Weaner piglets require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs to support rapid growth, health, and development. Here’s a guide to feeding weaner piglets:
1. High-Quality Starter Feed
- Formulated for Weaners: Use a specially formulated weaner piglet feed. Starter feeds should be highly digestible and nutrient-dense.
- Protein Content: 18–22% crude protein to support muscle growth.
- Energy Source: High energy from easily digestible carbohydrates (e.g., corn or wheat) and fats.
- Essential Nutrients: Include vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron), and amino acids like lysine and methionine.
2. Gradual Transition
- Pre-Weaning Diet: If transitioning from sow milk, ensure piglets are accustomed to a creep feed during the nursing period.
- Avoid Sudden Changes: Gradually introduce the weaner feed to avoid digestive upsets. Mix new feed with the familiar creep feed.
3. Fresh Water
- Provide constant access to clean, fresh water. Hydration is crucial for digestion and overall health.
4. Feed Consistency
- Pellets or Crumbles: Use pelleted or crumbled feed, which is easier for piglets to eat and digest.
- Freshness: Always provide fresh feed. Avoid moldy or spoiled feed.
5. Feeding Schedule
- Small, Frequent Meals: Offer small quantities multiple times a day to reduce wastage and ensure consistent intake.
- Monitor Growth: Adjust feed quantity based on the growth rate and body condition.
6. Supplemental Additives (if needed)
- Probiotics and Enzymes: To improve gut health and nutrient absorption.
- Medicinal Additives: If advised by a veterinarian, include medications for preventing or treating common weaner illnesses, such as post-weaning diarrhea.
7. Environmental Considerations
- Ensure that the piglets are housed in a warm, clean, and stress-free environment. Stress can reduce feed intake and growth.
Example Diet Composition for Weaned Piglets (per 100 kg of feed):
- Corn: 60–65 kg
- Soybean meal: 25–30 kg
- Fish meal: 3–5 kg
- Vegetable oil: 2–4 kg
- Calcium phosphate: 1.5–2 kg
- Vitamin-mineral premix: 1–2 kg
- Salt: 0.3–0.5 kg
Monitor the piglets closely for health issues. Consult a livestock nutritionist or veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. These recommendations should be based on local feed availability and conditions.