The profitability of pig breeding depends on the physical development of newborn piglets. The sow is able to feed her offspring if she has enough milk. If there is little or no supply at all, then artificial feeding must be introduced from the first day. Complementary feeding is introduced in the first month in the presence of mother's milk to support weak piglets so that they do not lag behind the stronger piglets in weight.
Feeding methods
Newborn piglets are fed from a bottle for the first 5-7 days. Then fermented complementary foods are gradually introduced, which are placed in small portions in feeders.The transition to a new type of food should be carried out within a week. Piglets up to one month of age need fresh, boiled water in bowls. Every day the pig drinks from 0.5 to 1 liter of water. The water is changed 3-4 times during the day.
The frequency of feeding animals in the first month is 7-8 times a day. To prevent overeating, containers with food not eaten within 20 minutes are emptied, washed and treated with boiling water. Overeating and failure to comply with hygiene rules will lead to indigestion and decreased weight gain.
The feed rate depends on the breed and the type of fattening chosen (fat or meat), ranging from 300 to 500 grams per day per head.
Newborn piglets also need a clean room with a constant air temperature of 30 degrees. With proper nutrition and care, the piglet’s weight will increase 5 times in a month.
What to feed newborn piglets without a sow?
During the first week, piglets can be fed only milk or formula. Then porridge and herbal supplements are gradually introduced. The temperature of milk, formula, cereals, water is from 40 to 38 degrees. Herbal supplements are mixed into cereals or given separately. On the 8th day, animals begin to be accustomed to eating compound feed.
In the diet of growing piglets, it is important to maintain the proportions between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The amount of protein formed in his body (weight gain) depends on the presence of amino acids, catalysts for the digestive process and building material at the same time.
Milk feeding
At home, instead of mother's milk, the piglet is given whole or skim cow's/goat's milk.As an additive or replacement, you can use milk powder labeled “for piglets.”
Prepare the milk mixture according to the instructions included with the food. For artificial people it becomes more concentrated. The mixture is prepared immediately before feeding; its storage and use after heating is not allowed. Dry milk formula/whole milk substitute is used in feeding newborn piglets up to 3 weeks. It is not allowed to give expired products to animals.
Grain feeding
After 20 days, sour milk, milk-based cereals, boiled potatoes and carrots, vitamins and microelements are introduced into the piglets’ diet. Products containing large amounts of fiber are not included in the feed. The piglet's stomach is unable to digest coarse fibers, which will lead to diarrhea.
The composition of porridges when prepared at home includes:
- 40-50% crushed barley;
- 30-20% chopped oats;
- 9% sunflower meal;
- 6% fishmeal;
- 5% pea chaff;
- 3% feed yeast;
- 0.8% chalk;
- 0.2% salt.
Crushed barley can be replaced with corn chaff (60% of the feed rate per head). Small grain fractions are mixed with sour milk to keep the food moist. It is recommended to steam large grains at the beginning of complementary feeding.
Feeding with compound feeds
Piglets, starting from the 2nd week, are given prestarter (compound feed). Ensiled corn grain and peat, subject to cleanliness requirements, can replace the prestarter. Prestarter can be in the form of granules, cereals, or granular powder. The composition of the feed corresponds to the characteristics of the digestive system and the energy needs of the body at this stage of development.
Prestarter is not recommended to be stored in a pigsty, as the milk components will absorb odors and will be unattractive to animals.
Juicy feed
In summer and autumn, complementary foods are prepared from fruits, vegetables, herbs and premixes. In the winter-spring period, ready-made dietary supplements are used.
The premixes include:
- fat- and water-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K, C, B);
- trace elements (iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, iodine, selenium);
- essential amino acids (lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan).
Vitamins are necessary to support and activate the hormonal-immune system of animals. Mineral elements affect water-salt metabolism in the body and the development of muscle tissue. Amino acids are necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the digestive system, which contributes to rapid weight gain. At home, you can use the following as mineral supplements:
- charcoal;
- red clay;
- chalk;
- eggshell.
From the greenery, newborn piglets are given bread (first chopped, then whole).
The stems, leaves, and seeds of amaranth contain:
- protein;
- carbohydrates;
- vitamins C, A, D, E;
- provitamin rutin;
- macroelements (iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium);
- lysine;
- tannins;
- cellulose.
Vegetables are given boiled: potatoes, carrots. Ripe fruits are used in complementary feeding, mainly pome fruits (apples, pears). Apricots and cherries are added to pitted food.
What is forbidden to give?
Piglets should not be given food that is not completely thawed or has mold. The weak immune system of newborn piglets will not be able to resist E. coli, which will lead to poisoning and death of the livestock. It is not allowed to include plants/plant parts containing solanine in the diet:
- green potatoes;
- its sprouts;
- tops;
- spurge;
- buttercup.
Do not add potato broth or boiled beets to the food. Fruits should not be spoiled by garden pests, fungal or bacterial infections.
