To raise pigs well, feed formulation is the key

First, it must be varied and reasonable to ensure comprehensive nutrition. Among the three types of feed for pigs - green feed, roughage and concentrate - green feed contains more water, is bulky, easy to digest and highly palatable, and contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and protein; roughage is bulky and has a relatively high crude fiber content, and when reasonably combined it can increase the contact surface between feed and digestive juices and has a laxative effect, easily giving pigs a feeling of fullness, but it is difficult to digest; concentrate is characterized by small volume, high nutritional value and easy digestion, but is relatively lacking in minerals and vitamins.

Second, pay attention to the relationship between the volume of the daily ration and the pig's feed intake. The volume of feed can be measured by calculating its dry matter content. Calculated on the basis that pigs need 2.5-4.5 kg of feed dry matter per 100 kg of body weight per day, the dry matter of the three types of feed - green feed, roughage and concentrate - should be in a ratio of 5:3:2. For example, for a pregnant sow weighing 150 kg, if the daily feed dry matter requirement is calculated at 5 kg, then 2.5 kg of dry matter comes from green feed (6 kg of green feed yields 1 kg of dry matter), 1.5 kg of dry matter comes from roughage, and 1 kg of dry matter comes from concentrate.

Third, the mixed feed must be highly palatable and easy to digest. In mixed feed, if the content of energy and protein is relatively high and the crude fiber content is low, then palatability is good and digestion is easy; conversely, if the content of energy and protein is low and the crude fiber content is high, then palatability is poor and digestion is difficult. When mixing pig feed, it is advisable to use more green feed and less roughage, and the roughage used should be of good quality.

Fourth, choose different types of daily rations according to different pig groups. Generally speaking, for piglets, breeding boars and fattening pigs in the fattening stage, the concentrate type can be chosen, that is, concentrate can account for more than 50% of the total weight of the daily ration; for breeding sows and replacement sows, the green feed type can be chosen, that is, green feed can account for more than 50% of the total weight of the daily ration; for growing-finishing pigs, the bran type can be chosen, that is, bran-type feed can account for more than 50% of the total weight of the daily ration.