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Feeding is one of the biggest expenses in pig farming — it can take up to 70% of total production costs. As a young farmer in Nigeria, learning how to make or supplement your own pig feed is one of the best ways to increase profit and sustain your farm. This guide explains affordable homemade feed ingredients you can mix with commercial pig feed to reduce cost without affecting growth and performance.
Cassava Peels and Tuber Waste
Cassava peels are readily available in most parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities. They can be sun-dried and ground before mixing into pig feed.
- Nutritional value: Good source of energy (carbohydrates).
- Tip: Always dry and sometimes ferment the peels for 3–5 days to remove toxins (hydrocyanic acid).
- Usage: Can replace up to 30–40% of maize in the diet.
Maize Bran (Chaff)
Maize bran or chaff is a byproduct from maize milling. It is cheaper than whole maize.
- Nutritional value: High in fiber, moderate energy.
- Usage: Mix with other energy-rich ingredients for balanced feed.
- Benefit: Reduces feed cost while maintaining feed volume.
Plantain and Banana Peels
Dried or cooked plantain and banana peels are excellent energy sources.
- Benefit: Easily available and cheap in many areas.
- Usage: Chop, dry, and grind before adding to feed (10–20% inclusion).
Brewery Waste (Spent Grain)
Breweries and local beer producers generate spent grain (ogogoro waste) which pigs love.
- Nutritional value: Rich in protein and fiber.
- Usage: Feed fresh (within 2 days) or sun-dry to store.
- Tip: Mix with cassava or maize bran for better balance.
Sweet Potato Peels
Potato peels can replace part of maize as an energy source.
- Usage: Boil or dry before feeding to pigs.
- Benefit: Improves feed palatability and reduces cost.
Groundnut Cake (GNC)
Groundnut cake is a good protein supplement for pig feed.
- Usage: Add 10–15% to your mix.
- Benefit: Promotes faster growth and muscle development.
Fruit Waste (Mango, Pawpaw, Watermelon, etc.)
Seasonal fruit waste is free and nutritious.
- Usage: Chop and feed fresh or mix with other feed materials.
- Benefit: Adds vitamins and improves feed taste for pigs.
Forage Crops (Waterleaf, Tridax, Sweet Potato Leaves)
Green leaves are natural feed sources that can reduce cost significantly.
- Usage: Chop and mix with other feed daily.
- Benefit: Rich in vitamins and minerals that boost pig health.
Kitchen Waste and Leftovers
Leftover food like yam, rice, or beans can be used to feed pigs.
- Caution: Avoid rotten or oily foods that can harm pigs.
- Tip: Always boil before feeding to kill bacteria.
Sample Homemade Pig Feed Mix (for Growers)
| Ingredient | Quantity (kg) |
|---|---|
| Maize or Cassava peel flour | 40 |
| Brewer’s waste | 20 |
| Groundnut cake | 15 |
| Wheat bran | 20 |
| Bone meal | 2 |
| Salt | 0.5 |
| Premix (vitamins/minerals) | 0.5 |
This mixture provides balanced nutrients at a lower cost than 100% commercial feed.
Final Tips for Young Pig Farmers
- Always keep feed dry and clean to prevent mold.
- Introduce new feed gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Provide clean water at all times.
- Work with a livestock nutritionist to balance rations properly.
