Phase feeding is benneficial in minimizing the adjustment to corn-soy diets. Phase I is a complex diet that is needed to achieve maximum feed intake and daily gain during week one of post-weaning. A phase I diet should only be fed for as short a time period as possible to reduce cost. Phase II is a less expensive diet designed to contain some palatability factors present in phase I and expose the pig to soy proteins. About one week of this diet is usually sufficient in most early weaning situations.
Some researchers suggest that phase III diets contain whey or fishmeal.
This can be fed until pigs reach 45 pounds and are moved to a grower diet. At least two finisher diets should be used to reduce protein and amino acid content for heavyweight hogs. Gilts tend to perform better and will remain leaner to higher weights. Feed costs for barrows are usually lower since producers can sell barrows lighter and leaner. Split sex feeding keeps your groups more uniform.