Pig (Grower/Finisher) — Feed Requirements Guide
Growing and finishing pigs represent the primary revenue-generating phase of commercial swine production, converting corn and soybean meal into lean pork with remarkable efficiency. At an average weight of 150 lbs, a grower pig consumes approximately 5% of body weight in dry matter daily, though this varies significantly across the three growth phases. Starter pigs (30-50 lbs) require the most nutrient-dense and expensive diets, while finisher pigs (125-280 lbs) consume the most total feed but at lower protein levels. Modern genetics allow pigs to reach market weight of 280 lbs in 5-6 months with a feed conversion ratio of approximately 3:1. Swine nutrition is formulated on an amino acid basis, with lysine as the first-limiting amino acid, followed by methionine, threonine, and tryptophan. Phase feeding, where nutrient density is adjusted as pigs grow, minimizes feed cost while maximizing lean growth.
Pig (Grower/Finisher) Nutritional Requirements by Life Stage
The table below shows how dry matter intake, protein requirements, and feed costs change across the 3 life stages of pig (grower/finisher) production. Life stage adjustments account for the dramatically different energy and protein demands of lactation, growth, gestation, and maintenance. Click any life stage for a dedicated page with detailed feeding recommendations and management tips.
| Life Stage | DMI Adj. | Daily DMI | Protein % | Daily Protein | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (30-50 lbs) | 0.6x | 4.5 lbs | 22.4% | 1.0 lbs | $11.51 |
| Grower (50-125 lbs) | 1x | 7.5 lbs | 17.6% | 1.3 lbs | $19.18 |
| Finisher (125-280 lbs) | 1.3x | 9.8 lbs | 13.6% | 1.3 lbs | $24.93 |
*Monthly cost estimated using grass hay at $150/ton. Actual costs vary by feed type and region.
Recommended Feeds for Pig (Grower/Finisher)
The following feeds meet both the minimum crude protein and TDN requirements for pig (grower/finisher) at maintenance level (16% protein, 80% TDN) when fed as the sole feed source. In practice, most feeding programs combine multiple feed ingredients to optimize cost and nutritional balance.
| Feed | Protein | TDN | As-Fed/Day | Cost/Ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Meal | 44% | 84% | 8.3 lbs | $450 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 27% | 86% | 8.3 lbs | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 21% | 80% | 8.5 lbs | $200 |
Feeds Requiring Supplementation
These feeds meet either the protein or TDN requirement but not both, and would need to be combined with other feeds in a balanced ration. The table indicates which nutritional requirement is met and which needs supplementation.
| Feed | Protein | TDN | Protein OK? | TDN OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa Hay | 18% | 58% | Yes | No |
| Whole Corn | 9% | 88% | No | Yes |
| Cracked Corn | 9% | 88% | No | Yes |
| Barley | 13% | 84% | No | Yes |
| Cottonseed Meal | 41% | 75% | Yes | No |
| Wheat Bran | 16% | 67% | Yes | No |
| Canola Meal | 36% | 74% | Yes | No |
| Layer Pellets | 16% | 70% | Yes | No |
| Broiler Starter | 22% | 78% | Yes | No |
| Fat Supplement (Bypass Fat) | 0% | 180% | No | Yes |
Feeding Pig (Grower/Finisher) at Different Body Weights
Body weight directly determines dry matter intake. The table below shows how daily feed requirements change across a range of body weights for pig (grower/finisher) at maintenance level. Use the calculator for custom weights, life stages, and herd sizes.
| Body Weight | Daily DMI | Daily Protein | Monthly Feed | Annual Feed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 lbs | 4.5 lbs | 0.7 lbs | 135 lbs | 0.82 tons |
| 120 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 180 lbs | 1.10 tons |
| 150 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 225 lbs | 1.37 tons |
| 180 lbs | 9.0 lbs | 1.4 lbs | 270 lbs | 1.64 tons |
| 225 lbs | 11.3 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 338 lbs | 2.05 tons |
Herd Size Feed Budgets for Pig (Grower/Finisher)
Planning feed purchases and storage requires estimating total feed needs for your herd over time. The table below shows monthly and annual feed requirements and costs for various herd sizes of pig (grower/finisher) at maintenance level using grass hay at $150/ton.
| Head Count | Daily DMI Total | Monthly Feed | Annual Feed | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 37.5 lbs | 0.56 tons | 6.84 tons | $1,166.55 |
| 10 | 75.0 lbs | 1.13 tons | 13.69 tons | $2,333.10 |
| 25 | 187.5 lbs | 2.81 tons | 34.22 tons | $5,832.74 |
| 50 | 375.0 lbs | 5.63 tons | 68.44 tons | $11,665.48 |
| 100 | 750.0 lbs | 11.25 tons | 136.88 tons | $23,330.97 |
| 200 | 1,500.0 lbs | 22.50 tons | 273.75 tons | $46,661.93 |
Other Animals
Browse feed requirement guides for other livestock species.