How to Feed Glycerin to Hogs

Glycerin, often called glycerol, is an energy source commonly fed to hogs. Glycerin is a thick, syrupy liquid produced during the manufacturing of biofuels. It has a sweet taste, making it very appealing to hogs. Glycerin is easily digested and increases digestible energy in hogs, reducing nutrient loss through feces. This combination of palatability and digestibility makes glycerin a popular feed source for hog farmers.

Things You'll Need

  • Pig feed
  • Crude glycerin
  • Feeding pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Water trough
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how much your hogs are eating on a daily basis. Pigs are normally free-fed and allowed to eat as much as they want to maximize growth. Each hog will eat approximately 10 lbs. of feed per day. Your hogs should be fed a high-protein pig feed available at most farm stores.

    • 2

      Calculate the proper amount of glycerin to add to the pig feed. Glycerin is typically fed as 5 percent, 10 percent or 20 percent of a hog’s diet, depending on their age and size, with smaller hogs being fed a smaller amount of glycerin. Hogs in the 5 percent range will need 1/2 lb. of glycerin added to their daily ration, with hogs at 10 percent and 20 percent getting 1 to 2 lbs. of glycerin, respectively.

    • 3

      Place the hog’s normal ration in the feed pan and add the correct amount of glycerin to the top, stirring with a large wooden spoon to combine. The mixture should be slightly sticky but not too gummy or the hogs will have difficulty eating it. If it is too gummy, add a couple handfuls of feed at a time, stirring between additions.

    • 4

      Observe the hogs to see how well they eat the mixture. Hogs should be fed as much as they will eat and may quickly consume the glycerin-coated feed. If they do not eat it within two hours, dump the mixture out and fill the feed pan with dry feed, offering the glycerin mixture again the following day.

    • 5

      Keep fresh water in the trough at all times. Glycerin soaks up water and can cause your hogs to become severely dehydrated if there is no water available.