Chapter 2: Carry out pig feeding

Feeding pigs efficiently is central to successful pig production in Kenya, where demand for pork is rising steadily in both urban and rural markets. Proper feeding enhances growth rates, reproductive performance, and overall health, directly influencing farm profitability. This chapter focuses on the practical aspects of pig feeding, beginning with the essential tools, equipment, and materials required to carry out feeding operations effectively on Kenyan pig farms.

2.1 Feeding tools, equipment and materials

Feeding tools and equipment deliver balanced nutrition to pigs in a clean and efficient way. On Kenyan pig farms, from a few sows in a smallholder unit to a large commercial unit, the right feeding implements reduce feed wastage, protect feed from contamination and lower labour costs. A technician must be able to choose, use and maintain each item. The table summarises the four main items for this topic.

Feed basins

A feed basin is an open container that holds feed at floor or low platform level. Basins are used mainly for piglets, weaners and individually fed pigs, and the long type is called a trough. A good basin is smooth inside, has no sharp edges, is heavy or fixed so that pigs cannot tip it over, and is easy to wash. Space is allowed so that every pig in the pen can eat at the same time and weaker pigs are not pushed away.

• Concrete troughs: They withstand weather and rough handling and are fixed in the pen, so they cannot be moved.
• Wooden troughs: They cost little but need regular treatment against rot and pests.
• Plastic troughs: They are light and easy to sanitise, which suits piglet pens. Heavy pigs may crack or tip them.
• Metal troughs: They last long and resist damage, and corrosion resistance depends on the coating.
• Automatic feeders: They cost more, but they deliver feed in controlled amounts on larger units.

Feed mixer

A feed mixer blends the ration ingredients, for example maize germ, wheat bran, protein meal, minerals and a premix, into an even mixture. Even mixing matters because a pig that gets a lump of premix in one bite and none in the next will not receive a balanced diet.

• Manual mixing: Small farms turn the ingredients with spades on a clean, hard floor. The smallest quantities, such as minerals and premix, are first mixed into a small amount of meal and then added to the rest.
• Drum mixer: A rotating drum turns the batch over and over, powered by a motor.
• Paddle or ribbon mixer: Blades or a ribbon move the feed through the mixing chamber and give a very even mix.
• Cleaning: The mixer is emptied and cleaned after every batch, so that residues do not mould or carry medicated feed into the next ration.
• Safety: Guards stay on moving parts, and the power is switched off and isolated before anyone reaches inside.

Hay feeders

Pigs are monogastric and depend mainly on concentrate feed, but dry forage such as hay or dry legume leaf is useful in limited amounts, especially for gestating sows, because it adds fibre and makes them feel full. A hay feeder is a rack or box with bars or slats fixed at the height of the pigs. It keeps the forage off the wet floor, so it is not fouled or trampled.

• Position: Fixed away from the drinker and the dunging area, so that the hay stays clean.
• Height: Set at the shoulder height of the pigs using it, and raised as they grow.
• Bars or slats: Spaced so that pigs can reach the hay but cannot climb into the rack.
• Filling: Small amounts are put in each day and stale or mouldy hay is removed.
• Repair: Broken bars are mended at once, because pigs can injure their snouts and legs.

Mineral feeders

A mineral feeder holds salt or a mineral lick so that pigs can take what they need. It is a covered box or hopper, fixed to the wall or a post at a height pigs can reach, with a lid that keeps out rain and a drain hole at the base. Placing it away from the water point prevents the mineral from dissolving and washing out.

• Cover: The lid keeps the lick dry, because wet minerals harden or dissolve and are wasted.
• Material: Plastic, treated wood or galvanised steel, chosen for its resistance to the corrosive action of salt.
• Access: Enough openings so that dominant pigs do not keep the others away.
• Refilling: Checked each day and filled only with the quantity the pigs finish in a short time.
• Hygiene: Emptied and cleaned each week to remove caked or fouled minerals.

Feed scoops and measuring tools

Accurate measurement and clean handling of feed make sure pigs receive the planned nutrients.

• Plastic scoops: Light and affordable, widely used on small units.
• Metal scoops: Durable and suited to abrasive feeds.
• Measuring cups: Needed for adding vitamins and minerals in liquid form.
• Weighing scales: Make rationing accurate, which matters because feed is a large part of the cost of keeping pigs.
• Feed funnels: Reduce spillage when transferring feed to troughs.

Storage containers and feed bins

Correct storage prevents spoilage, contamination and loss of nutrients, which are common problems in warm and humid conditions.

• Plastic bins: Affordable and good at keeping feed dry on small farms.
• Metal bins: Used on larger farms for long-term storage and protection.
• Jute bags: Convenient for transport from the supplier, but they do not protect well against moisture, so bags are stored on pallets.
• Silos: Give bulk storage and reduce spoilage on commercial units.
• Sealed containers: Prevent contamination and rodent access.

Feeding accessories and cleaning equipment

Clean feeding equipment prevents the spread of disease and keeps pigs eating well.

• Feed scrapers: Used daily to clear leftovers before they grow mould.
• Brushes: Clean troughs and bins thoroughly.
• Watering troughs: Water close to the feeding area encourages drinking while pigs eat, which improves feed intake in piglets.
• Disinfectants: Applied after cleaning, following the label, to lower the number of disease-causing organisms.

Chapter Summary

This chapter explored the essential tools, equipment, and materials required for effective pig feeding, highlighting their roles in ensuring efficient feed delivery. It examined various types of pig feeds, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition to support growth and health. The provision of basal rations was discussed as a foundational feeding strategy, complemented by the use of feed supplements to enhance nutrient intake. Methods for evaluating feed intake were presented, enabling farmers to monitor consumption patterns and adjust feeding accordingly. The chapter also covered the assessment of feed conversion efficiency, which measures how well pigs convert feed into body weight. Maintaining accurate pig feeding records was identified as crucial for tracking performance and making informed management decisions. Finally, the chapter addressed waste management practices to maintain hygiene and environmental sustainability on pig farms.