Feeder pigs are pigs raised solely for the purpose of slaughter following a prolonged feeding period, usually around five or six months. The time between weaning and slaughter may vary depending on the breed, type of feed, and other factors. 

It is easy to market feeder pigs in several ways following the purchase of young piglets that have weaned and have transitioned to a transitional grower feed ration. Feeder pigs are usually purchased as young piglets that have been weaned and have been moved to a transitional grower feed ration.

In addition to raising feeder pigs for yourself, you can sell the meat to other customers or even restaurants.

Is there a difference between feeder pigs and butcher pigs?

Pigs for feed and pigs for butchering are technically the same animal. Finishing hogs are also known as finishing pigs.

Once again, these are all the same terms for the same animal.

Most pigs are butchered at around 220 to 260 pounds of weight. Final hogs or butcher pigs are usually older or heavier animals that are closer to being ready to be butchered. 

Feeder Pigs: How to Raise Them

The following tips will help you raise successful feeder pigs on your farm if you are considering raising them.

Breeds of pigs that make the best feeders

While any pig can be raised as a feeder pig, some are better than others in terms of growth rate and meat quality. 

Here are some of the most popular feeder pig breeds:

The Yorkshires

Duroc

The Berkshires

The landrace

Meishan

The Whites of Chester

Hampshire

Hereford 

Furthermore, there are plenty of other pig breeds you can choose from. These breeds have various benefits in terms of how quickly they grow and what type of meat they produce.

When choosing feeder pigs, consider your goals and needs! Some breeds deliver more bacon, while others produce more ham. 

You should ensure that your male feeder pigs are castrated, especially if you plan to house them with females. Females can be bred as young as four months old, which is usually before they are slaughtered for meat. 

Additionally, if you don't castrate your boars, the meat may have an off-putting flavor called boar taint.

Pig feeding

There is a common misconception among farmers about raising pigs that they can eat anything.

Pigs are capable of eating anything, but that doesn't mean they should. Pigs need between two and seven pounds of feed per day, depending on their breed, size, and age. 

A pig's diet should consist of a formulated pig pellet, supplemented with table scraps including fresh, leafy greens, fruits, bread, cheese, and milk.

It's best to steer clear of refined products and sweets - and don't give your pigs meat. Meat can increase the likelihood that infections like ASF will spread in your herd and to humans - and it's illegal in some places, too.

Make sure your pigs have plenty of access to feed, regardless of what you feed them. Some people provide automatic feeding bins and troughs so that their feeders can help themselves whenever they are hungry.

In addition, if you don't do this, make sure your animals are fed at least twice a day. Single-tummy animals (like us) need time to digest food, but frequent feeding is also essential.

If you feed your pigs only once a day, they will play with the food, stand in it, and make a mess.

Our list of favorite pig foods is also below. We hope this will be helpful to you - and your litter! 

Is there a shelter that feeder pigs need?

Pigs can be kept outside for most of the year, but they will need shelter from the elements.

It's important to remember that pigs don't have much hair on their bodies to protect them from the cold or protect them from the sun. You can provide a three-sided shelter that will work just fine.

How to build a simple pig shelter!

The affliction of sunburn is common among feeder pigs. Although black- and brown-skinned pigs are less likely to be burned by the sun, sheltering your pigs can keep them comfortable in the heat. 

Many people have the perception that pigs are dirty, filthy animals lying around in their own filth. Your pigs will also need a warm, dry, and clean sleeping area. Read more about pig farm equipments.

No, that's not true!

Fortunately, pigs are relatively clean and don't mind sleeping away from their manure. You will usually find a separate area for sleeping and defecating, which makes barn keeping easier.