Minerals and salt in pig diets (2024)

Minerals are only a small part of pig diets but they are crucial to regulatory functions and keep pigs healthy.

Calcium

Calcium is important for pig bones and teeth. It also supports functions such as blood clotting. Low calcium in the body can stunt pig growth and cause diseases such as rickets.

Meat and bone meal are a good source of calcium. Limestone can be used to supplement calcium and is usually the cheapest way to boost calcium intake in pigs.

Phosphorous

Phosphorous is important to pig bones and muscle structure but it can be expensive. Make sure you have the right amount in your pig diets to save costs.

Phosphorus is normally given to pigs as monocalcium phosphate or dicalcium phosphate (dical). Both of these also contain calcium – the 2minerals are closely linked.

Other minerals

In addition to calcium and phosphorous, your pigs need small amounts of other minerals, such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese. These minerals are usually added to pig diets as a mineral premix.

Salt

Salt is a source of sodium for pigs. It is very important to young pigs because they need sodium to grow. Grains are low in sodium but you only need 0.25% salt in young pig diets.

Older pigs need around 0.3–0.5% salt in their diet. You may want to add more salt than the recommended limit of 0.3% because it helps combat discharging sow syndrome and urinary tract infections. Salt makes sows thirsty so they drink more water, which helps them urinate.

  • Last reviewed: 22 Nov 2022
  • Last updated: 22 Nov 2022
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Minerals and salt in pig diets (2024)

FAQs

Minerals and salt in pig diets? ›

Typically, pigs require fifteen minerals in their diet; however, macro-minerals should be supplied significantly to improve their performance. Such macro-minerals are Ca, P, sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), K, and Mg [6]. Approximately 5% of a pig's body weight is composed of minerals.

Do pigs need salt and minerals? ›

Salt is a source of sodium for pigs. It is very important to young pigs because they need sodium to grow. Grains are low in sodium but you only need 0.25% salt in young pig diets. Older pigs need around 0.3–0.5% salt in their diet.

Is too much salt good for pigs? ›

Salt poisoning is common in pigs of all ages and it is related to the unavailability of water; normal levels of salt in the diet (0.4-0.5%) become toxic in the absence of water. Verify that every drinker and water distribution system is working properly- that they are not obstructed, and that water is available.

What nutrient do pigs need the most? ›

Those essential amino acids are: Arginine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine plus Cysteine, Phenylalanine plus tyrosine, and Threonine. Minerals – calcium, phosphorus and salt (sodium and chlorine) are the most important major minerals added to swine rations.

What is the best mineral block for pigs? ›

Trace Mineral Block is free of chemical processing and preferred by livestock. It is also easy to handle, stackable, and economical. This block works well for all classes of beef/dairy cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses.

What kind of minerals do pigs need? ›

Requirement level of minerals in swine nutrition
MineralsRequirement levelAnimals
Magnesium400 mg/kg dietSwine
Copper5 to 10 mg/ kg dietWeaning pigs
Copper5 to 6 mg/kg dietGrowing pigs
Copper10 mg /kg dietGestation sows
1 more row
May 31, 2023

What are the symptoms of mineral deficiency in pigs? ›

Mineral Deficiency:

Signs include deformity and bending of long bones and lameness in young pigs, and fractures and posterior paralysis (a result of fractures in the lumbar region) in older pigs.

How much mineral to add to pig feed? ›

Example of acceptable differences in laboratory tests (adapted from Reese and Brumm)
NutrientVariationNormal range
Lysine5%0.66 to 0.74%
Calcium5%0.62 to 0.68%
Phosphorus5%0.47 to 0.52%
Trace minerals (zinc or iron)5%95 – 105 ppm
1 more row

What is the best salt for pigs? ›

Champion's Choice® Salt. An essential for successful pork production. When consumed in the right amounts, Champion's Choice® Salt in bags and blocks can help your swine maintain normal appetite to support optimal performance, including faster growth.

What should not be fed to pigs? ›

It's ok to feed pigs uncontaminated fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, dairy, eggs, and vegetable oils. Do not feed pigs meat, fish, or their bones, oils, or juices, or ANY food that has touched these substances.

What is the best protein for pigs? ›

Soybeans are the most widely used protein in the world and is the primary protein source in most swine diets. Soybean products used in swine diets include soybean meal, full-fat soybeans, fermented soybean meal, enzyme-treated soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate.

What feeds fatten pigs? ›

Tankage and meat scraps are good sources of protein, and soybean oil meal also is a good choice for pig feed mix for the best result. —What types of grain to use to feed pigs should be determined, and no matter what types of grains to be used, 50% should be yellow corn.

What is the best feed for pigs? ›

Rice bran, broken rice, maize, soya beans, cassava, vegetables, and distillers' residues are often used in pig feed. Combining soybean meal with grains or corn provides pigs with the necessary amino acids. Among all plant proteins, soybean meal alone compares with animal protein in terms of quality amino acid content.

What is the best grain to fatten pigs? ›

As an energy source, choose a grain mix of barley, wheat, sorghum and corn for your pig's diet. At least half the mix should be number two yellow corn. Though low in protein, it is considered a primary energy source in pig diets. It is also one of the most economical feedstuffs available for swine production.

Is rock salt good for pigs? ›

They are a convenient and ideal source of nutrients for all animals such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, etc. Animals have a natural affinity for eating salt; therefore, Himalayan Compressed Salt licks provide them with regular salt requirements and other necessary minerals which contribute to their growth.

What is the best booster for pigs? ›

Piggyzyme- BFB is the best pig booster as it contains digestive mult-enzymes that assist in the breakdown of fibre.

Do pigs need salt? ›

The recommended level of salt is 0.25% in growing and finishing diets, 0.5–0.75% in starter diets, and 0.5% in sow diets. These levels should provide ample sodium and chloride to meet the animal's requirements. Animal, fish, and milk byproducts can contribute some of the sodium and chloride requirement.

What kind of salt do you use for pigs? ›

Champion's Choice® Salt. An essential for successful pork production. When consumed in the right amounts, Champion's Choice® Salt in bags and blocks can help your swine maintain normal appetite to support optimal performance, including faster growth.

Do pigs like salt rocks? ›

They are a convenient and ideal source of nutrients for all animals such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, etc. Animals have a natural affinity for eating salt; therefore, Himalayan Compressed Salt licks provide them with regular salt requirements and other necessary minerals which contribute to their growth.

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