How to make nutritionally balanced pig feed at home

As a key link in modern family farming, scientifically formulated pig feed directly affects farming benefits and animal health. Based on the principles of animal husbandry nutrition, this article systematically explains the raw material selection, nutritional ratio and processing technology of homemade feed, focusing on the application technology of pig feed pellet machine in family production, and providing economical and practical solutions for small and medium-sized farmers.

What is pig feed?

Pig feed is a composite nutrient source scientifically formulated according to the physiological characteristics of pigs at various growth stages. It mainly includes energy raw materials (corn, wheat, etc.), protein raw materials (soybean meal, fish meal, etc.), mineral premixes, vitamin complexes and functional additives. By dynamically adjusting the proportion of nutritional components, the three core functions of promoting weight gain of fattening pigs, ensuring the reproductive performance of breeding pigs and maintaining the health of the group are achieved.

Why is homemade pig feed important?

Cost saving

Compared with commercial feed, the cost can be reduced by 30%-50%

Quality control

Avoid buying adulterated feed, and it is safer to make your own ratio

High flexibility

The formula can be adjusted according to the growth stage of the pigs (such as piglets need higher protein)

Resource utilization

The family agricultural and sideline products (such as rice bran, vegetable leaves, etc.) can be reasonably used

When using a domestic pig feed pellet machine, the particle size can also be adjusted according to the pigs breed, which is very helpful to increase the feed intake rate. According to test data, pellet feed can increase the digestion and absorption rate by more than 15% compared with powder feed.

5 steps to make homemade pig feed

Raw material preparation

It is recommended to give priority to energy raw materials such as corn that are free of mold and moisture and high-quality protein sources such as soybean meal. The supporting pellet machine should use a standard screen (aperture 2.0-3.0mm) for raw material pretreatment to effectively remove foreign matter and impurities.

Basic formula reference

Fattening pigs:

60% corn + 25% soybean meal + 10% wheat bran + 5% premix

Sow feed:

Need to add 2%-3% calcium and phosphorus supplement

Crushing and mixing

Crush the raw materials to 2-3mm particle size (pig feed pellet machine usually has its own crushing function). It is recommended to add three times when mixing dry materials to ensure uniformity.

Granulation processing

Adjust the die hole diameter of the pig feed pellet machine (recommended 3-5mm), and control the temperature at 60-80℃ during processing to retain nutrients. The pellets just out of the machine need to be spread out and cooled.

Storage points

Store in a cool and dry place in a sealed manner. Add mildew inhibitors to keep it for 2-3 months. It is recommended to use 7-10 days each time to ensure freshness.

6 best pig feed ingredients

Corn (king of energy)

Accounts for 50-70% of the daily diet, choose full and insect-free

When used with a pigs feed pellet machine, it is recommended to crush the particle size to 1.5-2mm

Soybean meal (plant protein source): contains 43%-46% crude protein, a must for piglet feed

Note: Raw soybean meal needs to be heated above 110℃ to detoxify

Wheat bran (fiber source): rich in B vitamins, the proportion should not exceed 15%

Pelleting through a pigs feed pellet machine can improve palatability

Fish meal (animal protein): high-quality protein up to 60%, especially needed by lactating sows

It is recommended to choose Peruvian products, with a lower adulteration rate

Green feed (vitamin supplement): sweet potato vines, alfalfa and other fresh Feeding

It can be dried and processed into grass powder by pigs feed pellet machine for addition

Stone powder (calcium supplement): 1%-2% of daily diet, used with bone meal

Add more evenly in pellet feed to avoid precipitation

Practical suggestions

It is recommended to do a small batch test for the first attempt to observe the feeding situation of pigs

Regularly clean the roller and mold of the pigs feed pellet machine to prevent cross contamination

The formula can be adjusted in different seasons (add electrolytes in summer and increase energy in winter)

Record the proportion of ingredients and pig growth data of each batch, and continuously optimize the formula

Homemade pig feed may seem complicated, but after mastering the basic essentials, with the use of pigs feed pellet machine, ordinary families can complete feed preparation in only 1-2 hours a day. It not only ensures feed safety, but also significantly reduces breeding costs, which is an ideal choice for small and medium-sized breeders.