Healthy, productive pigs start with a balanced diet. From piglets to breeding stock, swine require the right combination of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water to support growth, reproduction, and long term health. Because pigs are monogastric (single-stomach) animals, they cannot ferment or resynthesize many nutrients like ruminants can – meaning diet formulation and balance are critical.

The Six Core Nutrients Pigs Require

1.  Water – The most essential nutrient; necessary for temperature regulation, digestion, metabolism, and waste removal
2.  Carbohydrates – The main energy source for maintenance, growth, and production.
3.  Fats – A dense energy source that also aids in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
4.  Protein (Amino Acids) – The building blocks for muscle, organs, enzymes, and hormones.
5.  Vitamins – Needed in small amounts for metabolic and immune functions.
6.  Minerals – Support skeletal structure, enzyme systems, nerve function, and reproduction.

General Nutrition: Energy, Protein, and Vitamins

Energy Needs

Energy drives nearly every biological process. Pigs require energy to grow, reproduce, and maintain body temperature.

• Cereal grains (corn, barley, wheat, oats) are the most common energy sources.
• Fats and oils can be added to boost calorie density, especially for lactating sows or fast-growing pigs.
• Fiber should be limited – pigs digest it poorly compared to ruminants. Excess fiber can reduce feed efficiency and nutrient absorption.

Energy levels should always be balanced with amino acid and mineral concentrations – if energy is too high relative to protein, pigs can gain fat rather than lean tissue.

Protein and Amino Acids

Protein quality is determined by its amino acid composition and digestibility. Pigs require amino acids, not protein itself.

The 10 essential amino acids for swine are:

Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylaline, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.

• Lysine is the first limiting amino acid – Meaning if lysine is low, growth and muscle development are limited regardless of total protein content.
• Soybean meal is a top amino acid source and commonly used in balanced rations.
• Amino acids needs are highest in young, rapidly growing pigs, and lower in mature or finishing animals.

Total crude protein needs:

• Starter pigs: 20-22%
• Grower pigs: 16-18%
• Finisher pigs: 14-16%
• Gestating sows: 12-14%
• Lactating sows: 16-18%

Vitamin Requirements

Vitamins are vital for metabolism, reproduction, and immunity. Pigs cannot synthesize most vitamins and rely on feed or supplements.

Mineral Requirements

Minerals are divided into macrominerals (needed in larger amounts) and microminerals (trace minerals, required in smaller but critical amounts). Both are essential for bone growth, enzyme function, and metabolic regulation. 

Life Stage Mineral Needs

Common Mineral Deficiencies and Signs

Mineral imbalances are among the most common the most common nutritional issues in pigs. Early prevention through balanced feed is far easier than correcting deficiencies later. 

Essential Macrominerals

Essential Microminerals

Nutrient Interactions and Bioavailability

Nutrients don’t act in isolation – They interact within the body and the feed. 

• High calcium levels can inhibit phosphorus and zinc absorption.
• Excess iron or zinc can reduce copper uptake. 
• Vitamin E and selenium work together to protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Phosphorus in plant based feeds is often bound in phytate, which pigs can’t digest – adding phytase enzymes improves bioavailability.

Because of these complex interactions, feed formulation and ingredient quality make a major difference in nutrient use. 

Water Requirements

Adequate clean water is essential for every life stage. 

Even mild dehydration can reduce feed intake and performance, especially in hot weather. 

Feeding by Life Stage

Piglets

• Require milk or milk replacer, the transition to a high-protein starter feed (19-22% CP).
• Iron supplementation (via injection or oral paste) in essential and happens commonly during ear notching and needle teeth pulling.

• Focus on balanced energy and protein for lean gain. 
• Gradually reduce protein and increase energy as they approach finishing weight

Breeding Sows

• Gestating sows need moderate energy and higher fiber to prevent obesity. 
• Lactating sows need high-energy, high protein feed to maintain condition and support milk production. 

Boars

• Require steady energy intake and trace minerals (especially zinc and selenium) for reproductive performance. 

A pig’s nutrition program is only as strong as its balance. Each nutrient – from amino acids to trace minerals – play a role in keeping your drift  healthy, efficient, and productive.