12/02/2025
STOP SELLING US SICK PIGLETS! Weaner Producers, Do Better.
Fellow pig farmers, letâs talk about something seriousâthe link between weaner producers and finisher farmers' success! If youâre in the business of raising pigs to market weight, you already know the struggle. You buy weaners, invest in their feed, medication, and care, expecting solid weight gain, only to realize some of them are just... not growing!
Why? Because many weaner producers are cutting corners!
Poor Nutrition: Some piglets donât get the proper balanced diet from birth, affecting their growth permanently.
Incomplete Medication & Vaccination: A piglet that wasnât well-managed early on will always struggle, no matter how much care you give later.
Bad Environment: Dirty pens, overcrowding, and stress lead to weak, disease-prone piglets.
Runt Syndrome: Ever bought a batch of weaners and found some just wonât grow? Thatâs because they were already struggling from day one!
How Heavy Should a Weaner Be?
At 6 weeks old, a healthy weaner should weigh between 5â10 kg (or more), depending on the breed and care given. But what are some producers doing instead?
They raise pigs for 12 months, yet they weigh just 6 kg! Then, they turn around and sell these stunted pigs as "weaners." This is a scam! At that age, the pig should be almost about 20 - 30kg, not struggling at the size of a 6-week-old piglet!
Proper Nutrition for Weaners: What They Really Need!
To ensure proper growth, weaners should be fed a high-quality starter diet rich in essential nutrients. Hereâs what a proper weaner feed should contain:
Protein (18-22%) â Essential for muscle growth and development. Poor protein levels lead to weak, stunted pigs.
Energy (3,200-3,400 kcal/kg) â Pigs need energy from good-quality grains (like maize or wheat) to stay active and gain weight fast.
Carbohydrates (40-50%) â Helps with weight gain and overall body function. Lack of carbs can cause slow growth and weakness.
Vitamins & Minerals â Such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, D, and E, to boost bone strength and immunity.
How Good Nutrition Affects Growth & Profitability
Faster Growth â A well-fed piglet reaches market weight faster, reducing feed costs and increasing profits.
Stronger Immune System â Less sickness, fewer losses, and reduced medical expenses.
Better Meat Quality â Healthy pigs produce better pork, leading to higher market value.
Finisher Farmers Are Paying the Price!
You buy what you think are quality weaners, but they never grow properly.
You waste extra money on feed and medication, trying to fix a problem that started from birth.
Instead of finishing pigs in 5â6 months, youâre stuck with weak pigs that barely reach slaughter weight!
Weaner Producers, Do Better!
Healthy piglets = successful finishing = more profit for everyone. If you're producing weaners, take care of them properly. And if youâre a finisher, be careful where you buy from! Ask questions, check the farm, and demand quality.
