How to Feed Glycerol to Hogs

Glycerol is a co-product of biodiesel production. Several major universities, including Iowa State University in 2007, have researched using crude glycerol as a food source for pigs and hogs. The Iowa State study concluded that digestible energy increased in the pigs who ate crude glycerol, meaning less nutrients were lost through feces. Results of studies like this are making glycerol an attractive food source for livestock, comparable to corn.

Things You'll Need

  • Normal pig feed
  • Crude glycerol
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the normal amount of feed given to your hogs. Assume you are putting 10 lbs. of feed out for your hogs.

    • 2

      Determine how much glycerol you will add to the diet. The Iowa study added crude glycerol to the feed in amounts proportional to the normal amount of feed: 5 percent, 10 percent and 20 percent. So with 10 lbs. of feed, you are going to add 1/2 lb. (5 percent of 10 lbs.) of crude glycerol to the normal feed. Add 1 to 2 lbs. of crude glycerol per 10 pounds if you are adding 10 percent or 20 percent glycerol, respectively.

    • 3

      Mix your feed with the glycerol according to your calculations.

    • 4

      Give your hogs the feed. Remember that pigs are self-feeders and should have as much feed as they can consume.