Feeding plans applied by heavy pig breeders in France

A survey was carried out by ITP and EDE on the know-how of French producers of heavy pigs (more than 40 % pigs slaughtered above 90 kg carcass weight). According to the 34 investigations performed in Brittany, Midi-Pyrénées or Rhône-Alpes, around one third of pigs are fed ad libitum. A common diet is used during the whole fattening period in half of piggeries in Brittany and Rhône-Alpes and in all ones in Midi-Pyrénées. Most pig breeders buy a commercial diet, especially as pellets. More than half of pigs are fed with a liquid diet, except in Midi-Pyrénées where dry feeding is more often used.