FEED CALCULATOR
#1 Question Asked...
How Much Should I Be Feeding My Pig?
Daily intake ÷ 2 feedings
Rounded to the nearest 0.25 lb for practical feeding
On the other hand, if a pig is consistently acting hungry — climbing the fence, squealing aggressively at feeding time, or still acting hungry after you've fed — that’s a sign intake may need to be adjusted. When increases are needed, make them slowly, in ¼ lb increments, and continue to watch how the pig responds.
Feeding approximately 2.8% of body weight reflects how most show pigs eat and grow in practical, competitive settings. While 3% is often used as a general guideline, show pigs typically grow at a slower rate than commercial pigs, so this adjustment better aligns with what we see work consistently.
Individual pigs will vary based on genetics, appetite, environment, and management.
Use this calculator as a starting point, then fine-tune based on how your pig responds.
"Compositional correctness is very important, especially in the growing stages of life. That is why we don't ever want to over feed or over condition them while they are growing" ~ Jason Lackey
LEARN THE SCIENCE
Why 2.8% of Body Weight?
Feeding approximately 2.8% of body weight is a practical guideline we use for show pigs, based on decades of hands-on experience and how these pigs actually eat, grow, and respond in competitive programs.
While 3% is a commonly referenced benchmark in swine nutrition, show pigs are managed differently than commercial pigs. This slight adjustment better reflects what we see work consistently.
1. Feed intake naturally scales with body weight
Research consistently shows that growing pigs voluntarily consume feed at roughly 2.5–3.5% of their body weight. Intake increases as pigs grow, then eventually levels off as fat deposition increases.
The 2.8% midpoint is where most show pigs:
• Eat aggressively but consistently
• Maintain gut health
• Convert feed efficiently
That’s why we’ve adjusted slightly below the traditional 3%.
2. Energy needs for ~2 lb/day average daily gain
To gain approximately 2 lb per day, a pig must meet both:
• Maintenance energy needs (basic body function)
• Growth energy needs (lean tissue plus some fat)
When pigs are fed:
• A properly balanced grower diet
• Adequate amino acids (especially lysine)
• At roughly 2.8% of body weight
Daily energy intake typically supports ~2.0 lb/day ADG in genetically average pigs raised under normal conditions.
Feeding below this level often limits growth, while feeding above it rarely increases gain proportionally.
3. The feed efficiency “sweet spot”
Maximum feed intake does not equal maximum efficiency.
Research shows that:
• Feed efficiency is best slightly below maximum intake
• Maximum gain occurs near ad-lib consumption
• 2.8% strikes a balance between rate of gain and efficiency
For show pigs, this balance matters. Consistent growth without excess fat deposition is easier to manage than chasing rapid early gain.
Why this is a guide — not a rule
Even with strong science, individual pigs vary widely.
Feed needs are influenced by:
Genetics
Diet energy density
Weather and environment
Health and stress
Appetite and feeding behavior
That’s why observation matters more than math. The calculator provides a starting point, but adjustments should be made based on how the pig is actually responding.
We know raising livestock can be overwhelming as well as finding the right people to help your family. We're happy to answer any questions you have.
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