🐖 Feed Schedule for Meat Pigs

 Most meat pigs reach market weight in 5–6 months if fed properly. Good feed + water = efficient, tender pork. 

•  Feed type: starter/grower 
• Protein: 18–20% 
• Amount: 2–3 lbs per day (about 8–12 cups) 
• Meals: 2–3 times daily
   

➡️ Keep them on higher protein at this age — they’re growing fast.

•  Feed type: grower 
• Protein: 16–18% 
• Amount: 4–6 lbs per day 
• Meals: 2 times daily or controlled free-choice
   

This is the main growth stage.

• Feed type: finisher 
• Protein: 14–16% 
• Amount: 5–7+ lbs per day 
• Meals: 2 times daily or free-choice if not getting obese
   

➡️ Most families butcher around 250–300 lbs.

• free-choice feed (always available) 
• ALWAYS constant clean water 
• reach butcher weight sooner
   

• feed morning and evening 
• remove uneaten feed after 20–30 minutes
   

Either method works — consistency matters more than method.

 Pigs will NOT grow without water.

Always provide:

• fresh water 
• clean buckets/nipple drinkers 
• shade in summer
   

Dehydration = zero weight gain.

Avoid:

• sudden feed changes (transition over 7–10 days) 
• moldy or dusty feed 
• lots of junk food scraps 
• feeding only corn (causes fat, poor muscle) 
• overusing treats instead of real feed
   

If you do switch feed brands, mix old and new gradually.

•  steady weight gain 
• bright, active 
• firm stool 
• not ribby, not overly fat
   

Too thin → increase feed
Too fat → reduce feed slightly or lower protein

•  Buy at 8 weeks old
• Butcher at 5–6 months old

Most families average:
👉 1.6–2.0 lbs per day of gain

•  last 4–6 weeks on finisher feed improves meat quality 
• avoid big diet changes right before butcher 
• constant water improves muscle & marbling