What you feed your pigs, and where it came from, matters. Contaminated feed or food waste can spread diseases such as African swine fever (ASF). ASF is not present in Canada, but safe feeding practices are an important part of protecting your pigs.
Choose feed made for pigs
Pigs need feed that meets their nutritional needs. These needs vary based on their age, size, health and stage of production.
A complete feed made for pigs is generally the simplest option. Speak with a veterinarian or swine nutritionist before making your own feed or significantly changing what your pigs eat.
- Choose feed labelled for pigs
- Follow the feeding instructions on the label
- Provide fresh, clean drinking water at all times
- Ask a veterinarian or swine nutritionist for advice about your pigs' specific needs
Buy feed from sources you can trace
Feed and feed ingredients can spread ASF if they are contaminated. Buy feed from a supplier who can tell you what the product contains and where the feed and its ingredients came from.
A trusted feed supplier should be able to provide:
- the name of the feed and its manufacturer
- information about where the feed or ingredients came from
- a product label or ingredient list
- a lot or batch number, when available
- a receipt or other record of your purchase
Avoid unlabelled feed or feed from a source that cannot provide this information.
Keep records of the feed you buy
Feed records can help you quickly determine what your pigs ate and where it came from if a problem arises.
Keep:
- supplier's name and contact information
- date of purchase
- feed product or type
- amount purchased
- lot or batch number, if available
- receipts, invoices and product labels
Keep the packaging or take a clear photo of the label until the feed has been used. Store your records somewhere you can find them easily.
Never feed pigs meat: it is illegal in Canada
It is illegal in Canada to feed pigs meat, meat by-products or food suspected to contain them. This includes pet food and food waste containing meat. This does not apply to commercial feed that is approved or registered for pigs under the Feeds Act.
The ASF virus can survive for months in fresh, frozen, cooked and processed pork products. Food may carry the virus even when it appears normal, and only a small amount may be enough to infect pigs.
Be careful with kitchen scraps and food waste
The safest option is not to feed pigs kitchen scraps, table scraps or food waste. You may not know whether the food contains meat or came into contact with meat during preparation, serving or storage.
- Be extremely careful with scraps from plates or kitchens
- Do not feed food that may have touched meat, meat juices, utensils or preparation surfaces
- Keep garbage and compost where pigs and wildlife cannot reach them
- Tell family, friends and anyone who cares for your pigs not to feed them food scraps
Be cautious with grocery surplus and food-recovery programs
Food collected from grocery stores or food-recovery programs is not automatically safe for pigs. Produce may have been stored, sorted or transported with meat, or may be spoiled, mouldy or difficult to trace.
- Do not use mixed loads that contain—or may have contacted—meat or meat products
- Do not feed spoiled, mouldy or visibly contaminated produce
- Ask how the food was sorted, handled and transported
- Keep records showing where the food came from and when it was collected
- When the contents or handling history are uncertain, do not feed it to your pigs
Store and serve feed safely
Feed can become contaminated after you bring it onto your property. Protect it from moisture, pests, wildlife and contact with dirty equipment.
- Store feed in clean, dry and covered containers
- Keep feed away from wild pigs, rodents, birds and other wildlife
- Use clean feed troughs or bunks instead of feeding pigs directly from the ground
- Clean feeders regularly
- Do not use feed that is mouldy, spoiled or visibly contaminated
- Keep feed-handling equipment separate from equipment used for manure or sick animals
Safe feeding starts with knowing what your pigs are eating and where it came from. Choose feed from trusted, traceable sources, never feed meat or food that may contain meat, and keep records so you can act quickly if a problem is identified.
Use the biosecurity checklist to review your feeding practices and other ways disease could reach your pigs.
