According to Gram Research analysis, a 2026 study of 210 pigs found that replacing soybean meal with cheaper palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains produced identical growth rates and digestive health, whether the feed was powdered or pellet form. Pigs on the alternative feed gained weight at the same speed and ate with the same efficiency as pigs on traditional feed, suggesting farmers can reduce feed costs without sacrificing animal performance.
A 2026 study tested whether farmers could save money by replacing expensive soybean meal with cheaper ingredients like palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains in pig feed. Researchers fed 210 growing pigs three different diets, some traditional, some with the cheaper ingredients in powdered form, and some in pellet form. The pigs grew at the same rate and stayed equally healthy regardless of which diet they ate, suggesting farmers can cut feed costs without hurting their animals’ health or digestion.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 210 growing-finishing pigs found that partial replacement of soybean meal with palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains produced no significant differences in body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion efficiency compared to traditional corn-soybean meal diets.
In the same 2026 pig nutrition study, fecal characteristics including stool consistency and moisture content showed no significant differences between pigs fed alternative ingredient diets and those fed traditional diets, indicating maintained digestive health.
A 2026 research article with 210 pigs demonstrated that feed form, powdered mash versus compressed pellets, had no effect on growth performance or digestive health when using palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains as partial soybean meal replacements.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether farmers can use cheaper feed ingredients (palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains) instead of expensive soybean meal without affecting how well pigs grow or their digestive health.
- Who participated: 210 young pigs (a mix of Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc breeds) weighing about 30 kilograms at the start, divided into groups eating different feed types.
- Key finding: Pigs eating the cheaper feed grew just as fast, ate similar amounts, and had the same digestive health as pigs eating traditional feed, whether the feed was powdered or in pellet form.
- What it means for you: If you raise pigs, this research suggests you could reduce feed costs by using alternative ingredients without sacrificing animal health or growth rates. However, results may vary depending on your specific farm conditions and local ingredient availability.
The Research Details
Researchers divided 210 young pigs into three groups. One group ate traditional feed made with corn and soybean meal in powdered form. The second group ate powdered feed where soybean meal was partially replaced with palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains (byproducts from grain processing). The third group ate the same alternative ingredients but in pellet form (compressed pellets instead of powder). The pigs were raised from about 30 kilograms until market weight, and researchers measured how much they ate, how fast they grew, and the quality of their manure throughout the study.
This design allowed researchers to test two things at once: whether the cheaper ingredients worked as well as soybean meal, and whether the form of the feed (powder versus pellets) made a difference. Each group had 14 separate pens with 5 pigs in each pen, which helps ensure the results weren’t due to chance.
The researchers tracked weight gain, daily food intake, how efficiently pigs converted feed into body weight, and digestive health indicators through fecal analysis. This comprehensive approach gave them a complete picture of whether the cheaper feed was truly equivalent to traditional feed.
Feed costs are typically the biggest expense in pig farming, often accounting for 60-70% of total production costs. If farmers can use cheaper ingredients without harming animal growth or health, it could significantly improve farm profitability. This study is important because it tests real-world conditions with a large number of animals over an extended period, making the results more reliable than smaller laboratory studies.
This study has several strengths: it used a reasonably large sample size (210 pigs), included multiple replicates (14 separate pens per treatment), and measured multiple important outcomes including growth performance and digestive health. The study was conducted over the full growing-finishing period, which is realistic for commercial farming. However, the study was conducted under specific farm conditions, so results might differ in other environments or with different pig genetics. The researchers did not report some details that would help assess quality, such as the exact statistical analysis methods used or whether they controlled for other variables.
What the Results Show
During the growing phase (when pigs were smallest), pigs eating the alternative feed gained weight at the same rate as pigs eating traditional feed. They also ate similar amounts of food and converted that food into body weight equally efficiently. The form of the feed, whether powdered or pellet, made no difference in any of these measurements.
During the finishing phase (when pigs were larger and approaching market weight), the results were identical. Pigs on all three diets continued to grow at the same rate, eat the same amount, and maintain the same feed efficiency. This consistency across both growth stages is important because it suggests the alternative feed works well throughout the pig’s life.
Fecal characteristics, a key indicator of digestive health, showed no significant differences between groups. Pigs eating the alternative feed had the same stool consistency and moisture levels as pigs eating traditional feed. This is important because poor digestive health can indicate that feed ingredients aren’t being properly utilized by the animal.
The study found no interaction effects between the type of feed and its form (powder versus pellet). This means the benefits of using alternative ingredients were consistent whether farmers chose to use powdered or pellet feed. This flexibility is valuable because it allows farmers to choose the feed form that works best with their existing equipment and handling systems.
Previous research has suggested that palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains could potentially replace soybean meal, but results have been mixed depending on how much of these ingredients were used and the specific diet composition. This study confirms that partial replacement (not complete replacement) of soybean meal with these alternative ingredients is a viable strategy. The findings align with other recent research showing that byproduct ingredients can be successfully incorporated into pig diets when used appropriately.
The study was conducted under specific farm conditions that may not apply everywhere. Results might differ on farms with different climates, management practices, or pig genetics. The study doesn’t specify exactly how much soybean meal was replaced by the alternative ingredients, which makes it harder to apply the findings precisely. Additionally, the study measured growth and digestive health but didn’t assess other factors like meat quality, immune function, or long-term health outcomes. The cost savings weren’t calculated, so farmers would need to do their own math based on local ingredient prices. Finally, the study was relatively short-term; longer studies might reveal effects that weren’t apparent in this timeframe.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, pig farmers can consider partially replacing soybean meal with palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains without expecting negative effects on pig growth or digestive health. The evidence is fairly strong for this specific substitution under the conditions tested. However, farmers should start by consulting with a nutritionist to ensure the diet is properly balanced for their specific operation, and they should monitor their own pigs’ performance when making dietary changes. The choice between powdered and pellet feed can be based on equipment availability and personal preference, as both forms performed equally well.
This research is most relevant to commercial pig farmers looking to reduce feed costs. It’s also useful for feed manufacturers developing cost-effective pig feed formulations. Veterinarians advising pig farmers on nutrition may find this helpful. However, this research is specific to growing-finishing pigs and may not apply to breeding sows, piglets, or other animal species. Small-scale or hobby pig farmers might also benefit, though they may have different economic considerations.
Based on this study, any benefits from switching to the alternative feed would be apparent within weeks. The pigs in this study showed consistent growth rates throughout the growing and finishing phases, suggesting that if the feed works, you’d see results quickly. However, individual farm results may vary, so it’s wise to monitor your own pigs for at least 4-6 weeks after making dietary changes to ensure they’re performing as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cheaper feed ingredients for pigs without affecting their growth?
A 2026 study of 210 pigs found that replacing soybean meal with palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains produced identical growth rates and feed efficiency. Pigs gained weight at the same speed and converted feed to body weight equally well, suggesting cost savings are possible without sacrificing performance.
Does it matter if pig feed is in powder or pellet form?
According to a 2026 pig nutrition study, feed form made no difference in growth performance or digestive health. Pigs eating powdered feed and pigs eating pellet feed grew at identical rates, so farmers can choose whichever form works best with their equipment.
Will alternative pig feed ingredients affect my pigs’ digestive health?
A 2026 study measuring fecal characteristics in 210 pigs found no differences in stool consistency or digestive health between pigs fed alternative ingredients and those fed traditional feed. This suggests the alternative ingredients are well-tolerated and properly digested.
How much money could I save by switching pig feed ingredients?
This study didn’t calculate specific cost savings, which depend on local ingredient prices. However, since pigs performed identically on alternative feed, any price difference between soybean meal and palm kernel meal or distillers dried grains would translate directly to feed cost savings.
Is it safe to replace all soybean meal with cheaper ingredients?
This study tested partial replacement of soybean meal, not complete replacement. Farmers should work with a nutritionist to ensure proper diet balance and start by switching one or two pens to monitor performance before making farm-wide changes.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly average daily gain (weight gained per day) and feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed needed to gain one pound of body weight) for each pen. Compare these metrics between your traditional feed and the alternative feed to see if performance remains consistent.
- If you manage a pig farm, consider requesting a feed formulation from your supplier that includes palm kernel meal and distillers dried grains as partial replacements for soybean meal. Start with one or two pens to test performance before switching your entire operation.
- Establish a baseline of your current pigs’ growth rates and feed efficiency with your existing feed. When you switch to the alternative feed, measure the same metrics weekly for at least 8-12 weeks. Track not just growth but also observable digestive health (stool consistency, absence of digestive upset) and overall animal appearance. Keep detailed records so you can calculate actual cost savings and make an informed decision about whether to continue.
This research applies specifically to growing-finishing pigs under the conditions tested in this study. Results may vary based on your farm’s climate, management practices, pig genetics, and local ingredient quality. Before making dietary changes for your pigs, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure the diet is properly balanced for your specific operation. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary or nutritional advice. Individual pig performance should be monitored when implementing any dietary changes.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
