How to Feed 8-Week-Old Pigs

Young pigs are weaned from the sow at four to eight weeks of age.

In five to six months, a pig grows from newborn size to approximately 240 pounds. At 8-weeks of age, the pig is recently weaned from the sow and in a growing stage. Prior to weaning, the young pig nursed the sow up to 24 times per day and consumed a 30 percent protein diet. At 8 weeks, the pig weighs about 40 pounds. At weaning, the pig's diet changes to a dry feed diet. The diet consists of a protein supplement, an energy feed, vitamins and minerals.

Things You'll Need

• Commercially prepared pig starter feed
• Self-feeder trough
• Water trough

Instructions

1. Purchase a commercially prepared pig starter feed. At eight weeks, pigs require a diet with 18 percent protein. Proteins are made of amino acids and a pig's diet must supply ten essential amino acids.

2. Select a starter ration that is palatable, economical and digestible for the young pig. Soybean meal commonly provides the protein in pig starter rations. Dried skim milk and whey are high quality protein sources but are more expensive than soybean meal. In certain areas, peanut meal, fishmeal and blood meal provide protein to the diet.

3. Purchase a pig starter diet with adequate energy levels. Corn is a very common pig starter ingredient. However, wheat and barley provide adequate energy levels.

4. Feed a commercial feed with adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. Young pigs require many vitamins and minerals in the diet. A complete feed provides the required nutrients.

5. Purchase a commercially prepared protein, vitamin and mineral swine feed. Mix the feed with an energy feed such as corn or wheat. This option may be cheaper than purchasing a complete feed if cereal grains are readily available.

6. Provide a self-feeder for 8-week old pigs. A self-feeder keeps the feed clean and dry. The pigs are allowed full feed. If a self-feeder is not available, feed the young pigs at least twice a day. Provide enough feeder space for all of the young pigs to eat at once.

7. Buy ground, pelleted or crumbled feed. Processed feed is easier for the young pig to digest. At this age, the pigs eat 3 to 4 pounds of feed per day and gain about 1.5 pounds per day.

8. Worm the young pig about a week after weaning, or by 8 weeks of age. An infestation of internal parasites, such as round worms decreases weight gain.

9. Provide clean, fresh water at all times. A nipple waterer keeps the water clean. If a bucket or trough is used, replace the water and clean the container regularly.

References

• University of Kentucky; Feeding and Managing the Weanling Pig; Richard D. Coffey, et al.
• University of Arizona; Swine Nutrition for Show Animals; Jim Sprinkle; August 1998
• Clemson Extension; Swine Feeding Suggestions; August 1995
• University of New Hampshire; Raising a Few Pigs at Home; Gail McWilliam, et al.; October 2004
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Types of Swine Diets; Joel Brendemuhi, et al.; 2009