They say pigs can eat rocks, and technically speaking, if they want to, they will do it, but of course, this is not suitable for them or any other animal. But it is interesting to see the eating capacity pigs have.
You’ll be surprised at the type of stuff pigs will eat, but in reality, pigs should follow a balanced diet to ensure they get all the proper nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
But we can’t deny they have a great capacity for survival compared to other animals.
In today’s topic, we explore whether or not pigs should be drinking milk and how this can affect their overall health.
Do pigs drink milk? Yes, pigs love to drink milk. This animal starts drinking their mother’s milk as soon as they are born, but they can also drink cow milk. This is a healthy treat that your pigs will love, especially when it’s served cold or warm, depending on the season.
But do keep in mind the milk should always be used in addition to the pigs feed, which should be their primary source of nutrients.
Can Pigs Drink Skim Milk?
Pigs can also drink skim milk as it provides high volumes of protein, carbohydrate, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D, which is great for young pigs as it will help them grow strong and healthy.
They can typically drink ¾ gallon per day. And what’s great is that this type of milk contains 90% of water, which will help them keep hydrated.
But although pigs can live by drinking this type of milk, it is not considered to be a balanced diet, as it does not contain the sufficient nutrients pigs need in order to thrive.
It’s also recommended that you feed them the skim milk sour or fresh, don’t mix it up; you have to be consistent with the type of skim milk you’re giving them.
It’s also important to mention that this should be fresh and drinkable milk.
Do Pigs Drink Cow Milk?
Yes, pigs love to drink cow milk. This is a healthy and nutritional drink for them, just like skim milk but with more fat.
To give you some perspective on the nutritional value of whole milk, a cup contains 3.25% of milk, fat, and vitamin D, which is about 149 calories,4.6 g of saturated fat, 7.7 g of protein, 7.9 g of fat, 11.7 g carbohydrates.
It doesn’t contain any fiber, but as I mentioned, it does contain a high amount of calcium, in this case, 28%, which is great to strengthen your pigs bones. And, of course, Vitamin A.
The main difference between normal cow milk and skim is that skim milk has been processed in a way that removes the fat, meaning it’s not creamy.
But pigs can drink both of them. You just gotta decide which one you will want to give them.
And no, skim milk is not healthier just because it has less fat. This is a misconception people have; many studies have shown the higher the fat, the more natural and healthier it can be for pigs and humans.
Pig Milk Benefits
While piglets will eat cow milk and others, I still recommend letting the piglets feed on their mom for the first 24 hours before getting them hooked on some other type of milk.
The reason why is that when the pigs are born, their immune system it’s basically nothing, so they are prone to diseases, bacteria, and potential death.
The sow milk helps them build their immune system and pass along the bioactive compounds or antibodies they need. This is called colostrum which is the first milk the sow produces, and it provides the newborn piglets a secure start to life.
If it is possible, I recommend you give them at least 1 week with their mother but the more, the better; this will ensure the investment in your pigs as their nutrients and antibodies will secure the health and growth of your pigs.
In addition to their mother’s milk, you can provide the pig feed as soon as they are able to; with these recipes, I’m sure you will have beautiful, healthy pigs.
And to expand on the benefits, the nutritional value of the pigs milk is exceptional.
As it contains 8.5% fat, compared to the 3.5 of the cow milk, if you remember in my previous complementary, I explained that more fat is not necessarily more harmful; in this case, you can see that the pigs milk contains even more fat than the cows this is to show that your pigs will be fine by eating the cows milk, in fact, it will be on the low end of what they should be consuming.
Pigs milk is also high in protein and contains more water than cows.
Can Pigs Have Raw Milk?
Yes, pigs can drink the cow milk as soon as you finish milking the cow, or after you’ve boiled the milk.
But if this is their first time consuming this type of milk, I recommend taking your time; you’ll want the pigs to get adjusted to this type of milk.
As it can be hard for them to digest it at first. Afterward, they’ll be fine.
Raw milk also contains the same nutrients that I previously mentioned for the milk. So it will also be great for them to consume.
But remember, with piglets go slow; for mature pigs you can give them the raw milk as a refresher but never as a substitute for the pigs feed.
Do Pigs like Milk and Apples?
I understand that having milk with apples is something people do, and yes, pigs love to drink milk, and they will also eat the apples.
Apples can provide a great deal of nutrients such as protein, carbs, fiber, fat, water, and vitamin C, which is a common antioxidant, but they also contain potassium which is the main mineral.
With all these nutrients and some delicious milk, I’m sure your pigs will be quite happy.
But I do want to point out that if you’re going to feed them some type of apple dessert made with milk, be careful not to use too much sugar as this can be detrimental to their overall health.
Where Can You Buy Pig’s Milk?
It can be quite challenging to find some pig milk, but you start by looking in the farmers market or any local stores in the area that focus on natural products.
If, for some reason, you’re not able to find it, do feel comfortable giving them the cow milk.
How do the pigs gain the rights to the cows’ milk?
Pig Milk Price?
The pig milk cost could vary depending on the area and location you’re living in, but to give you an idea, a pig milk replacer can cost up to 90 USD per 20lb.
Can Pigs Have Spoiled Milk?
No, pigs should never drink spoiled milk, old milk, or any type of milk a human cannot drink.
Please keep in mind that not following this rule is playing with the health of your pigs.
So please always keep their food fresh and healthy; in fact, in some states or countries, feeding scraps and rotted food can be against the law.
Can Baby Pigs Drink Kitten Milk?
It’s best to feed them cow milk or a pig replacer milk, as it contains a high volume of nutrients the piglets need in order to survive.
The kitten milk won’t be sufficient.
If you need to verify this information, feel free to get in contact with the local veterinarian, which is always my recommendation just to double-check.
But as I see it, a milk replacer will be much better than using kitten milk.
Can pigs drink goat’s milk?
How Long Do Pigs Drink Milk?
Piggles will usually drink milk through week five; after this, they should be trying to eat pig feed and enjoying it.
Remember that the first days after being born are crucial; in this phase, they will get all the nutrients and antibodies they need in order to grow strong and healthy.
Make sure during these days they are drinking all the milk they want from their mother or at least 15 times on the first and second day.
After the first week of drinking from their mother, if you need to, you can introduce a milk replacer. At this stage, they will drink until they are full.
During week two, continue the feeding only this time; you can take your time when to do it; you just have to make sure to do it four times a day.
By week 4 you’re basically continuing with the process and just waiting for week 5, when they usually will start eating pig feed.
Can Pigs Drink Expired Milk?
No, pigs should never drink expired milk, old milk, or anything that is rotted. If you do so it will potentially cause some type of stomach pain, diarrhea, or a potential death depending on the case.
It’s essential for the pigs’ well-being to always feed them fresh and healthy food. If you can’t eat it your pigs sure can’t.
Can Piglets Drink Lamb Milk Replacer?
If you can’t give them their mother’s milk, pig replacer milk, then as a third option, you can use lamb milk replacer or even a calf milk replacer.
Please understand that the mother’s milk should be the priority, especially during the first days but if you have no option, then use the lamb milk replacer.
What Kind of Milk Do Pigs Drink?
Pigs will drink pigs replacer milk, cow milk, lamb milk, goat milk, and even baby replacer milk.
But you do have to consider the stage of growth they find themselves in and optimize for that.
If the mother milk is available, always use that one as your first option if not, try the pigs replacer milk and from there, whatever you got on hand. At this point, you’re just looking for them to survive, and you have to do whatever is necessary.
This is why I always encourage people to try and prepare themselves before the piglets are born. It will make life easier.
Conclusion: Do Pigs Drink Milk?
Yes, pigs can drink other types of milk besides sow milk. But it is essential to at least provide them with some of the mother milk at least during their first 24 h of being born. The sow milk contains colostrum which is essential to build their immune system.
If for some reason, your pigs are not drinking directly from their mother, you must ensure they drink milk constantly during the first week of being born. Specifically, they will need to drink milk 15 times within the first 24 hours after a week of this. You can reduce the frequency to once every 3 hours.
Sometimes it can be difficult for the piglets digestive system to consume other types of milk, so you should be patient until they get used to this type of milk; some of the effects they can experience is diarrhea.
As soon as they are able to eat pigs feed, it should become their primary source of nutrients, and they should always be fed as this will provide them with the necessary nutrients they need in order to keep growing strong and healthy.
They can keep drinking milk, but it will only be used as a treat or refresher.
Keeping a strict diet with your pgs can be challenging, but in the end, you will achieve high-quality meat that you and your client will appreciate. I encourage you to keep learning about the types of foods they can eat and what other types of foods can become complementary to their diet.
On this website, we have many of these types of articles, so I encourage you to keep doing the research.