Phase 2 nursery diet

The phase 2 diet is typically fed to pigs from 15 to 25 lb of body weight. During this phase, feeding behavior is already established and, thus, diet complexity is reduced. The phase 2 diet is typically based on grain and soybean meal with low levels of specialty protein sources and lactose.

Soybean meal is often included at up to 20 to 24% of the diet. Other specialty protein sources often used in combination are fermented soybean meal, enzyme-treated soybean meal, or fish meal, among others. The level of lactose is reduced to around 7% lactose. Common sources of lactose are crystalline lactose, whey permeate, and dried whey, with whey products also providing a highly digestible source of amino acids. Fat begins to be utilized by the pig to improve growth performance and can be included at 1 to 3% in the diet. Common sources of fat are choice white grease or beef tallow, but other good-quality sources can be used if economically justifiable.