Younger pigs need more protein and energy. Fast-growing breeds (like Duroc, Landrace, and Large White) also need more than slower-growing types. Environment, weight, and genetics all matter.

• Energy: The biggest expense. Pigs adjust intake based on energy density, fiber, and environment.
  
• Proteins & Amino Acids: Essential for growth and reproduction. The more efficient your pigs, the higher the amino acid demand.
  
• Macro Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride. Crucial for bones, growth, and metabolism.
  
• Water: Often overlooked, but critical. Requirements range from 0.6L/day for piglets to 32L/day for lactating sows.
  

Trace minerals like: zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and, vitamins like: A, D, E, and B complex support growth, immunity, and reproduction.

Deficiency? Performance drops. Excess? Wasted feed and possible toxicity.

From weaned piglets to pregnant sows, every class has specific feeding goals:

• Weaners: High digestibility, boost early intake
  
• Growers & Finishers: Focus on cost-efficient gains
  
• Pregnant Sows: Avoid overfeeding—target steady growth, not fat
  
• Lactating Sows: Minimize weight loss, maximize milk, reduce piglet mortality
  
• Weaned Sows: Rebuild reserves and support ovulation for the next litter

• Adjust feed by body condition (BCS)
  
• Don’t skip meals during critical windows
  
• Use quality-controlled feed: store it right, process it well
  
• Invest in proper feeder design to minimize waste
  
• Train staff to monitor intake, body condition, and health

• Use ad-lib feeders for social eaters like pigs
  
• Don’t overcrowd troughs. If one pig eats, they all instinctively follow
  
• Adjust feeding frequency by age and housing
  
• Match diets to developmental stages for max performance