What are the correct methods for switching pig feed?

1. Several situations in which pigs need a feed change

① Different developmental stages: from suckling piglets to weaned piglets, from weaned piglets to growing pigs, from growing pigs to finishing pigs;

② Different feed forms: switching from pellet feed to mash feed, from wet feed to dry feed, etc.;

③ Switching to feed from a different manufacturer;

④ Changes in feeding frequency: for example, moving from 4-6 feedings per day during the piglet stage to 3-4 feedings per day during the finishing stage.

⑤ When mixing feed on site, the main individual ingredients change.

2. Specific methods for changing feed

Each day replace 1/4 of the old feed with new feed, completing the full changeover in 4 days. The method is: on the first day, 1/4 new feed and 3/4 old feed; on the second day, 1/2 new feed and 1/2 old feed; on the third day, 3/4 new feed and 1/4 old feed; on the fourth day, all new feed.

When mixing feed yourself, generally as pigs grow and develop, the proportion of energy feed (such as corn) in the feed gradually increases, while the proportion of protein feed (such as soybean meal) gradually decreases. For example, if the corn proportion in the feed formula rises from 60% to 70%, make the transition over 4-5 days, increasing it by 2.0%-2.5% per day; if soybean meal drops from 20% to 15%, it should be reduced by about 1% per day, with other ingredients such as wheat bran and fine rice bran used for adjustment. The same applies when using concentrate to mix a complete feed on site.