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Feeding infant pigs, also known as piglets, is one of the most important steps in raising healthy and fast-growing pigs. If you are a young pig farmer in Nigeria or anywhere else, understanding what kind of food to give piglets will help you reduce mortality, improve growth, and achieve high profits from your pig farm.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What to feed infant pigs (piglets)
- When to introduce solid feed
- Tips for proper feeding management
What Are Infant Pigs (Piglets)?
Infant pigs, or piglets, are baby pigs from birth up to 8 weeks old. They are delicate and need proper nutrition to grow strong, build immunity, and prepare for weaning.
Colostrum (First Milk)
Colostrum is the first and most important food for newborn piglets.
- It comes from the mother sow immediately after birth.
- Colostrum contains antibodies that protect piglets from diseases.
- Make sure each piglet sucks colostrum within the first 6–12 hours after birth.
Tip: if the sow cannot produce enough colostrum, use commercial colostrum replacers from livestock stores.
Sow’s Milk (0–2 Weeks Old)
After the first day, piglets continue feeding on the sow’s milk.
- It contains essential nutrients for growth and development.
- Allow piglets to suckle every 2–3 hours.
- Keep the sow healthy and well-fed so she produces enough milk.
Creep Feed (Starting from 7 Days Old)
From 1 week old, begin to introduce creep feed — a special feed made for piglets.
Creep feed helps piglets get used to solid food before weaning.
Qualities of a Good Creep Feed:
- High in protein (18–22%)
- Contains vitamins and minerals (especially iron and calcium)
- Easy to chew and digest
- Fresh and free from mold
Example Creep Feed Ingredients:
Maize, soybean meal, fish meal, bone meal, vitamin premix, lysine, and salt.
Feed creep feed in small amounts 3–4 times a day. Keep it dry and clean.
Water and Iron Supplements
- Piglets need clean drinking water from birth.
- Add iron supplements (like iron injections or iron-rich feed) to prevent anemia, a common issue in young piglets.
- Provide a shallow water trough so piglets can drink safely.
Post-Weaning Feed (After 6–8 Weeks)
Once piglets are weaned (around 6–8 weeks old), feed them weaner feed.
- Weaner feed should have about 18% crude protein.
- Introduce it gradually to avoid stomach upset.
- Maintain good hygiene in feeding and drinking areas.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Piglets
- Always keep feed and water clean.
- Avoid sudden feed changes.
- Provide a warm, dry, and safe pen.
- Deworm piglets and vaccinate as advised by a veterinarian.
- Observe feeding behavior daily — weak piglets may need special care.
Final Thoughts
Feeding infant pigs properly is the foundation of a successful pig farm. Start with colostrum, introduce creep feed early, and maintain hygiene. Healthy piglets grow faster, resist diseases, and bring better profit.
If you’re a young farmer in Nigeria, investing in quality piglet feed and proper management will help you build a strong and profitable pig farming business.
