Feeding Methods

• A. Restricted Feeding
In restricted feeding, the amount of feed given
is controlled or limited to a certain amount
just to satisfy the appetite of the pig.
Long feeding method
• Advantages
-better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (lower feed
cost and better performance
 -good carcass quality
-better health control
-less digestive problems
• ADVANTAGES:
-lower Average Daily Gain
-unequal growth especially if feed trough is not
long enough to accommodate all pigs
-more laborious
-less chance of coping up with higher market
price
B. Ad Libitum Feeding
-Ad libitum feeding is feeding without
restrictions and feed is mode
available anytime. This feeding
method should be practiced if pigs
finished have high growth potentials
and they are in good health.
• Dry feed should always be used for this
feeding method. Fresh feed improves the feed
intake and feed efficiency, thus self-feeders
should be emptied and cleaned at least once a
week to prevent microbial spoilage. Pigs find
infested feed unpalatable thus, wastage of
feed is high. Continuous supply of fresh and
clean water is important in ad libitum feeding
because water intake increases when this
method is practiced.
• Disadvantages:
-thicker backfat
-higher feed conversion ration (higher feed
cost)
-more digestive problems in younger pigs
-less control on health problems
 C. Combination of Ad Libitum and Restricted
Feeding
• Pigs are fed ad libitum until they reach the
weight of 50 kgs and fed restricted until they
are marketed. With this feeding method, the
growth potential of the animal can be
maximized during its first 50 kgs of growth.
Restriction is practiced to reduce backfat
thickness with a corresponding increase in
lean cut yield.
• Advantages:
-higher ADG with good carcass qualify
-lower feed cost
-better use of good feed (better FCR)
• Disadvantages:
-higher possibility of digestive problems if
shifting is not properly done
-less control of health problems and feed
intake at the start