How to scientifically make cost-effective pig feed

In pig farming practice, scientifically formulated feed directly affects the farming benefits and meat quality. Based on the principles of animal nutrition, this article systematically explains the component selection, formula design and industrial production process of pig feed, focusing on the key points of pellet feed processing technology, and providing farmers with feed solutions that are both economical and nutritionally balanced.

What is pig feed

Pig feed is a compound feed scientifically formulated according to the nutritional needs of pigs at different growth stages. The main ingredients are energy raw materials (corn, etc.), protein raw materials (soybean meal, etc.), mineral premixes and vitamin additives. Modern pig feed is mainly divided into two forms: powder and pellets. Among them, pellets made by pig feed pellet machines are becoming the mainstream choice for large-scale farming because of their advantages such as easy storage and reduced waste.

Importance of pig feed

Growth efficiency

Scientifically proportioned feed can increase daily weight gain by 20-30%

Cost control

Feed costs account for 60-70% of the total cost of pig farming

Health protection

Prevent nutritional deficiencies and digestive tract diseases

Improvement of meat quality

A reasonable fatty acid ratio can improve pork quality

Five steps in making pig feed

Raw material selection and testing

Select high-quality raw materials without mold and moisture content ≤14%. It is recommended to use a rapid moisture meter for testing. Corn should be selected with a bulk density of ≥700g/L and above.

Raw material pretreatment

Crushing: Corn and other grains need to be crushed to 1-2mm particle size

Impurity removal: Use magnetic separation equipment to remove metal impurities

For raw materials that need to be puffed, it is recommended to use a professional puffing machine for processing

Accurate ingredients

Weigh according to the formula of different growth stages:

Piglet period: 18-20% protein

Fattening period: 14-16% protein

Sow feed: additional trace elements such as folic acid need to be added

Mixed granulation

Users should process pig feed using a pellet machine and choose medium-sized equipment with an output of 1–2 tons per hour. Users should control the pelleting temperature at 75–85℃ and maintain the steam pressure at 0.3–0.4 MPa. The hardness of the pellets should be 2-3kg/cm².

Cooling packaging

It is recommended to adopt the following packaging process specifications: The pellet materials should be packaged after being completely cooled to ambient temperature. It is recommended to use polypropylene woven bags lined with polyethylene film as packaging materials. Users must strictly control the relative humidity of the finished product storage environment to not exceed 65%RH to ensure stable material quality.

Recommendations for 6 best feed ingredients

Corn (energy source)‌

As the main energy raw material, corn accounts for about 60%-70%, providing easily digestible starch and essential fatty acids. Attention should be paid to controlling the risk of mold.

Soybean meal (protein main body)‌

It contains 43%–46% crude protein and serves as a high-quality plant protein source. However, users need to balance its amino acid composition. The recommended addition amount is 18%-22%.

Fish meal (animal protein supplement)‌

It is rich in lysine and methionine, and adding 3%–5% can significantly improve feed utilization. Users need to test its salt content and freshness.

Bran (fiber regulation)‌

Provides 8%-12% crude fiber and promotes intestinal peristalsis. The recommended dosage is 5%-10%. Excessive dosage may reduce energy density.

Calcium hydrogen phosphate (mineral balance)‌

Add calcium and phosphorus at a ratio of 1.2:1 to ensure bone development. The typical addition amount is 1%-1.5%.

Composite premix (micronutrients)‌

Contains vitamins, trace elements and functional additives, added at 0.5%-1% to make up for the nutritional gap in the basic feed.

‌Scientific advice‌: The actual formula needs to be dynamically adjusted in combination with the growth stage of the pig, the characteristics of the regional raw materials and the cost. It is recommended to optimize the ratio through digestibility tests.

Advantages of using feed pellet machine

Pig feed pellet machine can not only improve feed utilization (reduce 8-10% waste), but also kill some pathogens through high temperatures. The mainstream models in the market are divided into two types: ring die and flat die. Small and medium-sized farms can choose a flat die machine with a power of 15-22kW to meet the needs. Regular maintenance of rollers and molds can extend the service life of the equipment by 2-3 years.

Special tips

In the late stage of fattening, users can appropriately add 5% of oil to increase the energy concentration. However, they should use it immediately after addition to avoid oxidation and deterioration.