Pelleting a diet is an effective way to improve feed conversion for all phases of swine production, particularly when grains or by- products have a higher fiber content. The pelleting of corn-soybean meal diets will not generally result in improved performance or feed conversion, whereas the pelleting of high-fiber diets almost always improves pig gain and feed conversion.
During the starter phase, a small increase in feed intake may be observed when the diet is pelleted. A 4 to 6% improvement in feed conversion is generally obtained when diets are pelleted compared with those fed in meal form. Improved feed conversion is attributable to at least two factors. First, there is a reduction in feed wastage; second, there is an improvement in the digestibility of nutrients. The latter is largely due to the fine grinding of the grain prior to pelleting and the use of steam heat, which is commonly used during the pelleting process. Steam heat expands the starch molecule, which increases its surface area which enhances digestive enzyme contact. A side benefit to pelleting is a 10 to 20% reduction in nutrient excretion which results from reduced feed wastage and improved feed conversions.