fat content of colostrum & milk
or fine feed = less selective feeding;
[colostrum & gilt also needs fat; must be observed bcs sow may be
others eat too fast w/o chewing;
too dat or too thin → dystocia; 1st trimester: feed is limited bcs too
easier digestion; done when pigs are
much feed may add head increment thereby affecting ovum
selective eaters & also for those pigs
formation or fetus development and litter size may decrease; 2nd
that eat in a hurry w/o properly chewing]
trimester: add feed if sow became too thin; 3rd trimester: maintain
- grains should be medium ground [fine ground may be preferred weight at that age]
too dusty & some doesn’t want feed too fine; grinding fine feed - normally, 1.8 to 2.3 kg of balanced 14% CP
requires extensive labor & power]
ration will meet the daily nutrient requirements
- also facilitates mixing of unpalatable feeds w/
- do not feed sows on farrowing day [may add to GI
more palatable ones [mixed feed leaves them no choice
accept & dystocia]
but to eat unpalatable/feeds they don’t like; reduced instances of
selective feeding]
Lactating Sows
- lactating diet should be high in energy, low in
Pelleting
fiber w/ adequate protein/amino acids,
- improves physical nature vitamins & minerals [like laying mash]
of bulky feeds - gradually increase the feed given each day to
- increase feed density lactating sows & then, allow full feeding on the
- improves feed intake 4th & 5th day after farrowing [upon farrowing, feed
minimally then gradually increase on the 4th & 5th day after F then
- avoids wastage/selective full feeding to increase milk yield, prevent sickness in piglets,
feeding reassure sow’s condition for the rebreeding is successful esp. after
- reduces storage space weaning period]
- added cost - average milk production of sows is 7.5-9.5L/day
[entirety of a feedstuff mixture is in 1 pellet – all nutrition req. → - good indicators of adequate lactating sow
complete disappearance of selective feeding bcs they have no nutrition are the weight of 28-day old piglets
choice;]
(should be about 7.5 kg) and duration of
Feeding Guide weaning & post weaning heat (4-7 days) [basis is
weight of piglets at weaning age – 28 day old; average must be7.5
- Dry & Pregnant Sows kg; if ave. piglet weight is 5.5 or less then 7 post-weaning period
- Lactating Sows means nutrition is inadequate]
- Sucklings/Baby Pigs Suckling/Baby Pigs [have diff. sources of energy, which are easily
- Starter Pigs digested by the pig based on their age; mismatched may cause diarrhea (loss
- Grower/Finishing Pigs of water & electrolytes → lose weight that may result to death]
- Breeding Pigs - piglets < 7days old
^ common practice for lactating sows & growing pigs are fed ad
libitum while controlled feeding is practiced in boars & non-
o utilize only glucose & lactose [mostly from
lactating gilts; in feeding guide, it is important that you do not just milk]
feed & feed the pigs, the weight, backfat, age must be monitored; - piglets 7-10 days old
should not be too fat or too thin, esp. in gestating sows as they o utilize fructose & sucrose
may suffer dystocia or difficulty in giving birth
- 2 weeks old or older
Recommended Nutrient Levels for Different Classes of o feed starch or cereal based diet
Swine Fed ad libitum - introduce booster feed to piglets at 5 days old
- shift to pre-starter feeds when piglets are 5-10
rd th
, Feeding Starter Pigs Recommended Nutrient Allowances for Swine
- 1 week after weaning (10-12 kg LW), shift to
starter ration (18% CP)
- example of gradual shifting
o 1st day: 75% Pre-starter, 25% Starter
o 2nd day: 50% PS, 50% S
o 3rd day: 25% PS, 75% S
o 4th day: 100% Starter
[others use 50-50 for 3-4 days then, 100% starter;
varying styles depending on management]
- Gradually shift from starter to grower feed
when pigs are 18-20 kg LW [not gradually shifting feed
may upset the stomach and cause diarrhea]
Daily Feed Intake & Expected Weight of Pigs at Varying
Age
Grower/Finishing Pigs
Daily Feed Intake & Expected Weight of Pigs at Varying Ages
- stage when pigs are 3 months old & weighs 20- Daily Feed Intake Expected Weight
Age of Pig (month)
(kg) (kg)
60 kg LW
1 0.20 6.5
- feed 16% CP grower mash to 20-35 kg pigs 2 0.50 18
- feed 15% CP grower mash to 35-60 kg animals 3 0.85 35
- beyond 60 kg LW, feed finisher ration (14% CP) 4 1.30 55
5 1.80 75
- feed pigs up to market or slaughter weight of 6 2.30 90
90-110 kg [at that weight, they may not anymore add weight 7+ 2.80 100
or meat even if you feed them—only fat is deposited] ^
[varying CP due to protein utilization of pigs at such age]
Breeding Pigs Lesson 6: Herd Management
- give breeders high-energy feeds before
[Care of pigs at diff. life stages; farm must have an effective management
breeding to increase ovulation rate & produce program;]
larger litter size at farrowing [CP req. is 16%]
- sow should not be too fat at breeding [too fat may EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
reduce litter size; increased incidences of still born & nullified fetus
(fetus that died inside the womb)]
- effective management aims to elicit better
- do not feed boars shortly before mating [they may productivity from available resources such as
feel sluggish due to being full] hog stocks, feeds, facilities and equipment,
medicines & biologicals [to attain objectives, and make
Body Condition Score profit for the farm]
ESTABLISHING THE OBJECTIVES
✓ Manager must be able to measure the progress
[via good recording system – record keeping to know
performance]
✓ An effective sow must give a min. of 16 good
finishers/year
[Under tropical conditions, other farms produce 18-19 finishers per
year
- Condition Score 1: ✓ Farmers should market pigs at around 90kg at 5
o the sow is visually thin, w/ hips & ½ months of age [90-120 kg]
backbone very prominent & no fat
cover over hips & backbone RECORD KEEPING
- Condition Score 2: ✓ Records must be simple, practical & easily
o the hip bones & backbone are easily felt understood
w/o any pressure on the palms [hb & bb [info arranged systematically; easily understood by
may not easily be seen] farm workers for coordination & smooth management;
- Condition Score 3: [ideal condition score] diligently provide data & info – do not copy as it will
affect the operation]
o takes firm pressure w/ the palm to feel
✓ Essential in decision-making process for future
the hip bones & backbone
management operations
- Condition Score 4: [esp. if a gilt is near its inheat period, schedule AI; if
o it is impossible to feel the bones even sow is to farrow, prepare crate; if BATCH finisher
w/ pressure on the palm of the hands almost ready to be marketed & nearly reaches target
