How to Put Weight on a Pig Rapidly

Quickly putting weight on your pig is not an impossible task.

Pigs are often seen as lazy, overweight creatures, but that is frequently not the case. Both show and market hogs are judged according to their weight, and many pigs are often too underweight to make the cut. Pigs are naturally voracious eaters and will consume a wide variety of foods, but still have a hard time gaining weight. There are a number of steps you can take to help your pig gain weight rapidly for show or market evaluations.

Things You'll Need

• Water trough
• Feed pan
• High-protein pig feed
• Measuring cup
• Milk replacer
• Corn oil
• Eggs
• Small bowl
• Liquid protein supplement

Instructions

1. Have your pig evaluated by your veterinarian to make sure there is no medical reason that your pig is not gaining weight. He will give your pig a thorough physical and will worm your pig to get rid of any parasites that may be preventing weight gain.

2. Fill your pig's water trough with clean water on a daily basis. Fresh water helps your pig metabolize food properly and allows the muscles in his body to take in good nutrients and flush out toxins. Dump the trough out and scrub it to remove any algae or moss that may build up along the bottom.

3. Place the feed pan in an area out of direct sunlight and fill it with a high-protein pig feed. Your pig should be free fed, allowing him to eat as much as he wants each day. Protein helps the pig's body burn excess fat and develop new muscle, which will aid in weight gain. Keeping the pan out of the sun will help keep the high-protein food from spoiling in the heat.

4. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of milk replacer over your pig's normal feed. The milk replacer is high in fat and protein and will help your pig gain weight quickly. Take care to not add more than 1/2 cup to his daily feed or it will upset his digestive system.

5. Pour an 8 oz. container of liquid protein supplement into a bowl and offer it to your pig. Supplements such as Ensure are nutritionally balanced and will give your pig additional vitamins as well as plenty of fats and calories to boost his weight.

6. Mix 1/4 cup corn oil with two eggs and feed it to your pig every other day. Stir it in with a few handfuls of his normal feed to encourage him to eat it. The oil and eggs add fat and calories, which will not only help him gain weight, but also boost his energy levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to feed your pig as much as he wants to eat. Keep the feeder full at all times to encourage him to eat.

• Don't allow your pig to roam too much. If you pig has to walk long distances to eat, he will burn off more calories than he is taking in and will lose weight.

References

• The Judging Connection: Swine Nutrition
• University of Missouri Extention Office: Swine Preparation