How can we make best quality feed for large white Yorkshire pigs?

Question

Anurag Gupta · Answer

Producing high-quality feed for Large White Yorkshire pigs requires careful consideration of their nutritional needs at different growth stages. A balanced feed ensures optimal growth, reproduction, and overall health. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the best feed for these pigs:

Understanding Nutritional Needs
Large White Yorkshire pigs require a diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The feed composition varies based on their life

stage:
Piglets (up to 20 kg): High protein and energy for rapid growth.
Growers (20-50 kg): Protein for muscle development and energy for weight gain.
Finishers (50-100+ kg): More energy and moderate protein for fattening.
Breeders (sows/boars): Balanced diet for reproduction and maintenance.
Ingredients for Quality Feed

Energy Sources:
Corn/maize: Primary energy source (50-60%).
Barley, wheat, sorghum: Alternate grains.

Protein Sources:
Soybean meal: Excellent protein source.
Fish meal: Rich in lysine and methionine (3-5%).
Groundnut cake, sunflower meal: Alternatives to soybean meal.

Vitamins and Minerals:
Premix: Contains essential vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc).
Salt: 0.5% to meet sodium needs.
Dicalcium phosphate or limestone: For calcium and phosphorus.

Fiber and Digestibility:
Rice bran or wheat bran: Improves digestion and provides energy (10-15%).

Fats and Oils:
Vegetable oil or animal fat: Enhances energy density (2-5%).

Additives:
Probiotics and enzymes: Improve gut health and feed efficiency.
Toxin binders: Prevent aflatoxin contamination.
Feed Formulation
Here is an example of feed composition for different growth stages:

Piglet Starter Feed (up to 20 kg):
Corn: 55%
Soybean meal: 25%
Fish meal: 5%
Wheat bran: 10%
Premix: 2%
Fat/oil: 3%

Grower Feed (20-50 kg):
Corn: 60%
Soybean meal: 20%
Rice bran: 10%
Fish meal: 3%
Premix: 2%
Fat/oil: 2%

Finisher Feed (50-100 kg):
Corn: 65%
Soybean meal: 15%
Rice bran: 15%
Premix: 2%
Fat/oil: 3%

Breeder Feed (Sows and Boars):
Corn: 60%
Soybean meal: 15%
Wheat bran: 15%
Premix: 3%
Limestone/dicalcium phosphate: 2%
Salt: 0.5%
Feeding Guidelines
Piglets: Provide creep feed from 7-10 days of age. Transition gradually to grower feed by 20 kg.
Growers: Feed 1.5-2.5 kg/day based on weight gain targets.
Finishers: Feed 2.5-3.5 kg/day for rapid weight gain.
Breeders: Feed 2-3 kg/day for maintenance, and increase during gestation and lactation.
Best Practices
Fresh Feed: Always prepare fresh feed to avoid spoilage.
Hygiene: Keep feed storage and mixing equipment clean to prevent contamination.
Water Supply: Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Regular Monitoring: Adjust feed based on weight gain and health conditions.
By using high-quality raw materials, adhering to proper feed formulations, and following best practices, you can ensure optimal growth and productivity in your Large White Yorkshire pigs.