How Long For One Pig To Eat A Human?

How Long For One Pig To Eat A Human?

This is an unedited article well written by someone in the know. Everything you might want to know about pigs and some things you probably didn’t.

Where the word Sharon appears, that’s just me making a note.

Let’s get on with it.

How long does it take for a pig to eat a human?

A single pig can not finish a human body, give it fifteen fellow friends and they will devour the body within 8 minutes without leaving a trace as if nothing happened. Pigs are quick at eating and devouring food. If a pig is given uncooked flesh to eat, it can eat about two pounds every minute.

Sharon: Now I know where the name play pen for toddlers came from: pig pens.

Apart from the protein, meat provides five of the B-complex vitamins; thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12

Feeding meat to pigs is not just throwing it in front of them and waiting for pigs to finish.

As you already know raw meat with blood increases their cravings for meat and pigs go to different lengths to get it.

Even if I leave this field empty, I’m pretty sure that my readers can tell how important vitamin C is for us, animals, and specifically pigs. Vitamin C plays a variety of roles in a pig’s body including tissue growth and immune regulation.

Moreover, oranges do have a noticeable percentage of iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, A, and B-6, and none of these nutrients is harmful to pigs in any sense.

My recommendation

We should be as careful with our pets as we are with our kids. No parents want their kids to eat unhealthy junk all the time. The chicken bones are just as unhealthy as junk food is for us. So, I would never recommend feeding both cooked and raw chicken bones. If our pig is already addicted to it you can still break the addiction by finding a better …

Can pigs eat raw meat?

They can but be prepared to bear the brunt as it may prove to be unhealthy for pigs.

Feeding raw meat with blood will make pigs go crazy for meat, they might end up hunting down poor little birds and animals to satisfy their cravings.

Even though pigs got a strong digestive system and can digest and break down most of what they eat but pigs can get sick from eating raw meat.

Pig stomach pH stands at 2.5, with such high acidity, they do not have difficulty digesting many treats. However, this does not entitle them to eat whatever comes their way. Infected raw meat carries virus or microbes which transmits various diseases in pigs.

A friendly suggestion

Take care of your pets and livestock as you lay hold of yourself. If something is causing one percent damage to these poor creatures (that are in our control) do not allow them to have it. It seems fine because they can not express their pain in words but when in reality they are fighting a hard battle for life.

Do Pigs Eat Humans? Attack Behavior

Pigs / By Usman Aslam

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Do pigs eat humans? You may have heard about it through several news portals about many reported cases. Is it true? Would pigs eat humans given the chance? Pigs, being so naive, it is hard to believe that they can be guilty of such monstrosity.

Pigs are loved and adored by humans for several reasons and are known to be quite genetically close to them. Pigs are calm, non-violent, and they do not pick up fights without any valid reason.

All the incidents reported on news channels about pigs eating humans may have a backstory to them.

Have you seen the movie Snatch? There is a scene where the crime boss Brick Top elaborates the insatiable appetite of pigs and their ability to devour human corpses, bones, and all in minutes.

It is not just a claim but true in every aspect. Starved pigs can be quite dangerous but can they go to the point of eating humans? Let’s know about this interesting topic some more.

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Do Pigs Eat Humans?

Yes, they can. Pigs are omnivores, they eat both plants and meat. Like other animals, human bodies are composed of flesh and meat.

Pigs won’t complain or refuse to eat if they can reach for a human body. You would be surprised to hear that the flesh of humans is quite identical to the uncooked pig meat and carry similar types of parasites as well.

Pigs consume both plant and all types of body flesh from roots, leaves, and flowers, some insects, and fish.

Pigs would not say no to anything they get to eat, even if it’s poisonous. Nowadays, most pigs are raised on dairy farms for excessive milk production and meat.

Hungry meat pigs eat everything from grasses to carcasses, for instance, if a person is passed out, fainted, or had a heart attack while in the pig pen and if he stays unconscious there for too long, the chances are high, pigs will eat him without leaving a trace.

There could be several Reasons For This Behavior

First of all, pigs are not predatory in nature or carnivores and have a thing for meat. If you believe pigs have predatory behavior then include cows and other livestock members who have a similar history as pigs on farms. As per a record, about 22 people are killed each year by cows.

Most of the reported incidents happened on farms, especially when the poor animal is starved, abused, or given food of a certain type.

Most pig farmers will tell you that they do not trust adult pigs not to attack them.

If we look at the other side of the coin, if the animal is abused or starved, he will eat everything set before it without

caring to know what it is.

These naive animals to be presented as evil creatures are done by farmers mostly.

Most of the people who believe that pigs and other farm animals can eat human beings are the farmers themselves.

Farmers have treated these animals badly and abused pigs by beating them, taking away newborn babies, and other cruel acts.

It is not a false claim that pigs eat humans, they do, but only if they are abused and starved.

They would not hunt for them or go to great lengths to eat human flesh, only when they are treated badly by their owners or get a chance to feast on an unconscious or dead human being.

Do Pigs Eat Human Baby?

Pigs are omnivores and opportunists, if they do not shy away from eating an adult human being, they will certainly not going to stop themselves from eating a helpless human baby.

Pigs will devour the soft human flesh in a matter of minutes.

Such an incident is so rare, no one in their right mind will leave the baby with a bunch of pigs. Pigs are also not smart enough to take on a baby, it can only happen accidentally.

Do Pigs Attack Human?

Pigs are omnivores and carnivores, they will remain peaceful if they are properly fed. They survive on plant-based food, pigs will only attack humans if they have run out of food or are hungry for a prolonged period.

Wild boars are more likely to attack humans than domestic pigs. They live in the wild and thrive on their hunt to survive.

They would not discriminate what’s coming their way rather just hunt. A 2001 thriller film, Hannibal, directed by Ridley Scott, depicted the appetite of boars in a particular scene where a group of them were seen devouring human bodies.

Domestic pigs get regular meals from their owners, so, a domestic hog to attack humans can only happen out of extreme hunger.

Pigs eat humans out of instincts, not to take revenge or act mean rather devour them to survive.

How Long it Takes For Pigs To Eat Human Body?

Pigs are heavy eaters who eat buckets of fruits in a matter of minutes. If you have observed closely, we always see them eating one thing or another.

Their habit of eating gives them the ability to chew large amounts of food in a short time.

A single pig can not finish a human body, give it fifteen fellow friends and they will devour the body within 8 minutes without leaving a trace as if nothing happened.

Pigs are quick at eating and devouring food. If a pig is given uncooked flesh to eat, it can eat about two pounds every minute.

These animals require a lot of feed and resources to raise them. A large amount of food consumption gets compensated for their fast growth.

Can a Pig Eat a Human in 8 Minutes?

Not a single pig but a group of pigs are capable of eating a human in 8 minutes. As it is mentioned earlier, it would take sixteen pigs to eat a whole 200-pound human body in the given time.

A pig should eat only 6-8 pounds of food in a day, so, a single hog can not take on a mature human in a day, let alone within a few minutes. However, a pig can finish a baby in single eating.

Incidents of Pigs Eating Humans

It is likely you already have heard a few incidents where pigs ate human beings. This phenomenon of pigs eating humans is not unheard of, many such unfortunate incidents occurred where pigs ate live humans.

A Russian 56-year-old pig farmer was believed to be eaten by her own pigs. She collapsed during an epileptic fit while feeding the pigs.

Hungry pigs availed the opportunity and bit into her face, ears, and shoulders as she lay unconscious on the floor.

In 2015, a similar incident happened where a Romanian farmer, who suffered a heart attack was bitten and eaten by the hungry pigs.

In 2014, a Chinese toddler crawled into a pig pen and was killed and partially eaten by the Iberian pigs.

In 2012, a farmer named Terry Vance Garner, 69 were eaten by the pigs with only his dentures and pieces of his body remaining in the pigpen.

Serial killers benefited from the endless hunger of pigs, a Canadian pig farmer named Robert Pickton killed 49 women from 1983 to 2001 and believed to had fed them to the pigs.

A Tasmanian man was found guilty of bludgeoning the body of his victim and then feeding it to pigs.

All these and many other incidents are gruesome and not very pleasant to hear. These incidents are likely to happen for several reasons as discussed above.

Summing Up

Pigs can be quite aggressive and known to eat anything. Therefore, it is advised to be careful around pigs as they are animals, after all that can act against you at any time. Even if they can eat humans given the opportunity that does mean we should stop caring for these animals.

What Eat Pigs? 7 Common Pig Predators

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Pigs have been hunted, killed, and eaten by several predators, the list is quite long with humans grabbing the top spot. The world of pigs goes beyond the domesticated varieties living on farms. Plenty of pig species exist all over the world, some live in the wild whereas others on farms.

Pigs living in the wild are more susceptible to being attacked by predators. It is also the reason several pig species are now considered “endangered” due to slipping numbers.

Wild can be cruel and unforgiving, poor pigs unable to defend themselves become the meal for the deadly predators.

The common domesticated pigs are generally not preyed on as safety measures are put in place to protect them like electric fences, guard animals, etc.

Wild pigs and boars often served as lunch to larger carnivores or water predators in the area.

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What Eat Pigs?

Human Beings
Dogs
Coyotes
Foxes
Wolves
Bears
Large Birds
Wild Cat

Pig Predators

Pigs are fearful of wolves, bears, and big cats whereas young pigs are often eaten by big birds and smaller animals like raccoons. Wild Pigs can also be eaten by water predators like crocodiles and alligators.

Here are some pig predators that they have to fear

Human Beings

As mentioned earlier, domesticated meat pigs do not have predators unless humans raising and killing them for food is factored in.

Pigs are bred and raised by humans for food consumption nowadays. With the ever-growing pork market, more and more people are going for pig farming.

Ever since their domestication, pigs have been serving humans in one way or the other.

Man is unquestionably the primary and most significant predator of pigs, raised for their meat, hair, and leather.

With their sense of smell and innate foraging capabilities, humans use pigs to hunt for truffles.

They sell pig’s bristles or hair which are used in paintbrushes and other types of brushes. Most prominently, they are raised and killed for their meat consumption.

In some countries, pig meat consumption is more in demand than the others, for instance, in Eastern Europe, people like to have pork for Christmas meals and other festivities, in Western Europe, people eat less fatty food in general.

With the rising pig meat consumption, it seems like humans will remain the primary predator of pigs for the foreseeable future.

Pig farming being quite profitable is pursued by many people for the profit margin.

Dogs

Both wild and domesticated dogs can pose a threat to the pigs. Most farmers worry about the wild dogs attacking the pigs, whereas, it could be the guard dog itself.

Besides humans, the next big pig predators are the wild and domestic dogs.

It is safe to say dogs and pigs are mortal enemies and dogs have an appetite and natural instinct for attacking and preying on pigs.

This natural instinct is inherited from the ancestors who used to have pigs for food back in the day.

Stray dogs can be a real threat as they are always hungry and looking for food, and pigs are easy to find and hunt. Stray dogs do not get much to eat which makes them susceptible to attack any animal of their size.

As you may already know, dogs have a great sense of smell, so, they pick up on the pig’s noise and smell quickly. Domesticated pigs do not know any defense strategies, therefore, easier to prey on.

Coyotes

Coyotes are smart animals who prey on many livestock members, they are quick and good hunters.

In North America, pigs often fall victim to dangerous coyotes. They usually go for smaller farm animals like chickens which can be easily killed owing to their size.

Pigs are relatively bigger and can not be easily tackled by the coyotes, so, they hunt for the smaller and young pigs.

Coyotes will not hesitate to give it a try if the pig is asleep, ill, or injured.

The amount of meat they will get from a pig is tempting and, therefore, they are willing to try.

The main deterrent that stops coyotes from attacking pigs is that pigs are social animals who live and move in groups.

In a group, pigs gang up and chase the intruding coyotes away from any member of the herd.

Upon getting a chance, coyotes attack piglets that can be easily overpowered.

Young pigs do not put up much fight and can be easily hunted. Being smart, they only attack piglets, when they are not guarded by the group.

Foxes

Foxes are quite similar to Coyotes in their hunting capabilities. Like Coyotes, foxes usually attack piglets due to their small size and ease of capturing.

Large pigs can be a hassle to tackle unless they are sick, old, or severely injured.

Foxes also prey on many livestock members and farm animals, usually the younger ones that are relatively smaller like chickens.

Foxes get a good amount of food from preying on chickens.

Foxes in groups can surround a large pig and successfully take it down.

Foxes avoid getting themselves in dangerous situations, therefore, avoid preying on pigs roaming in groups.

Wolves And Bears

Wild pigs or boars are live in a cruel habitat and most likely to be attacked by large carnivores. Pigs can encounter these animals in their usual habitat.

Large carnivores like wolves and bears have no remorse for hunting pigs irrespective of their size and strength.

Being inhabitants of the wild, these animals have smart hunting strategies to kill and feast on pigs. Bears are the deadliest predators considering their size and danger.

If bears are located close to the habitat, pigs are attacked more often. Bears go long distances to hunt for pork.

They are smart animals with a good memory, once they know where to find pork, they will not forget the location and come again and again for the pigs.

Wolves are known for targeting livestock members, the whole pack usually goes for the hunt if the animal is bigger in size and not easy to handle.

If a single wolf is going on a hunting spree, it will settle for piglets or sick pigs to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Water Predators

Water predators include crocodiles and alligators, piglets of Wild boars are attacked and preyed upon by alligators and crocodiles.

Wild Boars are fast and evolved to have defense mechanisms but they can not always escape the water predators.

After managing to evade land-based predators, old boars and piglets fall victim to the vicious crocodiles and alligators.

Large Birds

Large birds like Eagles are always on the lookout for small animals like piglets. They attack and carry away young pigs as they are a great source of nutrients and easy to overpower.

Raccoons

Raccoons are a headache to most pig farmers as they sneak into pig pens and prey on newly born piglets.

Wild Cats

Wild cats hunt for pigs of all ages and sizes, cougars, mountain lions, and lynx feast on pork by attacking pig pens and preying on innocent animals.

Conclusion

Many predators want to feast on pigs and like it to be served on the dinner table. The deadliest enemy of them all is Human beings. They raise pigs to kill them in the end. In the wild, there are different predators bigger in size and power.

The most fragile target for all predators is the piglets. Domestic pigs and piglets are safe from predators as pig farmers follow different safety protocols to keep them safe from all sorts of predators.

Do Pigs Get Sunburned? Sun Protection Importance

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Ever wondered why pigs are preferred keeping indoors? Ever wondered why pigs are taken as the most sensitive domestic animals? You might have, haven’t you? The pigs are regarded as sensitive creatures for a variety of reasons. Most of us believe that pigs are kept indoors because they get sunburns quite easily.

In this brief post, we would try our best to reveal how true that is. Whether pigs are kept indoors to prevent sunburns or not? Are they that vulnerable to the sun? And most importantly, If they are susceptible to the sun why are they so?

So, without further ado, allow us to reveal the truth

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Do Pigs Get Sunburned?

Yes, pigs are super sensitive; they can get sunburn quite easily. Let alone pigs, there are some other animals as well that can get sunburned when exposed to the sun. Just as humans are sensitive to the sun, some animals, despite having good coverage, can not be exposed to the sun for a long time.

It’s one of the reasons why pigs are usually not exposed to the sun

The domestic pigs are hardly allowed to take a stroll around the farm when the sun is out or when the temperature reaches its heights.

The meat pigs are not just sensitive to the sun, they can not tolerate the summer heat as well. As this poor little creature can not sweat so they need to stay Indoors to prevent sunburn and stay cool as well.

so, not to get our dearest pets sunburned we prefer keeping them indoors especially when the sun has risen.

The white and light-colored pigs usually get sunburn quite quickly

Pigs, no matter which pig breed they belong to, but white or light-colored pig breeds get to suffer more.

To be more specific, Danish Landrace, Chester White, Gloucestershire Old Spots, Middle White, American Yorkshire, British Lop, British Landrace, Kunekune, Italian Landrace, Dutch Landrace, Large White pig, and some other light-colored breed happens to suffer more from than the darker coat-colored pigs.

Suckling and weanling pigs get severely affected by the sun immediately

Pigs do not necessarily have to be of a certain age to get sunburned, all-white or light-colored breeds get burnt when they are exposed to the sun for a long time.

The severity of the situation is usually noticed in suckling and weanling pigs.

Weanling is a stage that comes right after the lactation period whereas, suckling is a critical period in which the piglets solely survive on the mother feed.

To prevent sunburn, pigs are recommended to keep slatted floors or in straw-based indoor systems
As the pigs are known for their sun and temperature sensitivity, the advanced farmers are often seen advising the new pig keepers to keep them on slatted floors or straw-based indoor systems.

The straw-based indoor environment suit the pigs need more than any other fancy or simple pig housing.

As per the research conducted recently, almost 60% of the total pig population is surviving in straw-based indoor systems.

Domestic pig breeds are more sensitive to the sun than the wild ones

The wild pigs are forced to live in the wild, they do not have the access to shade all the time. This rough and tough turns the wild ones into hardy creatures.

Domestic pigs are usually pampered to the point that it gets impossible for them to survive the harsh outdoor environment.

Because of their overly-pampered lifestyle, the domestic ones are proven to be more sensitive to the sun and temperature.

The pigs get sunburned easily for a legitimate reason

As it has now been communicated that suckling, weanling pigs, and all whiter/ lighter adult and piglets get sunburned when exposed to the sun.

Our readers must have been thinking why is it so? Well, it’s because pigs have less hair on their bodies that makes this poor domestic creature vulnerable to the sun.

The poor coverage is the reason why pigs have to go through such conditions.

All animals that have been blessed with exposed skin are vulnerable to sunburn

It’s not humans or pigs that can get away with sun exposure without getting sunburn. There are some other animals as well who happens to have little fur or have been blessed with exposed skin. All such animals with little fur or exposed skin are susceptible to sunburn.

The animals that get sunburned breathtakingly fast are pigs, elephants, and rhinos

We usually get pigs, elephants, and rhinos as answers whenever we question which animals get sunburn fast.

All these above-mentioned animals are susceptible to sunburn because their coat does not offer enough coverage to protect them from the damage.

According to research, Even though elephants and rhinos have thick hides yet the exposed skin makes it hard for them to stand up against the sun well. Like pigs, they have to take a muddy bath to prevent sunburn.

Some parts of the pig’s body get more effected

The pig’s body is covered with thin hair evenly that fails to protect this poor little fella from the sun.

Despite having an even coat, a few parts of the pig’s body get affected by the sun more. The parts that get sunburns breathtakingly fast are:

Ears
Back

The other parts of the pig’s body do get moderately affected but as the ears and the back are more exposed so the signs of sunburns would be more visible on these parts.

Sunburn Can be Painful for Pigs

Severe sunburn can not only be painful for pigs, but it can also be equally tough to handle for humans and other animals as well. The severely sunburnt areas eventually get roughened and started peeling off. This excessively sunburnt condition is extremely painful for these poor little fellas.

Reddened and edematous skin are two signs of severe sunburn

Sunburn can easily be judged on humans and animals. Humans and animals may show sunburn differently but reddened and edematous skin are the two most common and visible signs of severe sunburn.

So, the severity of sunburn can be judged by the appearance of pigs’ backs and ears. If the skin is reddened and edematous, the sunburn is severe.

8 Meat Pig Breeds with Pictures

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Do you know raising pigs for meat can help you generate around $300 to $400 profit per head? Yes? Well, I’m sure, that’s why you are here. Let’s us be the first one to inform you that raising pigs at a farm is not just profitable, it’s rewarding in all senses.

If you are genuinely thinking of raising pigs to gain more profit, it’s the need of the hour to know that only a few pig breeds can be raised for meat and are deemed to be super profitable. As we have discussed pig farming in detail earlier, in this brief post we have declared the most profitable breeds for meat. The breeds that you can consider are;

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Meat Pig Breeds

Yorkshire pigs
Berkshire pigs
Duroc pigs
Landrace pigs
Meishan pigs
Chester White pigs
Hampshire pigs
Pietrain pigs
Hereford

1. Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the most adored American domestic pig breeds that is either raised for meat or as a pet.

Yorkshire is the most recognized and widely distributed breed of the pig world. Their supernatural fat production and contrasting lean meat have earned them the reputation of excellent meat producers.

The said meat producers are originally from England but the extensive Yorkshire farming in the United States has got them recognized as an “American domestic pig breed”.

Yorkshire is commonly farmed in the United States and Canada especially in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio states.

Yorkshire is generally described as a solid white well-fleshed fairly large pig breed.

Other than the size and the solid white color, this pig breed has been blessed with a short, muscular neck, prominently large, erect, and floppy ears, medium-sized head, broad forehead, straight back, and voluminous and dense belly.

Like all pig breeds, the Yorkshire needs special care and maintenance to live a balanced life. This forgiving pig meat breed usually suffers from beriberi, erysipelas, and rickets more than any other pig breed out there.

Other than the said health issues, Yorkshires are also susceptible to some deadly respiratory diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, and parasite infections like influenza.

2. Berkshire

Berkshire, an exceptional black meat pig breed, originates from Berkshire, United Kingdom.

Berkshire is the oldest pig breed of England and probably the first breed to be recorded in the herd books. For being the easiest pigs to raise, they are often called “Lady’s pigs”.

The traditional Berkshires were larger and coarser than today’s Berkshire but this version is equally good for meat producers.

This forgiving meat breed is regarded as the best starter breed for domestic keepers.

Besides fulfilling the meat demands of their country of origin, Berkshire is being farmed and raised for meat in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States as well.

The said pig breed is known and often recognized by their firm build, medium-sized body, short dished face, prick ears, white socks, marked snout, deep-sided uniform muscular back, black skin, coat, and white socks, tip, tail, and flash.

Berkshire pork is admired for its unique flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. The Berkshire meat contains a high-fat content which requires long, high-temperature cooking.

Moreover, the meat obtained from Berkshire pigs has also higher pH than other pigs, it gives the meat a rich darker color, and a delightful taste.

3. Duroc

Duroc is the second most common and admired red pig breed after Yorkshire. Besides this typical name; Duroc, because of its reddish-brown coat, this meat breed is also referred to as “red hogs” as well.

Though this pig breed is found in almost every part of the planet earth, a noticeable number of the population is residing in Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Nebraska.

This hardy meat pig breed is known for its rich coat color, quick growth, and maturity. Durocs are exceptionally hardy, it’s one of the reasons why these pigs are immensely demanded and raised at farms.

This pig breed has been blessed with eye-catching coat color, a large muscular body, and prominent partially-dropped ears.

Duroc is not just an extraordinary meat breed it is also taken as the least aggressive breed as compared to the other swine breeds.

These worth-raising pigs are personable, friendly, and affectionate that makes them the most versatile pigs to have.

This meat breed is extremely affordable, one Duroc pig can be bought for around fifty to a few hundred dollars.

The meat obtained from Duroc pigs is flavorful, darker and richer in color, has higher pH, and lower bite resistance.

Duroc pigs are easier to get and raise, the only issue is that they are non-picky eaters that always keep them at risk of eating harmful food.

4. Landrace

Landrace pigs look breathtakingly similar to the Yorkshire pigs because of their black and white pig appearance and superior coat color.

Despite having supernatural similarities, Yorkshire and Landrace are easily distinguishable.

The Yorkshire pigs have highly erect ears whereas the breed being discussed has more drooping ears. So, if it gets hard to recognize the Landrace pig from the drift, pay attention to the ears.

The Landrace pigs are admired for their supernatural milking abilities, high percentage carcass weight in loin and ham, the length of their body, and ideal finish.

For all the above-mentioned qualities, the Landrace pig breed is taken as the best pig breed for commercial farming.

Landrace pig breed has several types, the ones that are recognized by the authorities are; American Landrace, British Landrace, Belgian Landrace, Canadian Landrace, Bulgarian Landrace, Finnish Landrace, Dutch Landrace, Danish Landrace, Estonian Landrace, French Landrace, German Landrace, Italian Landrace, Polish Landrace, Norwegian Landrace, Swedish Landrace, Swiss Landrace, and Swedish Landrace, etc.

A landrace is a quick maturing breed, it requires noticeably less time than the other meat breeds to be ready for the meat market.

After 4 to 5 months of intensive care, Landrace pigs can be sold to meet the meet demands of the market.

As per the experts, Landrace takes around 13 months to be sexually mature. However, this breed usually lives up to 10 years in captivity and 12 years in the wild.

5. Meishan

Meishan, a pig breed normally raised for breeding and meat, is known and recognized by their wrinkled face and skin.

This meat breed originates from China, it is named after a prefecture-level city, Meishan, Jiangsu Province, China. Unlike the other pig breeds mentioned above, Meishan is comparatively small-sized.

Meishan takes more time to mature than any other breed mentioned above, however, the outcome is always worth waiting.

They reach puberty within 2.5 to 3 months but can only be slaughtered at least the age of six months. It’s always good to wait a month or two when the pigs reach the butcher-ready age.

So, they would be able to reward you with flavourful meat around 7 to 8 months of age. Whereas, the other meat breeds can be butchered around 4 or 5 months of age.

Meishan pigs are commonly seen farmed in Japan and the country of their origin China. The major reasons for the extensive farming are the well-marbled meat, superior lard, and excellent fat quality. Being able to live on a less nutritional diet is another reason why these pigs are often brought to farms to be butchered later.

The Meishan pig meat is extremely flavorful and supernaturally tender. The tenderness, flavor, and fat content brought Meishan to the list of the best pig meat breeds.

This meat breed is blessed with a unique appearance, it makes Meishan pigs easily recognizable. This meat breed is generally recognized by its medium-size, black skin and coat, long pendulous ears, and wrinkled face that looks quite similar to the sharpei dog.

6. Chester White

Chester White, a remarkable white meat pig breed, was formally known as Chester Country White pigs. This meat breed is now referred to as Chester white pigs.

The Chester White was developed by crossing large White pigs with White bore imported from England. Because of the lack of records, it’s hard to tell when exactly the Chester White pigs started sharing the burden with other pig breeds, the books claim it to be around 1815-1818.

The said meat breed is often demanded meat but it is still not admired as much as the Duroc, Yorkshire, and Berkshire. However, Chester White is a versatile breed that can be considered for both intensive and extensive husbandry.

Like all white pig breeds, Chester White pigs are extremely sensitive to the sun. They must be kept in shade especially in summers to prevent sunburn.

Other than sunburn, they typically die of the regular pig diseases swine dysentery, Coccidiosis, mastitis, porcine parvovirus, and exudative dermatitis, etc.

Unfortunately, the lifespan of Chester White pigs is much shorter than the regular pigs, they usually die off within 6 to 8 years of age. If not slaughtered, Chester pigs often die off severe vitamin C deficiency.

7. Hampshire

Hampshire is the most-recorded breed meat pig breed. This pig breed is recklessly referred to as “Hampshire Hogs”.

After Yorkshire and Duroc, Hampshire is the most demanded pig breed for the meat requirements. These well-muscled rapid growing pigs are reported to be originated from England. Being from England, this pig breed is named after a state in United Kingdom, Hampshire.

Besides being excellent meat producers, Hampshire is known for good mothering capabilities. Excellent maternal instincts make Hampshires the best pigs for confined breeding. Hampshire is the easiest pigs to raise as they are friendly, docile, and have been blessed with good and even temper.

There are several reasons why the Hampshire pig breed should be chosen for farming; they produce meat in huge quantities, have leaner meat, are easy to reare, highly profitable to keep, and give birth to a large number of healthy piglets.

As far as the appearance is concerned, Hampshires have a medium-sized head, upturned snout, small eyes, floppy ears, sharp teeth, short, and curly tails. Their coat is just as unique as the rest of the body as the middle part is lighter.

8. Pietrain

Pietrain is usually judged for its patchy coat, most of the livestock keepers find this breed quite ugly. Though keeping Pietrain for meat is not that common but it’s not as rare as white Peacocks, bismuth crystals, jeweled squid, purple carrots, and red bananas.

This least-talked-about pig breed was first seen around 1920 but it got the recognition as a breed it deserves in 1950. Unfortunately, due to a lack of records, the exact details can not be obtained and listed here.

This breed is usually demanded to cross-breed, if not for cross breeding it is raised for meat. Pietrains are generally crossbred to produce better offspring and improve the quality of pork.

Pietrains are neither large nor short but perfect average-sized pigs. The Pietrain boars usually achieve 350 to 570 pounds and the Pietrain sows 485 to 530 pounds weight.

9. Hereford

Hereford is just another least-known meat breed, that is just started being farmed for profit. It’s well-marbled meat, rewarding nature, friendly temperament has skyrocketed demand for pig farming.

The unusual color and the pattern has got this breed named as “Hereford”. The small-scale livestock keepers prefer referring to this meat breed as Hereford Hogs.

Hereford Hogs are medium-sized, have a red and white face, drooping ears, and a slightly curly tail. Despite having several marks of identification, Hereford Hogs are usually recognized by their unique red and white coat.

Like Berkshire, Hereford is also the oldest breed. As per the books of history, this breed was developed around 1920, and it is still ruling our hearts.

Summary

According to science direct Raising pigs at the farm would not just be a rewarding experience but it’s going to be profitable as well. One carefully raised pig would help you earn a profit of around $300 to $400.

Several pig breeds are raised for meat but the popular most profitable ones are Yorkshire pigs, Berkshire pigs, Duroc pigs, Landrace pigs, Meishan pigs, Chester White pigs, Hampshire pigs, Pietrain pigs, and Hereford. There are some other pig breeds as well but the above-mentioned breeds are super rewarding and are preferred for meat.

Lastly, I hope you have found this brief post super helpful. It would be an honor to know that it has helped you in choosing the right breed for your farm.

Can Pigs Swim? 7 Facts About Pigs Swimming

Pigs / By Talon Juper

We all have grown up hearing (someone of us believing as well) that “pigs are mammals that can not swim”. It’s time to get introduced to the truth just so we can tell our grandchildren and the young generation what exactly the reality is.

In this brief post, we would discuss whether this poor creature can swim or not? We would also be revealing some interesting facts relating to the topic.

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Can Pigs Swim?

Yes, pigs can swim. In fact, this intelligent, curious, and affectionate little fellas swim “really” well. Several hundred thousand pigs out there swim every day and they kind of love being taken out for swimming.

Do Pigs Enjoy Swimming?

Yes, they do absolutely love swimming. Taking your pet pigs out for swimming would put them in a better mood.

As we all know, swimming helps in cooling down and regulating the body temperature so why would an animal that can swim effortlessly not enjoy it?

How Do Pigs Swim?

Pigs are buoyant, their body can naturally stay afloat in water, all they have to do is to move their legs to swim.

An experiment was conducted on their swimming. For their ability to stay afloat, swimming has become quite easy and fun for this little fella. So, the appropriate and brief answer would be like humans: they just have to doggy paddle to swim in rivers, streams, lakes, and swimming pools.

Now that you know pigs can swim and they do enjoy swimming, it’s time to enlighten our readers with some other interesting yet surprising facts;

The widely believed statement “pigs are mammals that can not swim” is just a myth

As we have mentioned above, pigs can swim and they go swimming quite often to regulate their body temperature and have fun.

“Pigs are mammals that can not swim” is a widely discussed and believed statement, that is not true at all. Pigs can swim and they know the art of swimming by birth.

Pigs do not need to be trained, they naturally know how to swim

Some animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, apes, and dogs need to be trained or at least be introduced to water to be taken out for swimming.

Fortunately, pigs are categorized as the animals who need not be trained and introduced to water as they naturally know how to swim. If you are raising pigs at the farm then no need to worry about hard training.

The said creature is regarded as “excellent swimmers” not for the reason that they swim well but also because they need not be taught.

Pigs have been swimming since the beginning of time for various reasons

Domestic small pigs may get to go out swimming once or twice a week but wild pigs have to swim almost every day.

They jump in the water to escape predators, to find better mating and foraging land.

Other than these three legitimate reasons, wild pigs prefer swimming to regulate their body temperature.

They can swim alone and with humans

Pigs do not need to be taught and they can not even be ridden as well like we ride horses in the water.

As pigs are naturally excellent swimmers, they can be sent alone without any fears.

It’s up to the keeper, if he wants to go along he can go along otherwise the pig would not mind swimming alone as well.

However, if you prefer to accompany your pet pig, he would appreciate this kind gesture.

They swim better in rivers, streams, lakes, and swimming pools

I might not need to remind my readers anymore that pigs are excellent swimmers, as they now already know.

Being naturally good at swimming makes it possible for the pigs to swim in rivers, streams, lakes, and swimming pools.

So, the keeper does not have to find one specific spot for pigs to swim. It can be a river, stream, lake, or swimming pool, make sure the water is fresh.

Pigs love water more, even more than mud

Pigs love mud, they are often seen playing and rolling around in the mud for a variety of other reasons as well.

They play and roll around in the mud to keep themselves from overheating or scraping off parasites; ticks and lice.

No doubt pigs adore mud but the said creature loves water as well. The water just has to be fresh, they would prefer water over mud.

Even the overly pampered pet pigs know how to swim

It’s not the harsh wild environment that has taught this poor creature how to swim, the pigs whether they are domestic, wild, or have been kept as a pet they would naturally know how to swim.

Even the overly pampered pets that have never been to water before would immediately start swimming without any training or introduction.

The wild pigs are better swimmers than the domestic ones

Domestic pigs can swim but they are not as great at swimming as the wild fellas. The reason is, the wild pigs never go out of practice, they have to swim every day to survive.

The domestic ones hardly get a chance to swim which makes their muscles weak for such high-performance activity.

So, for being able to swim better and for a longer duration the wild pigs are regarded as “excellent swimmers”.

Swimming is super beneficial for domestic animals like pigs

Swimming frequently does not keep the animals active; it regulates the body temperature as well.

This rewarding physical activity is more beneficial as pigs do not have sufficient sweat glands, so swimming or a day in mud can only help them in cooling down and regulating the body temperature.

Moreover, it would also help in improving muscle strength and stamina. If swimming, with giving a lasting experience, helps in bringing down the body temperature it’s quite fair to regard it as a rewarding physical activity.

Swimming with pigs is not recommended for humans

The overprotective pet parents may prefer going in the water with their pets, it seems harmless but it’s safe for humans.

The pigs are regarded as the carrier of several deadly diseases, jumping in the water with pigs would improve the chances of contracting these diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that the wild pigs go swimming?

Yes, it’s true pigs living in the wild do go swimming quite often in summers. They need to swim to escape predators, stay active, and find better mating and foraging land.

Can domestic pigs swim well?

How well they can swim “actually” depends on the lifestyle they have. If they have lived an active life, swimming would not be a hard nut to crack. However, even if the domestic pigs are active and healthy they still would be as good at swimming as the wild ones are.

What do pigs love more, mud or water?

It’s hard to tell what exactly do pigs love more as they enjoy both mud and water. However, the experts have an opinion that this cute little creature adores water more.

How do pigs stay afloat?

Pigs are naturally buoyant, the buoyancy makes it possible for the pigs to stay afloat. To swim, the pigs do not have to worry about staying afloat, they are just required to do the doggy paddle.

Do pigs need to learn to swim?

No, pigs whether they are domestic or wild need not be taught or introduced to water. They know the art of swimming by birth. Get them into the water, they would instantly start swimming.

Why do pigs like fresh clean water?

It is now no secret that pigs like swimming in fresh clean water and there is a legitimate reason for that. Pigs do not have sufficient sweat glands it’s super hard for them to survive the summer heat without any temperature regulating activity. They enjoy jumping in and moving forward in water because it helps in regulating their body temperature.

10 Black And White Pig Breeds with Pictures

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Many swine breeds are farmed all over the world. Each breed is known for some distinctive physical trait or production standpoint. However, Black and white markings are by far the most popular trait among swine breeds. Marked with beautiful black and white spotting, these pigs are everyone’s favorite.

Most people are familiar with the usual white and pinkish pigs, but black and white pigs remain lesser-known, here are some of the black and white pig breeds for you to know.

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Black And White Pig Breeds

Aksai Black Pied
Berkshire
Hampshire
Angeln Saddleback
Ba Xuyen
Bazna
Cinta Senese
Essex
Lithuanian Native
Bentheim Black Pied

1. Aksai Black Pied

Aksai Black Pied is known for its distinctive black and white pattern. Uneven black and white patches spread all over the body give this black and white pig breed a unique look.

History

Hailing from Kasalenki state, the breed was first developed in 1952 on experimental and training farms as a meat production pig. The breed was improved after crossing with Landrace boars, North Caucasians, and Large White pigs.

Characteristics

Aksai Black Pied has a stocky body, big muzzle, and twisted tail. Feature a beautiful creamy coat with uneven black patches.

Uses

This is a general-purpose breed raised to support commercial pig meat production.

2. Berkshire

Counted among the famous pig breeds, Berkshire is prized for its sweet demeanor and delicious meat. Berkshire also goes by the name of ‘Lady’s pig’ for being an excellent ‘starter pig’.

History

The breed was originated in Berkshire, the place pig named after. Some historians believe the breed to be as old as 300 years. After World War II, this breed fell out of favor as there was less demand for lard pigs.

As the world embraced fatty, tender meat again, Berkshire popped right back in the scene. However, the breed saw a decline in population due to neglect and was listed as vulnerable in 2008.

Characteristics

Berkshire is a medium-sized pig breed with a black coat and six white markings, white socks, a white splash on the snout, and a white tip to the tail.

Uses

This lard pig is raised for its flavorful, richly marbled, and high fat content meat.

3. Hampshire

Recognized for their erect ears and black body with a white belt, Hampshire is a domestic swine breed developed in the United States. Often termed as beginner-friendly hog breed for people new to the breeding and butchering industry.

History

However, the breed was developed in the US, it was dubbed as ‘British Native’ as the breeding stock was imported from Wessex, UK in 1832. Being one of the oldest American breeds, the history of Hampshire dates back to the 19th century.

Hampshire hogs arrived in the United States between 1825 and 1835 from Hampshire County in England. This breed is called “Thin Rinds” because of the abundance of thin meat.

Characteristics

This fine-coated breed is black with the white saddle; the white belt present in the middle, covering the front legs.

Uses

Hampshire is raised as a terminal sire to increase primal yield. This is a heavily muscled, lean meat breed raised for its high-quality pig meat.

4. Angeln Saddleback

Angeln Saddleback or known as the Angler Sattelschwein is a rare domestic pig breed that originated in Germany. This breed is characterized by a black coat with a white belt around its body at the forefeet.

History

The breed is originated and grown mainly in Angeln, a region of northern Germany. Angeln Saddleback was bred after the crossing of black and white Landrace pig with a Wessex Saddleback pig. It was officially recognized as a breed in 1937.

By the 1950s, this breed had taken a significant share in the meat market. In modern times, the breed fell out of demand for being too fat for the consumers making them nearly extinct.

Characteristics

This is a large pig breed, lop-eared, with a black coat and a white belt around the body. Adult boars usually weigh 300 to 350 kgs.

Used

Best suited for outdoor management and extensive pig farming system. Turned down for their fatty meat, the sows are highly fertile and known for their milk-producing capabilities.

5. Ba Xuyen

Ba Xuyen is a domestic swine breed known for its beautiful black and white marking. Black spots splashed on a white coat make a pleasing sight. This breed is believed to be the combination of French and Chinese swine from composites of the Craonnais or Bo Xu.

History

Ba Xuyen is a Vietnamese domestic breed found mainly in South Vietnam along the Mekong River delta. The breed was developed by crossing the Berkshire Pig with the Bo Xu. Ba Xuyen has influences of Chinese pigs as well imported from China in the early 1900s.

Characteristics

This Swine breed has a short body, medium-sized ears, enamel-coated teeth, small legs, and black and white spots on the body.

Uses

Raised or farmed for meat production.

6. Bazna

Bazna goes by many other names such as Basner, Porcul de Banat, or Romanian Saddleback. The breed is famed for its characteristic white belt around the black body and the ability to adapt to any conditions.

History

Bazna was first developed in 1872 when Berkshire was crossed with a Mangalitsa. This Romanian pig breed was further improved and homognised by crossing with Berkshire boars imported from England. Yorkshire and Sattelschwein, Wessex, and Hampshire also had significant influence in breed development. Bazna got the status of distinctive swine breed in 1958.

Characteristics

Bazna pigs have medium withers height, body structure favoring fat meat production, slightly concave profile, horizontally placed ears, and short, wide neck.

Uses

Farmed for producing fat-based cured meat.

Read complete guide on Black Iberian Pigs

7. Cinta Senese

This Italian domestic pig breed is known for its glossy black skin with contrasting white bands. The so-called ‘Cinta’ around the neck has become a mark of identification for this swine breed. The distinctive white stripe over the dark coat is called cinghiatura, running all around the withers, shoulders, and forelegs.

History

Hailing from the province of Siena, in Tuscany, central Italy, the breed is well adapted to Tuscany lands. Forerunner of all Tuscan Pig breeds, Cinta Senese’s ancient origin is evidenced in a well-known painting of 1340 by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

The breed was nearly extinct after World War II due to the popularity of more productive and prolific breeds. Though the recent number has witnessed an upward curve, the population remains low.

Characteristics

Cinta Senese hasa medium-sized body, light but a solid skeleton, white stripe, medium head, forward placed ears, and thin but solid limbs.

Uses

This Italian swine breed has lean yet tasty pork meat. Farmed mainly for meat production.

8. Essex

Essex is another black and white pig breed originating from the United Kingdom. After careful natural selection, this breed appeared in the UK. Prized for its famous white sheet across the black body, the Essex breed is indeed beautiful.

History

The breed was originated and developed in the county of Essex by cross-breeding the local stock of wild pigs. Once the breed was developed, it was later improved by crossing with imported pig breeds in the mid 19th century.

This Swine breed remained popular till the mid-1950s and the population was increasing after World War II. In 1955, a report issued by the Advisory Committee on the Development of Pig Production stated that pig farmers should concentrate only on these three breeds; the Welsh, the Landrace, and the Large White.

Characteristics

Essex is a relatively small pig breed with pricked ears and a solid black coat with a broad white band across the shoulder.

Uses

Primarily raised for an extensive pig farming system.

9. Lithuanian Native

As per the historians, Lithuanian Native is one of the oldest pig breeds in Europe. It is a black and white pig breed with uneven black markings on a white coat. These distinctive black and white spots give it a unique look.

History

Native to the ethnic lands of Lithuania, that’s where the breed took its name from. Lithuanian Native is believed to be developed and influenced by the crossing of local short-eared and long-eared pigs, and some cultural breeds. This black and white pig breed were later improved with the introduction of many other bloodlines.

Characteristics

The defining features of Lithuanian Native are wattles on the neck and uneven black spots. This breed has multiple color variations; variations include black-and-white, ginger, black, and tri-colored.

Uses

Kept, raised, and farmed for meat.

10. Bentheim Black Pied

Bentheim Black Pied or otherwise known as Schwarz-Wesses or Buntes Bentheimer Schwein is a German rare domestic breed. Known for large black spots over the white coat, Bentheim Black Pied is one of the most beautiful pig breeds.

History

The breed hails from Bentheim, Germany, and its history can be traced back to the early 20th century. The breed was developed when the local pig stock was crossed with Berkshire and Cornwalls. Bentheim Black Pied risked extinction back in the 1950s and now listed as a rare breed with around 100 registered breeding animals.

Characteristics

The breed is medium-sized and lop-eared. The distinctive trait includes black markings.

Uses

Farmed for pig meat production

Lastly, black and white marking does not give these breeds an edge over others, it’s just distinctive physical traits.

5 White Pig Breeds with Pictures

Pigs / By Talon Juper

There are many domestic breeds available worldwide known for their distinctive traits, quality meat, and milk-producing abilities. Breeders are developing more breeds to meet the world’s pork production requirements.

Beautiful White pig breeds are quite popular among the farmers because of their participation in the extensive and intensive breeding systems. These White Pig Breeds are ranked among the top breeds in Great Britain and the United States.

With good looks and cute antics, White pigs are in demand all over the world. They like to bask in mud to avoid getting sunburnt in the summers. They have extraordinary mothering abilities and some breeds are remarkably heavy milk producers. If you want to raise a pig read our guide on Pig Raising 101: A Complete Guide To Pig Farming

Some of the prominent white pig breeds are mentioned below.

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White Pig Breeds

Large White
Chester White
American Landrace
Welsh
Middle White

1. Large White

Hailing from Yorkshire, Large White is also called English Large White or Yorkshire. In the US and Canada, this white pig breed goes by the names of Large Yorkshire or Improved Large Yorkshire. This is one of Great Britain’s bacon-producing breeds known for its delicious pork flavor.

As the name suggests, it’s a large pig breed that covers themselves in mud to stop them from becoming sunburnt. They enjoy playing with toys and have their head rubbed.

History

The breed originated in Yorkshire however, the early history is difficult to trace. The native white pigs of the region were crossbred with Cumberland, Leicestershire, and the Middle and Small White. This selective breeding resulted in the development of a new breed, Large White.

Before the end of the 19th century, British Large Whites became a popular breeding stock and exported to Australia, Argentina, Canada, and Russia as well as most countries in Europe.

With their adaptability and hardy nature, Large Whites have become an indispensable part of commercial pig production systems and breeding pyramids worldwide.

Characteristics

If we have to name one thing Large Whites are recognized for it would be their large size, picturesque bearing, erect ears. This white pig breed has a moderately long head, slightly dished face, broad snout, long, fine neck with a deep and wide chest, and long back. Also, the breed is entirely white in color.

Use

This pig breed is used in crossbreeding for intensive pig farming all around the world. Because of their large size, this breed is also known to produce meat on a large scale.

2. Chester White

At first, when the breed was developed it was called Chester County White later the ‘County’ was dropped. Though Chester Whites are hardy souls they require extra care in the summer. They get sunburns due to the hot sun.

Chester White is large, fatty meat pig that can be a bit aggressive sometimes hurting anyone near him. One thing that you may not know about this white pig breed is that they have excellent mothering qualities.

History

This domestic pig breed is indigenous to Chester County, Pennsylvania. That’s also where they got their name from.

In the early 19th century or more precisely, between 1815-1818, the Chester White breed was first developed using strains of local white pigs of Northeast U.S and a white boar named Woburn. The Woburn was brought by Captain Jefferies of England’s Liverpool for breeding purposes.

Later in 1848, when this breed was debuted at a county fair, the show judge named this white pig breed Chester County White.

Characteristics

Chester White Pigs are recognized for their solid white hides and droopy ears. They are large-sized, fatty pigs with relatively thinner but stout legs and big heads.

Use

It may not be as popular as Yorkshire, Hampshire, or the Duroc for breeding purposes but it is actively involved in both intensive and extensive pig farming. Apart from taking part in commercial breeding operations, this white pig breed is used for pork production.

3. American Landrace

American Landrace is a domestic white pig breed known for its exceptional qualities. Honored as the fifth most recorded Swine breed in the United States, American Landrace is lauded for its ability to farrow and cross well with other breeds.

It may be unknown to many but they produce large litters. The female American Landrace pigs are noted for being prolific and heavy milk producers.

History

Various strains of American Landrace Swine are descendants of the famous Danish Landrace from Denmark. In the early 1930s, USDA imported Danish Landrace for Swine research studies.

In May of 1949, restrictions were lifted on the propagation of purebred in response to a petition filed by the USDA to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The American Landrace Association was established in 1950 to register and sell purebred breeding stock.

Further outcrosses with Danish, Sweden, and Norwegian Landrace stock developed and expanded the Modern American Landrace.

Characteristics

The American Landrace is a white hog of long body length, lean with 16 or 17 ribs. They have long yet narrow heads, droopy ears slant forward with their top edges, flat back, plump ham, and long rumps. This pig breed has white body hair.

The sows are prolific, noted for their remarkable milk-producing capabilities, this trait has earned them the title of ‘America’s Sowherd’.

Uses

American Landrace is used for breeding purposes and improving other breeds. However, they are well-known for their high fertility and great maternal abilities. This breed is also used for the profitable production of quality pig meat.

4. Welsh

This large white pig breed has been around serving humans since time immemorial. In its long history, the breed has seen several highs and lows including a danger of extinction.

A perfect Welsh pig is described as ‘pear-shaped’ which can be seen either from the side or above. Famous for their hardiness and ability to thrive under all weather conditions making Welsh ideal for intensive breeding operations.

History

This domestic pig breed hails from Wales. It belongs to different Welsh towns like Mid Wales, Montgomery, Cardigan, Carmarthen, and Pembroke.

Now the third-ranking Swin breed in Britain, Welsh remained unknown for decades. The earliest records suggest considerable trade in Welsh and Shropshire pigs into Cheshire.

In 1922,the Welsh Pig Society was established to evolve the breed further. The breed prospered in the 1950s with a dramatic rise in population and became the third sire breed in Great Britain after the Large White and Landrace.

Good days were soon gone for the breed owing to the unrelenting drive towards intensification and hybrid vigour in commercial herds led to a decline in the purebred stock. Now the breed is at risk and termed rare breed.

Characteristics

Welsh is a large-sized animal with a pear-shaped body with thin, unwrinkled skin, and a fine white coat.

They have a moderately wide head, straight nose, and lopped ears, deep neck, flat shoulders, and long, level back. Welsh has widely apart forelegs, deep rib cage, well-muscled loin, thick belly, well-rounded ham, strong hindquarters, and twelve teats.

Uses

Welsh breeds are one of the desired crossing sires known to produce leaner, fast-growing offspring with improved conformation. Ideal to be used for breed development and intensive systems.

Prized for their pork and bacon as they grow pretty quickly and carcasses grade well for the commercial pig meat market.

5. Middle White

Middle White breed was developed and originated in Yorkshire nearly the same time as Large White. They are called Middle White as their size is somewhat between the Large White and now-extinct Small White.

As compared to its close relative, Large White, this pig breed grows up pretty quickly and reaches around 61.8 kg within 17 weeks of age. This cheeky, friendly pig is quite popular in Great Britain and scattered over the country.

It is dubbed as ‘London Porker’ because of its demand in London restaurants. Bestowed with a generous layer of natural fat, it is Britain’s only dedicated pork breed.

History

At the Keighley Agricultural Show in West Yorkshire, many Large White Sows were exhibited by Joseph Tuley. Judges could not agree on some pigs as they were not sufficiently large for the breed. Though they were also not small enough to be categorized as Small White.

Judges summoned a committee decided to call the third class, Middle Breed. In 1852, it was officially recognized as Middle White Breed. Tuley developed the breed further by crossing a boar of the Small White breed with females of the large white.

Middle White is exported to different countries of the world for their good meat quality. In some other parts of the world, it is known as “Middle Yorks”.

Characteristics

Middle White gets recognized for their small nose as if they have run into a wall. They have all-white coats and meaty bodies. Its traits, characteristics are quite similar to that of the Large White. Its size is somewhat smaller than the Large White breed. It has some traits of Small White as well; distinctive pricked ears and a short snout.

Use

As it is established earlier, they are renowned for the outstanding quality of its fresh, uncured meat which boasts robust, porky flavor. They are used as sire breed as some other popular pig breed. Middle Whites also have good maternal qualities.

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Black Iberian Pigs: Facts, Characteristics, and Temperament

Pigs / By Talon Juper

My beloved pet pig Liam died last month, leaving me completely shattered. For days, I kept thinking I can not get Liam’s replacement as he was exceptional in all senses or if I am getting a replacement the other pig should be as unique as Liam.

Now that I’m beginning to understand that we all have to let go of our loved ones and move forward with our life keeping pigs in our hearts and memories, my search for a better replacement has started.

This past week, I researched and studied several unique pig breeds but this semi-wild pig breed called “Black Iberian Pigs” caught my undivided attention. Of course, I can not bring this breed home(mainly for two reasons; being semi-wild and expensive) but we can discuss this worth-discussing breed here.

Unlike Favored Yorkshire, Berkshire, Domestic Duroc, and Chester White pigs, Black Iberian pigs are rarely seen and least known probably because this pig breed is not distributed widely. Because of their semi-wild nature, Black Iberian pigs are hardly demanded as pets, they are rather kept and raised at special farms.

Judging the Black Iberian pigs from the above few paragraphs, I’m sure my reader’s interest has developed. So, let’s not beat about the bush and get into details;

Contents show

History of Black Iberian Pigs

Black Iberian is the oldest semi-wild domestic pig breed that has been a source of high-quality meat since the Neolithic period, the final division of the stone age. Black Iberian pigs have qualities of both domestic and wild pigs as the said pig breed is believed to be interbred with Wild Boars.

These medium-sized Black Iberian pigs are native to the Iberian Peninsula. Besides the hometown, the majority of the Black Iberian Pigs are also living in Portugal. Portugal, for entertaining most of the black Iberian pig population, is considered their second home.

According to Research, This pig breed is not that rare but the population has majorly declined in 1960 when the African Swine Fever took the Pig world by storm. Fortunately, this 1960’s outbreak did not prove to be successful in completely flushing them off but it did decline the Iberian population.

Common names

In believed to be the country of their origin, Black Iberian Pigs are usually known as “Jabugo Pigs” whereas, in Portugal, which is said to be the second home for Black Iberian pigs, they are regarded and admired as “Alentejano Pigs”.

In some parts of the world, where this breed is known and admired, Black Iberian pigs are also recognized as “Pata Negra” or “black hoof”. Whereas for the rest of the world, Black Iberian pigs are either Iberia, black pigs, or Iberian pigs

Appearance of Black Iberian Pigs

As far as the appearance is concerned, Black Iberian pigs are fine-boned, have leaner bodies, long faces, well-defined jowls, small eyes, not-so-sharp teeth, short curly tails, dark completely hairless coats, black hooves, floppy ears, fairly long sensitive to touch snouts and legs.

Distinctive feature

Black hooves, well-defined jowls, and hairless coat are their marks of identification.

Color

As the name suggests, Black Iberian pigs appear in darker shades of red, brown, orange, or grey that almost look black even in the bright daylight. Their hooves are usually black, a little darker than the rest of the body. Read the complete guide on black pig breeds.

Read more about 4 Red Pig Breeds You’ll Love

Weight

The Black Iberian pigs are fairly heavy, even the not-so-pampered pigs normally weigh more or less 90 kgs. Several well-kept Black Iberian pigs, right before slaughtering, were notified to be somewhere between 165 to 190 kgs(that’s impressive). The other small pig breeds remain under 100 kgs.

Height

Typically, domestic pig breeds are noticed to be 20″ to 38″, the black Iberian pigs are medium-sized so they would be slightly taller than the regular pig breeds usually by three or four inches.

Temperament

As you know the Black Iberian pigs can not be considered a “domestic breed”, the subject being discussed can be domesticated but they are semi-wild. So, they are quite less friendly and far more aggressive than the purely domestic breeds. Not confining them to a secure place would be similar to digging one’s own grave.

Health Issues

Black Iberian pigs might be exceptional in all cases but when it comes to health, they are no special. They can fall victim to all sorts of pig diseases including the deadly ones; Coccidiosis, Exudative Dermatitis, Swine Dysentery, Porcine Parvovirus, Mastitis, and regular coughing, sneezing, and other respiratory issues. (source)

The only health issue that is usually not noticed in any other pig breed but Black Iberians is poor eyesight.

Lifespan

The Black Iberian pigs can live up to four years but they are usually sacrificed at the age of fourteen or fifteen months.

Note; By the word “sacrifice” we mean slaughter, the pig keepers normally do not use the latter word, they find sacrifice more appropriate.

Facts about Black Iberian pigs

Keeping, raising, and eating Black Iberian Pigs is not illegal at all

Not sure who started this rumor and why we started believing it blindly, keeping, raising, and eating Black Iberian pigs is legal. It’s just that these pigs are slightly rare, they can only be found in the Iberian Peninsula or Portugal.

The rest of the world thinks they are not commonly kept probably because it’s illegal to confine them to a place.

In reality, Black Iberian Pig farming is not encouraged because the said breed is super expensive and it’s a blend of domestic and wild pigs.

They roam around a lot, can not live confining to a small area

Almost all domestic pig breeds are super lazy but Black Iberians are an exception. This perfect domestic wild blend is hardly seen lazing around; they instead need an open space to roam around and eat like wild animals.

Black Iberian Pigs have the most flavorful meat

In fact, the Black Iberian Pigs meat has a sweet, earthy, and floral flavor. Besides being flavorful, the Iberian meat is juicy as well. Their flavorful meat never goes out of demand.

These semi-wild pigs are super expensive

The Black Iberian pigs are quite expensive, their meat is just as expensive as well. This pig breed is prized as “the most expensive pig breed” of all. A regular pig breed can be bought somewhere between $1200 to $2000 whereas the black Iberian pigs would not be less than $4500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black Iberian pigs be domesticated?

Yes, Black Iberian pigs are semi-wild. Regardless of the fact, Black Iberian pigs can be domesticated but they need to be kept under special care and cells. This particular pig breed needs more space to live a balanced life.

How much does Black Iberian pig cost?

The said pig breed is super expensive, an average Black Iberian pig can be brought somewhere between $4500 to $5500.

Is Black Iberian pig illegal to eat or keep?

No, Black Iberian pigs are not illegal to keep or eat, they are rather expensive. The Black Iberian pig farming is usually not adopted because it needs more investment and the pigs are semi-wild. The small number of Black Iberian pig farms has firmed our belief that the said farming and eating this semi-wild breed is illegal.

Does Black Iberian pig’s meat taste different?

Yes, it is considered the most demanded pig meat despite being expensive, it remains our favorite. The Black Iberian pig meat is more flavorful and juicy than the regular pig meats.

Do Black Iberian pigs require special care?

Yes, their ultra semi-wild nature demands special care and special pigs cells. The average pigs need around 8 square feet to live a balanced life whereas, the Black Iberian Pigs demand one hectare of space. Their semi-wild nature kept them on their toes, they roam more, eat more, and burn more calories than the regular pig breeds.

Can Black Iberian pig live in an 8 square feet pig pen?

As these animals are dependent on humans, if they would be left with no choice but to live in an 8 square feet regular pig pen, this semi-wild pig breed would get depressed and sicken to death.

What do Black Iberian pigs eat?

Black Iberian pig’s diet is different than the regular pig breed. Black Iberian pigs can not survive on leftovers, they eat cereals, acorns, high-quality pasture to reach a healthy weight.

Where do Black Iberian pigs originate from?

The Black Iberian pigs originate from the Iberian Peninsula. The said breed is not distributed widely the entire population is confined to the Iberian Peninsula and Portugal.

Summary

Black Iberian is the oldest pig breed that is believed to be semi-wild. The said breed originates from the Iberian Peninsula. It is widely distributed in the Iberian Peninsula and Portugal. This is a medium-sized pig breed that normally lives up to four years(if not slaughtered), gains 90 to 190 kgs weight, and gets slightly taller than the regular pigs.

The Black Iberian pigs are less social and far more aggressive than the other domestic pigs, they need to be kept under strict care. The Black Iberian pigs are expensive in all senses, their meat is more flavorful and juicy. The Black Iberian meat never gets out of demand despite being expensive.

Resources

Ibérico (Iberian) Pig
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330919254_Iberico_Iberian_Pig
Global trends in infectious diseases of swine
https://www.pnas.org/content/115/45/11495

Do Pigs Eat Meat? Benefits and Risks

Pigs / By Talon Juper

I have purchased two pigs a couple of weeks back and am planning to add more to my farm. They look so adorable that I just want to treat them with several food items all the time. However, a little research does not hurt, I have always been careful as to what to feed pigs.

Recently, I saw my friend feeding his pigs some meat, it shook me as I thought meat came under the ‘big no-no’ category. I embarked on a journey to find whether pigs can be fed with meat or not. I asked other farm owners, searched the Internet, and reached a conclusion.

Now, it’s time to share with our beloved readers but first, let’s know about this adorable animal first.

Belonging to the genus Sus, pigs are also referred to as Hogs and Swine. Pigs are quite valuable to humans as they provide them with pork, lard, leather, glue, fertilizer, and a variety of medicines. Pigs are known to be foodies but they are not picky eaters. Pigs will eat anything that comes their way, whether it would be safe for them or not will be a whole other debate.

Pigs are famed for eating leaves, roots, fruit, rodents, and small reptiles. Pigs raised in farms usually have a corn and barley-based diet. Some additional treats and supplements are given to them from time to time.

However, many farm owners are concerned about the health of their adorable pigs as some treats can be deadly to them.

It is always good to do a little research before going out of the way to feed pigs with something new instead of regretting it later.

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Do Pigs Eat Meat?

Most people mistake pigs to be herbivores or part of the ruminants family, but the reality is that they are omnivores.

As far as this query is concerned, can pigs eat meat? The answer is yes. In fact, pigs love meat, if fed for too long or too much, they will refuse to eat their regular diet. Just like all other Omnivorous animals, pigs do not just eat a plant-based diet but a mix of both plants and animals.

Is meat safe for pigs?

It is but you have to follow some guidelines to make sure things do not go out of hand. Follow these safety precautions to be on the safe side

As Researched, Give them a moderate amount at regular intervals. Avoid feeding it regularly otherwise, pigs will ask for it every day.
Do not give raw meat with blood as it will make pigs crave for meat more to the point they will be hunting for it.
Only serve them the kind of meat that is safer for pigs.

What kinds of meat should pigs eat?

Pigs are allowed to eat some specific kinds of meat, in many countries it is illegal to feed pigs meat or any animal by-products. However, the following kinds of meat are safer for the pigs to eat

Fish
Earthworm
Bird intestines

What kinds of meat are prohibited for pigs?

You have already been introduced to the meat that is safer for the cute pigs, it would be unfair to keep you in the dark as to what kind of meat you should abstain from feeding the pigs.

Blood
Raw flesh
Rotten or decaying meat
the meat of higher mammals like cattle and goats

Can pigs eat raw meat?

They can but be prepared to bear the brunt as it may prove to be unhealthy for pigs.

Feeding raw meat with blood will make pigs go crazy for meat, they might end up hunting down poor little birds and animals to satisfy their cravings.

Even though pigs got a strong digestive system and can digest and break down most of what they eat but pigs can get sick from eating raw meat.

Pig stomach pH stands at 2.5, with such high acidity, they do not have difficulty digesting many treats. However, this does not entitle them to eat whatever comes their way. Infected raw meat carries virus or microbes which transmits various diseases in pigs.

How should meat be served to pigs?

Feeding meat to pigs is not just throwing it in front of them and waiting for pigs to finish.

As you already know raw meat with blood increases their cravings for meat and pigs go to different lengths to get it.

Raw meat can likely be the carrier of multiple diseases. Therefore, it is always safer to boil or cook it first.

That way you can kill all the germs and get rid of the blood as well, it will keep the meat craving in control as well, a win-win situation.

The Pig Digestive System to digest Meat

The pig’s stomach is often dubbed as the ‘stomach of steel’ with a pH of 2.5. Pigs are gifted with a natural ability to digest different kinds of foods.(Source)

Just because they can eat almost anything, does not mean they can get away with the consequences as well.

Many treats and diets directly affect growth, reproduction, health, behaviour, and their entire lifespan. So, an owner should be careful as to what he is feeding the pigs with.

Avoid feeding leftover, spoiled, and toxic food and it will be harmful to their health.

How does rendering meat go for the pigs?

Through rendering, the animal by-products are processed into useful, safe, and digestible feed. Rendering meat is just not done for the pigs only but it is extended to poultry, fish, and other animals.

Before the pig is served with meat and other animal by-products, the meat must undergo the rendering process.

Tens of rendering methods are carried out to feed pigs with meat, but, the easiest and the cheapest method will be discussed here. Follow these steps for rendering

Take the meat you are about to render and wash it thoroughly with water to remove the blood and other impurities.
Put the meat on the net and place the net on a pot of water.
Heat the pot with fire or any other source of heat
Give it thirty minutes or more to boil, once boiled, you are free to spoil your pigs with this delicious treat.

Meat Nutrition value for Pigs

Apart from the protein, meat provides five of the B-complex vitamins; thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. It can be a great nutritional source for pigs if served right and in a moderate amount.

Thiamin – In combination with other B-vitamins, it promotes growth, health, and regulates the metabolic system. Pork is considered a good source for Thiamin.
Riboflavin – Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 is necessary for digestion, metabolic system, and release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Niacin – Niacin, Nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3 is essential for the nervous system, digestive system, and metabolic functions. It also supports optimal health and maximum productivity in pigs.
Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 is involved in energy production and metabolizes carbohydrates and fatty acids. Together with other B vitamins, it plays an important role in intercellular enzyme systems.
Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin or Vitamin B12 affects various aspects of a pig’s health. It is important for the nervous system, brain function, and intestinal health. Deficiency of B12 leads to lethargic behavior, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and lack of muscle mass.

What can pigs eat other than meat?

According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Pigs live to eat, apart from the meat, you can treat this lively creature with Kale, Yams, Beets, Chard, Apples, Avacado, Grapes, Carrots, Melons, Onions, Spinach, Zucchini, Oranges, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Grapefruit, Snow peas, Cucumbers, All squashes, Pitted apricots, Pitted cherries, Pitted peaches, Cooked Broccoli, Cooked potatoes, and Dark green lettuce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to feed pigs meat?

In many states of the UK and Australia, it is illegal to feed pigs meat. As per the Swine Health Protection Act, owners must be licensed to feed pigs with human food waste containing meat, poultry, and fish.

Do pigs eat humans?

Pigs would not refuse to eat human flesh if given the opportunity. A popular story narrates a mob boss being eaten by the hogs when the owners served him to the pigs. So, there is a possibility that pigs do eat and enjoy human flesh.

Do pigs eat pork?

Pigs are heavy eater, they would not shy away from eating their kin. Pigs do not just enjoy pork but also many pork-based products and recipes like bacon. It is not considered ‘weird’ in the pig’s world.

Is meat good for the pigs?

It is safe for the pigs under certain conditions. The meat should be contaminated with blood, germs, virus, or microbes. If the pigs are served infected meat, they are going to fall sick.

What is toxic to pigs?

Though pigs got a ‘stomach of steel’ that does not give them a free pass to eat everything. Some treats like Bracken, hemlock, cocklebur, henbane, ivy, acorns, ragwort, foxglove, elder, deadly nightshade, rhododendron, and laburnum are considered poisonous to the pigs.

What kills pigs?

Sodium Nitrate kills pigs within a matter of hours. If consumed in a large concentration, pigs fall into a coma and die. It works similarly to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Would pigs eat pig meat?

It is believed that pigs can eat pig meat. Especially, the newborn piglets are kept separately at the farm so as the other pigs might not serve them for dinner. It is always wise to keep them separate as pigs are capable of eating someone from their lot.

Putting it all together, pigs eat meat and they seem to love it. However, it is crucial to follow all the precautionary measures to make this delicious treat safer for the pigs.

Can Pigs Eat Avocado? Benefits & Risks

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Avocados for pigs? This question came to my mind a few days back when I was searching for healthier treats for my pet pig.

Like most of you, I took my laptop, searched, and got surprised that no article on this subject is giving a satisfactory answer. Some of the writers were calling it okay for pigs whereas the few warned about the risks.

Can Pigs Eat Avocados? Yes, Pigs can eat avocados. It’s up to you whether you want your pigs to eat avocados or not. Pigs don’t mind charging themselves up with any fruit or vegetable. Avocados are fine neither healthy nor that harmful if they are being fed in the right manner. But if they can be avoided, they should be avoided.

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Do Pigs like Avocados?

The appropriate answer to this question is “whether pigs like avocados or not?” pigs aren’t picky eaters. They do not strongly hate any edible fruit or vegetable. So, how can they not like this earthy, grassy, and nutty flavor?

Why Avocados Should be Avoided for Pigs?

According to Colorado State University, Avocados are not entirely bad, the oil-soluble substance called “Persin” is toxic for pigs.

Persin can not only be engulfed through avocados but with seeds and avocado trees as well.

It doesn’t matter how this toxic substance gets in, it’s just harmful in all senses. So, avocados that are enriched with several vitamins and minerals must be avoided for this toxic part.

However, avocado waste is healthy and rewarding in all senses

The advanced livestock keepers know how they can get benefits from this rewarding fruit and they have been doing it for years. Yes, avocados can be toxic but the risk can be minimized.

The one way to feed avocados without putting your pig’s life at stake is by allowing them to eat the avocado waste only.

A well-known advanced pig farmer has been feeding avocados waste to improve fat production and carcass qualities.

Reasons to Feed Avocado to Pigs

Feeding avocado wastes minimize the feeding cost. Pigs eat a lot, feeding cost is 70% of the total annual cost a livestock keeper has to bear.

So, you see, feeding avocado waste can not only improve fat production and carcass qualities it also help in cutting down the total cost and improving the profit margin.

There is nothing bad about feeding waste or scrap to pigs as this poor little creature does enjoy finding edibles from the wastes.

Now that my readers are well aware that avocados can be fed but they should be avoided as it contains an oily substance that is considered highly toxic for birds and animals like pigs.

Persin, if consumed in a noticeable quantity, can become a reason for the poor animal’s death. Fortunately, by following the few basic feeding rules, the life-threat and other health-related risks can be minimized to some extent. So, let’s discuss some

How Should You Feed Avocado to Pigs?

As from the above-mentioned headings you might have judged that it’s crucial to be careful with the avocados. It’s important to mention here, that these feeding rules may not make avocados completely safe to be consumed but they would surely bring down the risks. The general feeding rules are:

Writing this golden “feed-in-moderation” rule on the top because this toxic substance can only be engulfed in minimal quantity. As the quantity rises, risk increases as well.
Avocados should be washed before feeding as the chemicals are mostly sprayed to boost production, so if with the oily toxic substance these unnecessary chemicals get passed down the throat. The risk of avocado toxicity increases.
You can mix avocados or avocado wastes with other fruits and veggies that are considered safer for pigs. Feeding avocados mixed with other nutritional fruits or veggies is the best way to minimize the risk.

Other than the toxic substance that is imprinting the bad image, avocados are packed in all essential nutrients humans, animals, and birds need to live a healthy balanced life. This article would be incomplete if we do not allow you to see both sides of the picture.

Benefits of Avocado for Pigs

Avocados are the forgiving fruit that contains 20 different vitamins and minerals but magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin A, D, C, and B-6 are found in abundance. (Source) What do these nutrients do? Let’s find out

Magnesium

Magnesium, an essential macro-mineral that is needed by pigs for the healthy functioning of several important functions including immune, muscle, and nerve function.

Moreover, an adequate amount of magnesium keeps the heartbeat steady, adjusts glucose levels, and improves bone health and stability.

Potassium

Like magnesium and all other crucial nutrients, potassium is demanded for growth. Potassium and magnesium both play similar roles as they have got the reputation of improving metabolism, nerve function, and muscle activity.

Iron

Animals, whether it’s pigs or not, need iron for similar reasons as we humans, plants, and every living organism on planet earth do. Iron improves health and supplies oxygen to all the needed parts of every living organism’s body.

Calcium

Calciumis a rewarding nutrient that is needed to improve and maintain healthy teeth and bones. Besides these two important functions calcium with other important nutrients improves health and growth rate.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency is common in pigs and it leads to night blindness and respiratory issues so it must be supplied in crucial growth years.

This rewarding vitamin is also known for bone formation, metabolism, growth, vision, skin, and hoof health. So, it performs similar roles for pigs as well.

Vitamin D

Pets are generally vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency, pet pigs are just no exception. One out of five pigs are seen catching the trend and it is usually noticed by the following signs

Rickets
Stiff, weak, or bent bones
Posterior paralysis

So, if you can not arrange enough sunshine, you have to supply it through food and avocados are just perfect for the job.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is needed by the pigs in great amounts especially when they are living in poor conditions.

It rewards the pig’s body in multiple ways including tissue growth and maintenance, immune regulation, and amelioration of oxidative stress. Moreover, it also helps in routine functions and metabolizes glucose.

Other Treats for Pigs

Can Pigs Eat Oranges? Toxic or Beneficial

Pigs / By Talon Juper

We love so many things about winters, oranges and foggy mornings are one of them. You and your pets must have taken the advantage of this orange season to the fullest. If not, it’s still not that late to reap the benefits of this rewarding fruit.

Oranges, the most loved citrus fruit, help us in preventing skin damage, controlling blood sugar level, maintaining a healthy immune system, lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of cancer to a noticeable extent. This rewarding fruit is as beneficial for animals as it’s for humans, it’s just that it serves them differently.

Feeding citrus fruits to animals is a common practice, dogs, cattle, horses, and several wild birds like bluebirds, cardinals, woodpeckers, jays, starlings, cedar waxwings, thrashers, and thrushes have been eating them from the scrap for a variety of reasons. (Source)

A lot of my readers might have seen horses, cattle, and dogs enjoying citrus fruits but are confused whether pigs can eat them or not? Since they eat scrap even some times pigs eat poop the most, it’s high time we need to know whether we can leave the oranges or orange peels in for this poor little fella or not?

The idea of dedicating an article to pigs and oranges hit late, but it’s still better than not knowing anything on this subject at all if you are raising pigs. In this article, today we would be discussing whether pigs can eat oranges or not? If they can, what are the health benefits of feeding oranges, and how it should be fed? So, without further ado, let’s discuss what needs to be discussed right now.

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Can pigs eat oranges?

Yes, pigs can eat oranges. It can be a safe, delicious, and healthy treat if one knows how to feed them rightly. It can be fed only as a treat, not as a whole one-time meal.

Do pigs like oranges?

Not all pigs like oranges, but some pigs do adore oranges for the nice citrusy taste. In fact, like humans, no animals belonging to the same family can have similar tastes. Their preferences, likes, and dislikes can be different.

It is noticed that fully-grown pigs eat oranges the similar way we eat avocado, turnips, sprouts, celeriac, solely for the nutrients.

For the record, Piglets like oranges but fully grown pigs do not appreciate them as much as piglets do.

Now that it’s has been made clear that pigs can eat oranges but as a treat. The appropriate answer to the question, whether they like oranges or not is, the fully grown pigs do not love eating oranges but they do not hate it either. Whereas, the little ones; piglets do love the citrusy taste. Since you can take the advantage of this rewarding fruit, let’s discuss how can you feed them rightly?

How to feed oranges to Pigs?

Frankly, there are no hard and fast rules that need to be followed while feeding oranges. Oranges just have to be fed like all other fruit and veggie treats. Since this is an informative article, it’s not fair to deprive our readers of basic knowledge.

The first thing you need to know is that you can not choose a rotten orange to be fed. The rotten oranges are neither healthy nor flavorful. So, choose the best one for your pigs as you would select one for you.
The oranges should be washed thoroughly before peeling or feeding. The unwashed oranges can get you in hot water as they are mostly chemically treated.
The oranges you are about to feed your pigs or piglet must be peeled. It’s not that peels are harmful but when you are feeding whole oranges, they must be peeled. If you do not want to throw orange peels away, you can feed them separately.
Oranges must be chopped. Pigs are messy eater they do not chew anything as it should be chewed and they are always in hurry to get it down the throat. So, take your knife and chop the freshly peeled oranges before you throw them in the feeding pot.
The rule “feed-in-moderation” applies to oranges as well. No matter how badly you pigs beg for more, do not overlook the “feed-in-moderation” rule at all costs. After all, safety comes first.

It’s important to mention here that the treats that are considered safer only cause the problem if they are either not fed in moderation or the other feeding rules are not being followed properly.

If the oranges are fed following the above-mentioned rules, I bet they would not invite any trouble at all. However, if any of the basic principles are ignored, the health of your pet pig is at stake.

A lot of you might have been thinking of feeding oranges as a treat as well. Let’s have a look at how this rewarding fruit is beneficial for your pigs so you should not be feeding them with half knowledge.

Would you love to Scroll Pig Names for your cute Piglet?

What vitamins and minerals oranges have? And how are they beneficial for pigs?

According to Live Science, Oranges are bombarded with folate, thiamine, potassium, and Vitamin C. There are some other nutrients as well but the major ones are folate, thiamine, potassium, and vitamin C. Since now you know what you would be “actually” feeding your pigs in the shape of oranges, let’s quickly have a look at how these vitamins and minerals are beneficial for pigs.

Folate

It’s not very well known that folate helps in better growth. A recent Chinese study showed that folate does not just maintain the balance of epithelial cell renewal, but also improves the pig’s growth rate. It’s super beneficial for piglets as it helps them in growing at a better and faster rate.

Thiamine

Thiamine deficiency is alarmingly increasing in animals and pigs can get affected by it as well. The animals can only get this nutrient from food, so if this rewarding treat is helping the poor animal then what’s the harm?

Potassium

Pigs may not require potassium as much as they need copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, etc but it’s still crucial for them to live a balanced life. Potassium plays an important role in maintaining metabolic, nerve, muscle activity, and cell function. Moreover, it prevents cardiovascular diseases to a great extent.

Vitamin C

Even if I leave this field empty, I’m pretty sure that my readers can tell how important vitamin C is for us, animals, and specifically pigs. Vitamin C plays a variety of roles in a pig’s body including tissue growth and immune regulation.

Moreover, oranges do have a noticeable percentage of iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, A, and B-6, and none of these nutrients is harmful to pigs in any sense.

Other Treats for Oranges

There are some other treats that pigs love to eat. They can feed on grapes, apples, onions, eggs and even chicken bones.

Summary

Pigs can eat oranges. Oranges are safe and rewarding if they have been fed rightly. Oranges should be fresh, thoroughly washed, peeled, and chopped to be fed. This nutritional powerhouse contains folate thiamine, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, A, D, and B-6. It’s important to keep in mind that oranges can only be fed peeled, peels can be served later. Peels are equally beneficial but they should not be served with the fruit at all.

Piglets love receiving orange treats and it’s beneficial for them as oranges have got the reputation of improving growth rate. Fully grown pigs may not enjoy this citrus fruit as piglets but they do not hate it either.

141+ Pet Pig Names for Your Cute Piglet

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Giving a name to your pet pig is easy if you are aware of his personality and behaviour. They are very clever and quick learners. Pigs love to observe and learn new things. Just simple signs of Yes No, Up and Down are even easy to understand for them. Domestic pigs are very friendly and make a great companion with both adults and children. So they can learn their name quickly and it will be fun for them too.

Getting name ideas from cartoon characters, food, fellow animals or nature is the best idea. Here are some catchy names for all pig breeds.

Here are some quick naming ideas for pet pig

Hog	Gilt	Piglet
Chewbacon	Freddy	Gub Gub
King Neptune	Miss Piggy	Pancetta
Pumba	GG Bond	Little Mouth
Porky Pig	Sparkles	Hogwash
Hawk	Bonnet	Hoof
Puddle	Percy Porker	Hempton
Goliath	Melody	Stinker
Digger	Celery	Blaster
Samson	Kubota	Chuck

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Famous Pig Names

Peppa Pig

Didn’t you listen to this name from the ‘preschool animated series’’? Peppa is an anthropomorphic female pig who responds and behave in human manners. This name makes a background idea behind you.

Peppa loves to enjoy with her family friends in playgrounds, riding bikes, swimming and driving cars. She expresses all emotions like happiness, sadness, confusion and irritation. Peppa has different friends like parrots, ducks and tortoise in her friend’s circle.

Wilbur

A famous pig from ‘’Charlotte’s Web’’.Wilbur was an emotional Livestock pig. So the story behind is the character’’ Wilbur is a friend of Charlotte ( a barn spider) and when a farmer planned to slaughter him, his friend Charlotte praise Wilbur by writing some praising words.

Arnold

Arnold from green acres who was part of a situation comedy on CBS. He has abilities to behave like humans and even his lifestyle resembles human behaviour. Arnold can play games, change tv channel, set antenna and enjoy riding. He carries his lunch box and makes random jokes with his fellows.

Khanzir

Khanzir is an Arabic word for Pig. The name ‘’khanzir’’ is famous in history due to the famous Chinese pig raised in Kabul zoo. According to stats, he is the only pig raised in Afghanistan.

King Neptune

King Neptune was a male pig used by US Navy Recruiter to raise money in Funds. He was born in West Frankfort and named ‘’Parker Neptune’’ on his father’s name initially. King Neptune was a red pig with a white face.

Pumba

One of the major characters appeared in ‘’The Lion King’’ two times. Pumba was the best friend of the meerkat character named Timon. Pumba had a gas problem and left fellows due to embracing. His name derived from the African language where it stands for ‘’Silly’’,’’ foolish’’ and careless.

Porky Pig

He was famous for his slogan or catchy line ‘’ “Th-th-th-that’s all folks!” .Porky Pig appeared in looney tunes, warner bros and Merrie Melodies.

Daggie Dogfoot

If you want to read about farming and humour, touch ‘’doggie dog food is a perfect example. He born in a litter and has a strong relationship with his family.

Freddy

Freddy the pig or ‘’Freddy’’ is the main character of a series of books written by Walter R brooks. He plays different characters like sometimes magician, newspaper distributor and pilot. Walter’s book is worth reading because he observed character and then wrote their behaviour with humour.

Miss Piggy

Miss piggy is a female pig that appeared in ‘’The muppet show’’.She has a very catchy personality as she uses french phrases in her language, plays Karate and enjoys all events. Looking at her life ‘’ her father died early and her mother was not kind to her. Miss Piggy had a relation with Kermit.

Gub Gub

Doctor Dolittle talked and explained his behaviour with a piglet Gub Gub. This book titled Encyclopedia of food.

Male Pig Names

Looking for boy pig names? Giving badass names to your male pig is a common idea. That is an assumption about their personality and behaviour.

Squealer – A fictional pig character from Animal farm ( a novel by George Orwell). Squealer described as a funny and fat character.
Hamm – A supporting character in Toy Story Franchise
Spider Pig – A Simpsons character
Gryllus – A pig character from ‘’the Pig scrolls’’.Gryllus was an entertainer pig who enjoyed a lot with his owner during adventures and travelling.
Hawk
Puddle
Goliath
Digger
Mickey
Max – A fat black pig from ‘’Pet of George Clooney’’
Hercules – A depressed pig from The Moosepath league
Jodie – A black pig from The Amityville horror
Laster – A well-mannered pig from a poetry book
Hugo
Samson
Bubba
Mercy Watson – Fictional pig from Mercy Watson series
Toot & Puddle – A book series of characters
Sir Oinks A Lot
Hogzilla
Piggy Boss
Pigeons
Noelle
Daddy Pig
Maude – A pet pig owned by the ex-US president
Poppleton
Positive Pig – A male pig from sweet pickles
Sam Pig
Snow Ball
Barnaby
Rustler
Toot
Pignite

Female Pig names

Female pigs are cute and definitely need cute girl pig names. Here are some cute naming ideas for sows.

GG Bond – A female piglet from Chinese series
Annie Sue – A cute girl pig from ‘’The muppet show’’
Miss Piggy – A character from The Muppet show
Florence
Bella
Ema
Sparkles
Bonnet
Koma – From Tomba series
Pearl – Female Piglet appeared in The Gift Mazing Birthday. She is a pink pig with blue eyes
Pansy Pig – A pig character from the game
Midbus
Percy Porker
Piggy The Pig
Blush
Melody
Nora
Dolly
Ballerina
Petunia Pig – A girl pig character from famous looney tunes
Ishii and Noshishi
Kiera
Cally
Pinky – Pinky or Pinky the Pigs Novel character
Kubota
Hans
Gala
Sasha
Pignite
The runt of the Litter
Rosita – A female cartoon pig who loves to dance and sing
Olivia
Pepper Pig
Porky Pig
Piglet
She Nom
Ava Gabor

Funny pig Names

There is a perception about the behaviour of pigs that they are funny, dumb and cute.However, adding fun in their name will be more unique.

Porky Boy Pig
Uncle Pig – From children’s novel series
Pancetta
Pig Pen
Pig Hoof
Gossiper
Loud Mouth
Hoof Pollard
Squiggly Flatwater – From American webcomic
Roommate
Whistler
Hogwash
Stinker
Spekkie Big
Petty Pig
Mesquite
Hempton
Wonder Wart-Hog
Porkchop
Also Opening
Frank Furter
Stinker
Skillet
Chuck
Cornfed
Little Packer
Fat Blaster
Harry Porker
Short Rib
Handmade Piglet
Toucan Sam
Kissing George
Banty Raids
Zhu Bajie – Zhu Bajie is a fat pig character in the famous novel Journey to the west. he is very loyal to the hero and protects him in every situation. Zhu Bajie presented in many movies and animated characters.
Hamton J Pig – A little funny pig from Warner bros who always wear a blue dress.Hamton is a male pig and totally different from his teacher porky pig who wears shirts and trousers. He is very honest and loyal who obey all rules and responds every time when called.
Spanky Ham – A dumb, greedy and clever pig from Drawn Together. If you want fun, clever and dumb behaviour in the same name then consider ”Spanky Ham”
Rupert Bear – Famous children comic character who also noted in express news

Baby Pig Names

Piglets look cute and when you can identify their gender, the next step is to name them. Here are some cute names for baby pigs.

Chewbacca
Snook
Pinky
Teacup
Pea spot
Grunt and Punt
Kiddo
Small Fry
Nago
Makoto
Borsti
Chaw
Butter
Gordi
Cincinnati Dancing Pig
Little Cory
Snort
Sausage
Firecracker
Pancake
Doppy
Poppy
Shrimp
Pigby – From American Drama
Piggley Winks
Munchkin
Pinky and Perky
Pad Pork
Jambon
Mini Meat
Shorty
Pigma Dengar
Tower
Monokuro Pig – A toy pig by Japanese company
Professor Chops – From Donkey Kong Returns
Minjon
Shorty
Betty Lou
Tweety
Rosebud
Lemon
Dancer

Pig Names based on the Personality

Do you observe your pig daily? They can be cute, badass, funny or dumb. Naming them based on their personality is a great idea.

Badass Pig Names

Bomber
Redbot
Bones
Matrona
Ponda
Hercules
Samson
Whisker
Newton
Trigger
Bourbon
Harley
Shark
Griphook
Goliath
Rogue
Shadow
Rocky
Reaver
Serpica
King Hog
King Piggy
Pink Floyd
Graphite
Mortar
Trapper
Shear
Hellion
Sparky
Toucan Sam
Carrington
Fleetwood
Ripley

Dumb Pig Names

George
Gunther
Biff
Barney
Franky
Marbles
Dilos
Noodles
Ozzy
Pokemon
Carter
Bailey
Dumplin
Billy Ray
Dakota
Paisley
Puffy
Dumb Nose
Hoof Mind
Rough Soul
Dumb Litter

Clever Pig Names

Robinson – A character from ”Little Pig Robinson”
Babe – Babe from Babe the Gallant pig, Babe was the only pig on the farm
Pigling Bland-Name was taken from The tale of Pigling bland where Pigling is an adventurous pig whose love story is more emotional
Old Major – A white pig from the Novel ”Farm animals”
Henry the Pig – Main character of Blackberry farm
Gouger
Snout
Olivia – A clever fiction pig from series
Cerdotado – A fiction character pig who fights against injustice in Politics
Orson Pig
Georgia
Lucian
Peter Porker
Salome – A pig from a classic comic strip. There is an interesting story behind this character as he kidnapped for breeding
Spekky Pig
Toots
Wonder Wart Hog
Cornfed – Cornfed appeared as an assistant to solve crimes
Mervis – Mervis is a pig character from Catdog
Petal – Petal is the part of famous series where petal lives his life with other farm animals

How to name your Pig?

There are few myths common about pigs like they are dumb, dirty and hard learners.Actually pigs are more clever then dogs and even more clean than many pet animals. They keep their toilets and poop away from the feeding area.

According to science daily Pigs use grunts for communications and make special signs with them. Naming pigs is very easy if you know about their personality and behaviour, here are a few tricks that can help.

Choose from Cartoon Character: There are a lot of pig characters that appeared in different cartoon series.

These pig characters will not only help you to pick a name but also their behaviour will be in your mind. Like Naming Peppa pig to your pet will increase your interest in the living behaviour of pigs. You can also pick a name from movies, poetry, fictional and non-fictional books.

Choose from Trait: Picking a pet name from a trait is innovation. There is a myth that pigs are dumb so most of the owners love to pick dumb names for them. Badass and funny names are also perfect for pigs.
Choose from Personality: Keep your pet for some time at home. Observe his behaviour and personality. That is a fact of nature that all animals are not the same in personality and learning.
Choose from Gender: There should be a separate name selection for male, female and baby pig. Male names should be badass, tough and strong and female names are cute.

Teach your Pig its Name

Pigs are quick learners and can remember their name easily. They can learn their name when only two to three weeks old. Pigs even love to learn from objects with strong memories. Baby pigs learn things from their mother’s voice and respond like a human baby. Pigs are actual fun, they love to get messaged, listening to music and playing games.

Keep them Calling: As mentioned, they are quick learners even baby pigs can learn their name within 2 weeks. Do not add or mix different nicknames. Like if you named your pig ‘’Samson’’ never call sam or samsu. Adding nicknames in the actual name will confuse them.
Use Different Treats: Pigs are real food lovers who love to eat grapes, apples, onions, oranges and other treats. Keep these treats in a bowl and call them with their name to serve. Pigs will attract these treats and it will build trust.

Do Pigs Eat Their Own Poop?

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Do pigs eat their feces? A lot of you might have seen the new pet pig parents asking similar questions ( even I have been asked several times). It’s natural to ask about unusual things or behaviour and expect a satisfactory answer. When something surprises or grosses you out to the deepest core, then a “Yes” or “No” is never enough.

Most of my readers already know whether the pigs eat their poop or not(they are probably searching for the reason) whereas a few may have no clue whether pigs are that gross or not? I have always tried to bless my readers with all the worth-sharing information so I would keep the tradition alive this time as well.

In this brief article today, we would be discussing whether pigs eat their feces if it’s safe for pigs to eat feces, should they be allowed to eat quite often and some facts you need to know about this particular behavior. Starting with the most Googled question;

Contents show

Do pigs eat their poop?

Yes, pigs do eat their poop whether you are fine with this behavior or not. Let alone pigs, there are some other animals as well that snack on their feces. It’s just that the pig’s habit got highlighted somehow whereas, the rest of the animals are reaping the benefits of it a little less openly.

Do Pigs like eating poop?

Probably, if they didn’t why would they be eating it “so frequently” in the first place. It’s hard to tell whether they like it or have been eating it solely to get the nutrients because no official clarification has been made about it.

Some livestock keepers do claim that pigs like eating their feces but they have got no reason to support this statement except that why would they be eating it otherwise.

In my opinion, this reason is not enough to believe that pigs enjoy eating their feces. What if they are eating it just as we eat turnips, beets, and Brussels sprouts solely for the nutrients. By the way, turnips, beets, and Brussels are considered the most hated vegetables.

The animals have highly developed senses. They know what to eat, what not to eat, how to escape, what’s dangerous, and what’s not edible. Pigs are eating feces for a definite reason!

The most appropriate answer to this question would be, there would definitely be some pigs that do enjoy eating their feces whereas, the rest of the population may be engulfing it out of habit or for the nutrients.

Actually, the animals whether it’s pigs or not, have their preferences, likes, and dislikes. What one hates is probably the other similar animal’s favorite.

Should they be eating it not?

A lot of us might get bothered by the view and “actually” start thinking should they be eating it not? It’s valid to get concerned for two reasons;

Pig’s health
Would the pig’s meat still be healthy for humans to consume?

Well, the answer to the question “should they be eating it not?” Is that they can eat but not so frequently.

Why do pigs eat their feces?

This question might have started bothering a lot of my readers as it’s odd behaviour. Pigs eat their feces especially when they are not being fed properly.

Let alone their feces, the hungry pig would not mind eating human poop as well. I know it’s disgusting! But if we hate pigs for this weird habit we love them for a hundred reasons as well.

So, the one reason why pigs eat their poop is that they are not being fed properly and the other is to digest the undigested nutrients in the poop. Some food content comes out undigested, pigs eat their feces to give their digestive system one more chance to digest the undigested feed content.

Now that the most Googled questions about this topic are answered. Let’s move ahead and discuss it a little more in detail.

Some important facts about this general behaviour that you should know

Let alone their poop, they do not mind eating human feces as well

Normally, pigs eat their poop but they are super hungry they would eat human feces as well. They would not mind eating anything when they are hungry whether you find it disgusting or not. Whatever comes in front of their snouts is engulfed within a few seconds.

Pigs and other animals have been eating their feces since the beginning of time

Pigs and other animals that are known for eating their feces have been eating it since the beginning of time. It’s never fed intentionally but they have somehow figured it out for themselves on their own.

Pigs don’t demand it but they won’t leave it either

Pigs don’t demand you to have feces and even let you throw it but if it’s left to be eaten in the pigpen they would not leave it there at any cost.

Their stomach is full, they would probably never consider eating their poop

Pigs eat poop only because they are not having enough feed every day. Pigs are naturally not that gross, If we keep their cages clean, offer enough food and water, they would probably never bother eating their feces.

Guinea pigs eat their feces more not any pig breed

These miniature “Guinea pigs” are herbivores, their plant-based feed usually comes out undigested. The Guinea pigs eat their poop to digest the undigested food to fulfill their nutritional needs. It’s more normal for Guinea pigs to eat their poop. It’s going to sound gross, but rats are also reported to eat Guinea pig’s feces.

It’s not just pigs that eat poop, there are some other animals as well

Pigs somehow got in the spotlight for eating their poop but some other animals also have the same habit. They have been eating their poop all the time and a lot of us don’t know about it. According to Live Science, The other animals that happen to have the same habit are rabbits, dung beetles, domestic dogs, and chimps. All these animals eat their poop mainly to digest the undigested food content.

Rabbits are selective about the poop they eat but pigs are not

Rabbits are mature enough to the poop called “cecotropes” whereas pigs don’t mind eating any kind of poop.

Cecotrope or night poop is enriched in protein, vitamin B, and fiber. Guinea pigs are however more sensible than other pig breeds, they don’t leave the cecotropes to go wasted.

The other pig breeds are not smart enough to get the advantage of night poop. They can eat it by chance.

It’s not harmful at all

Poop is not harmful to pigs, whether it has the digested content or not. In fact, poop belonging to other species is also as safe as pigs’ feces. Poop is not harmful but is alarming because it shows that their nutritional requirements are not being fulfilled and their diet needs an addition.

Now this whole idea and the reason behind this gross but beneficial habit is revealed. Let’s see what else people want to know.

Can Pigs Eat Chicken Bones?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that pigs eat their feces?

Yes, it’s 100% true. Pigs do eat their feces either for a biological reason or because they are hungry.

Is it okay to let your pig eat feces daily?

For guinea pigs, it is super beneficial especially the night feces. Whereas for the rest of the pig breeds it can be fed but not regularly. It’s better to fulfill the nutrients through the feed.

Where do pigs poop?

In extensive pig farming, pigs choose to poop somewhere far away from the farm whereas, in intensive farming, they have to poop in their pen. They select a place near the water to poop.

How many times do pigs poop in a day?

Normally pigs poop three times a day. As they eat a lot so they have to poop a lot as well.

What is the color of pig feces?

The pig feces can be of many colors including grey, yellow, green, or white. The color of the pig’s poop depends on the food they have eaten. As they eat a variety of food so their poop can never be of the same color. Moreover, it can be loose or hard as well.

Summary

The answer to the most widely discussed question “do pigs eat poop?” If yes, they do eat poop and have been eating it since the beginning of time. Pigs generally don’t get attacked by it unless they are hungry. Poop isn’t harmful to pigs whether it’s their own or any other species. There are some other animals as well that are eating their feces, pigs are not only gross.

The other animals that have a habit of eating their faeces are rabbits, dung beetles, domestic dogs, and chimps. The night faeces contain a noticeable amount of undigested feed content that is usually digested the second time. For guineas, their poop is exceptionally healthy.

9 Best Pig Waterer Reviews & Guide (2022)

Pigs / By Talon Juper / 12 minutes of reading

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Searching for a pig waterer to withstand the pig abuse? We have got you covered. Since we have been discussing pigs a lot lately and our recent post on best pig feeders has gathered a lot of appreciation, so we decided to review the best pig waterer as well.

Freshwater is needed for better growth, metabolic function, promote milk production, remove wastes, transportation of nutrients, and regulation of their body temperature. Pig waterers hold water and supply only when it is needed.

These water pots are necessary to supply fresh water. The pig waterers also make the livestock keeper’s job unbelievably easy.

Pigs need a lot of water, the waterers need to be refilled every single day. It’s not that hard to refill the water pot if you are raising one or two pets but in pig farming refilling hundreds of water pots every day is not an easy task at all.

Investing in a pig-friendly automatic waterer can not only save your time but would never cut short the freshwater supply for pigs.

Knowing the importance of a pig waterer, we are here with the best selling options. Besides reviewing the most promising options available online we would also be enlightening our readers with a pig waterer buyer’s guide.

Contents show

Best Pig Waterer Reviews

Best Overall: Yosoo Professional Automatic Water

Easy to Mount: Rabbitnipples Large Stainless Steel Waterer

Affordable: Little Giant Piglet One Gallon Baby Pig Waterer

1. Yosoo Professional Automatic Water Dispenser For Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, And Goats

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This Yosoo professional automatic water dispenser is manufactured to serve cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The anti-corrosion wear-resistant plastic makes it highly suitable for the job.

This easy-to-handle, store, and hang waterer gives you relief by taking the entire watering job on its shoulder. To serve the needs, the waterer is just needed to be connected to the water pipe.

It supplies water whenever the hog’s nose touches the top switch. Stainless steel netting filter and UV additive plastic makes it a must-have.

Distinguishing Feature

Netting filter, UV additive plastic, automatic refilling

Best For

Pigs, sheep, and goats

Pros

Can be returned or refunded in three months
Lightweight
Easy to handle, store, and hang
Automatic
Keep supplying fresh water
Can be used for Hogs, sheep, and goats, etc

Cons

It does not suit the well-grown pigs need

2. Rabbitnipples Large Stainless Steel Waterer For Hogs And Other Farm Animals

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The Rabbitnipples stainless steel waterer is specifically designed to take in the hog abuse. This easy-to-mount waterer can be hanged to the pig fence with the help of mounting screws.

The one big advantage of investing in Rabbitnipple waterer is that it allows the pig keeper to adjust (minimize or maximize) the water flow according to the requirements. Stainless steel makes it more durable and pig-friendly.

This Rabbitnipple’s waterers can be the best choice as it’s smooth and has no sharp edges. The enclosed water system keeps the water fresh for a longer time. Ideal for pigs of all sizes.

Distinguishing feature

Smooth edges, adjustable water flow

Best For

Piglets and mature pigs

Pros

Easy to mount
Durable
Specifically made for pigs
Has no sharp edges
Enclosed water system

Cons

Does not include mounting screws

3. Little Giant Piglet One Gallon Baby Pig Waterer

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Little Giant has been serving the livestock keepers with all sorts of feeding and watering equipment. The Little Giant’s livestock equipment is admired for its affordable prices, durability, easy handling, and thoughtful designs.

This one-gallon waterer is enough to serve one or two piglets easily. One water gallon waterer is enough to fulfil the two or three days of water needs. The simplest design allows for easy cleaning and refilling.

Food-grade polyethylene plastic makes it the best and safer choice for piglets. The ultra-versatile design allows it to be mounted or kept on the ground. It can be easily shifted from one pigpen to another.

Distinguishing Feature

Independent

Best For

Though it holds on a gallon of water (that is enough to meet the needs of a fully grown pig) but the small water pot makes it useful to piglets only.

Pros

Easy to mount
Food-grade polyethylene plastic
Serves up to 2 days
Can be refilled easily
Affordable
No connection with the garden hose is needed

Cons

It has to be refilled every other day
It’s not as durable as stainless steel waterers
Can only be used for piglets

4. Dahey Ceramic Automatic Water Feeder For Pig

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Dahey’s automatic water feeder is designed and manufactured to serve the water needs conveniently. Ceramic construction makes it one hundred percent safe for mini pets, especially guinea pigs.

It can be refilled by placing the waterer hole in the water horizontally. Leakproof finishing allows it to be placed at any convenient place. This ceramic waterer is heavy enough to take in the pig abuse without losing it’s place.

It’s ideal to fulfill the needs of guinea pigs, birds, mice, hamsters, hedgehogs, ferret, and chinchilla, etc. However, most pet keepers find it too small and harder to clean.

Distinguishing Feature

Ceramic, leak-proof

Best For

Guinea pigs only

Pros

Leak-proof
Easy refilling
Convenient
Can serve guinea pigs, birds, mice, hamsters, hedgehogs, ferret, and chinchilla

Cons

Too small
Heavy
Delicate
Harder to clean
Can only feed guinea pigs

5. Autofill Automatic Waterer Bucket For Pigs

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Autofill Automatic waterer bucket is holding a place on my list because it’s useful, handy, and easier to use. The basic not-so-complex design makes it a must-have.

The best feature of the automatic waterer is that it can hold up to 5 gallons with ease. The Autofill waterer bucket supplies water from the stainless steel nipple.

Garden hose connection, snap-on lid, carry and mounting handles make it nearly unmatchable for the said needs. Holds enough water to serve fully grown pigs, cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.

Distinguishing Feature

Bucket form, snap-on lid

Best For

Mature pigs

Pros

Basic, not so complex design
Embellished with automatic refill feature
Holds up to 5 gallons
Delivers 0.47 GPM water
Easy to mount and carry

Cons

Need an additional watering pot to serve the needs

6. Muduoban Stainless Steel Automatic Waterer Bowl For Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Dogs, And Pigs

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Muduoban stainless steel is designed to supply fresh and clean water free from all impurities. Smooth, well-polished edges make it safer to use.

The impurities purifier does not let the impurities go and cause trouble in that little stomach. The heavy-duty stainless steel remains rust-free throughout the waterer’s life.

Inlet and outlet switch makes it more convenient to use. This stainless steel water trough can be used for horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, and pigs. The versatility of this waterer allows it to be installed both indoors and outdoors.

Distinguishing Feature

Inlet and outlet switch, Impurity purifier

Best For

Pigs of all ages

Pros

Smooth edges
Contains impurity purifier
Remains rust-free throughout it’s life
Can be used pigs, horses, cattle, sheep, and, dogs

Cons

Not specifically made for pigs

7. Little Giant Plastic Heavy Duty Mountable Fence Feeder And Waterer

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This Little Giant’s plastic heavy duty mountable pig feeder and waterer is manufactured to serve the feeding needs but its versatile design allows it to be used as a waterer as well.

The heavy-duty plastic makes it strong enough to take in the pig abuse and stay intact. It can hold 4.5 quarts. This feeder/waterer can be mounted with the pig fence with the help of screws and hooks.

This multi-purpose pig accessory comes in one size but two colors. However, it can only be permanently mounted and does not come equipped with screws.

Distinguishing Feature

Permanent mounting hooks

Best For

Piglets only

Pros

Comes in two colors
Can hold up to 4.5 quarts
Heavy-duty plastic
Easy to mount
Easy to refill
Multipurpose, can be used as feeder or waterer

Cons

May require more refilling
Does not have a cover
May not serve fully grown pigs

8. Rabbitnipple Automatic Farm Grade Stainless Steel Waterer

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This waterer is another worth-praising Rabbitnipple invention that can serve horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and dogs equally well. Smooth edges make it highly recommended for stubborn pigs.

This automatic waterer is designed to reduce the livestock keeper’s manual labor. To refill the waterer, it is simply

needed to be attached to the garden hose. This Rabbitnipple automatic waterer would begin supplying water as soon as the tap is on.

This waterer is and has been in Amazon’s choice because of it’s supernatural sales and several positive reviews. The heavy-duty stainless steel keeps it new and rust-free for a longer time.

Distinguishing Feature

Automatic refilling

Best For

Pigs of all ages

Pros

Well-known and well-trusted brand
Is in Amazon’s choice
Heavy-duty superior grade stainless steel
equally useful for dogs, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep

Cons

Not found yet

9. LuckyFarm Automatic Drinking Trough

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LuckyFarm automatic drinking trough is made to serve almost every animal farm animal. It has been in Amazon’s choice as a goat waterer but it’s versatility allows it to be used as a pig waterer as well.

Superior grade plastic does not get affected by daily pig abuse. This user-friendly LuckyFarm waterer is easier to use and install. The size of this LuckyFarm waterer is perfect for pigs, goats, and sheep, etc.

It is made to reduce water waste. It’s easy to extract freshwater with this multi-purpose waterer as Pigs just have to push the pvcto back, the trough would be filled with water.

Distinguishing Feature

Automatic refilling

Best For

Well grown pigs

Pros

Reduces water wastes
Multi-Purpose water trough
Durable and affordable

Cons

Made for goats and sheep specifically

These were the options that have caught our attention for some reasons there would be some other promising options as well but it’s not fair to suggest anything doubtful. So, the list ends here.

It’s important to mention here that do not get carried away by the heavily edited photos and customer-targeted product description. Even trash can be glamorized and sold for several dollars these days so it’s important to look more deeply to find the best possible option for your farm. The below-mentioned buyer’s guide would not only help you in being the judge but also assist you in selecting the right option.

How to Find the Right Pig Waterer?

To get the right water pot for your pigs, you need to ask yourself the following questions and if the answers you get from the information given online match our answers, be sure that you have found the right option.

Is the material durable?

Pigs are messy and aggressive, they are abusing their feeders and waterers all the time. So, plastic or any other less durable material would not be able to serve the job for more than a few months. The pig feeders and waterers should be of stainless steel, as they hardly get affected by weather conditions and pig abuse.

How much water can it hold?

Once the material is acceptable, how much water it can hold should be bothering you. If you are planning to get a waterer for a fully mature pig make sure it can supply at least one gallon of water and for piglets half-gallon of water is enough to meet one day’s demand.

What is it made for?

Once you have got satisfactory answers to the above-mentioned questions, make sure the waterer you are planning to invest in is specifically made for the pigs. Some multi-purpose waterer can also be good for the job but what the specific pig waterer would do, is going to be unmatchable.

How can it be installed?

Installing is as important as material or any other thing mentioned on the list. Feeders and waterers must be installed to reduce the feed and water waste. The waterer should be easier to install and it should hold its place well.

How does it get refilled?

We all know pigs eat and drink a lot because of this habit they usually gain weight quite easily. Feeders and waterers need to be refilled every day so you should be concerned about how the waterer would be refilled? Whether it’s easier to refill or not? If by chance, it makes you go an extra mile to be refilled, keep searching taking it as a red flag.

Whether it’s affordable or not

It’s important to stay on budget to keep things running smoothly. Some online options are unnecessarily expensive so do not pay extra. When Amazon is bombarded with options, what’s the point of investing in the expensive ones only?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water pigs need?

Piglets need 0.5, mature pigs 1.5, gestating females 4, whereas the lactating swine require at least 6 gallons of water every day to keep the functions running smoothly.

What are the best brands for pig basic accessories?

Little Giant and Rabbitnipples are the two most popular brands for pig accessories.

Why do pigs drink a lot of water?

Pigs eat and drink a lot. They are naturally attracted to the water because it manages metabolic function, adjusts the body temperature, promotes milk production, removes metabolic wastes, transports nutrients, and contributes to growth and reproduction.

Do pigs need a lot of water?

Let alone water, they need both feed and water in huge quantities to live a balanced life. A fully mature pig needs at least 1.5 gallons whereas pigs are fine with 0.5 gallons of water every day.

What do pigs drink water from?

Pigs drink water from the waterer’s nipple most of the time but that doesn’t mean they do not know how to drink water from the bowl. They can choose to drink either from the nipple directly or from the bowl.

Can pigs drink water from the trough?

The trough is not the right choice for pigs. Pigs don’t take it as a waterer maybe because they are used to drinking water from the nipple or bowl.

Why do pigs need fresh water?

It’s no surprise, they need fresh water for the same reason we do. Clean and fresh water would accelerate their growth.

What are the major signs of dehydration in pigs?

There can be several signs of dehydration. Mainly less urination, dry nose, sunken eyes, rough hair coat, diarrhea are taken as the major signs of dehydration. Moreover, thin and bony pigs are also a victim of dehydration.

How long can pigs go without water?

Pigs can not go longer than 24 hours without water and feed. If they can still not find water salt poisoning takes over them and they can not survive salt poisoning for a long time.

Summary

Pig waterers are needed to supply clean and fresh water as per the requirements. There are several pig feeders and waterers available online but not all are equally good for the job. The pig waterer must be durable, hold enough water, and easy to mount. It’s hard to tell which waterer would be good for your pigs as the requirements are different.

Be the judge and find what suits your needs more. You can invest in some most trusted brands to get the right product. Little Giant and Rabbitnipples are the two most popular brands that have been serving the pig keeper for years. I hope you find this guide helpful. Good luck and happy shopping!

Pig Raising 101: A Complete Guide To Pig Farming

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Do you know an average pig farmer is generating a net profit of around $100 to $500 from one pig in 6 months? Surprised? Yes, it’s that profitable. Whether you are raising pigs out of admiration or solely for profit, it’s rewarding in all senses. No doubt, raising a pig is a little tricky but it’s more economical than the other livestock options.

A lot of my readers who are considering this profitable option must be asking “why should I start pig farming?” And other similar basic questions. Well, you should start pig farming because it requires a little investment and credits your bank account with a noticeable amount of money each year. Their upkeep cost is lower and they are ready for the world much earlier than the other livestock options.

Pig farmers mostly earn from selling meat(both in the processed and unprocessed form), selling newborn pigs, and pigs manure. But the profit is mainly derived from meat.

To be successful, one must need to know how to start, manage, and keep the farming running on a strong footing.

Since more animal admirers are interested in becoming a proud pig farmer we decided to enlighten our readers with a detailed guide.

In this article, we would be discussing how can you start pig farming? How would you raise pigs? How can you generate more profit from pig farming? The impact of pig farming on the environment, And everything you need to know about pig farming.

Contents show

How can you start pig farming?

Before discussing how you can start pig farming you need to know that pigs are more sensitive than most of the livestock options and they require special care and high-level management to get you something in return.

To start pig farming you need to have adequate space, basic accessories, and some money in hand to buy feed and get them access to clean water. To simplify it for you, we have broken down the whole process into a few easy-to-follow steps.

Select the type of farming

There are two types of pig farming; intensive and extensive. In intensive pig farming, pigs are kept and raised in a small housing system whereas, in free-range or extensive farming, pigs are raised at fields where oats, barley, Lucerne, or grass are grown. So, select the type of farming that suits you. Once you are sure of what you can afford it’s time to move ahead.

Draft a plan on paper

The first step towards pig farming is drafting a plan on paper. Since it’s a big step forward, you must be clear first which pig breed is going to rock your farm, whether you would be breeding or not? How would you be earning from them? How would you feed them? And how would you protect them from the weather?, Etc. Now note everything down and develop a detailed plan or get the plan developed from a professional.

Arrange necessary capital

Once you have planned everything out on paper, arrange the necessary capital to build housing/prepare the field, hire helpers, get the hogs, feed, accessories.

You can take the exact idea of the capital requirement from the existing hog farm owner. So, get the idea and move ahead.

Build housing or prepare fields

As you have got the capital, it’s time to spend some of it on pig housing or preparing fields. The shelter should protect the poor little fella from extreme weather conditions.

Make sure you are building the rest and feed area separately as it makes the cleaning much easier. The pig pen should be durable enough to not get affected by pig abuse.

Get the basic accessories

Now that you are done with the shelter, you can order the necessities. You would be needing a feeder, waterer, feed storage container, odor eliminator, and the first aid kit, etc.

Starting a business from scratch is always hard so it’s okay if you can not afford luxuries at this point.

These above-mentioned accessories are enough to kick start the operations. It’s better to take the necessities only as you still have to get the hogs for your farms.

Get the hogs

You have got the farm ready; it’s the need of the hour to invest in the most profitable hog breed. As per the experts, starting with 250 sows is economical. Yorkshire, Landrace, and Berkshire are considered the most profitable breeds for pig farming. Since you have been living and breathing with hogs from now on select the breed that you find suitable.

Hire helpers

An individual can’t run an entire pig farm. So consider hiring helpers. Two or three helpers would be enough to keep the operations running smoothly. It would be great if you can find experienced helpers for this job.

There, you have your dream farm ready to reward you. Before moving ahead, I would like to bless your eyes with the good news that this is the best time to invest in pig farming.

In ideal weather and growing conditions, the pig can grow 250 pounds in just 100 days. Pigs grow well in warmer weather so starting a pig farm in early spring would help you reap more benefits. It’s easier to start a pig farm if you have got enough capital but raising pigs is the trickiest part.

How to raise pigs?

According to the Canadian Veterinary Journal, Pigs grow faster than most livestock. Pigs are ready to be traded when they reach 5 to 6 months of their age. For these five to six months, you have to keep these little fellas under intensive care. To raise them the right you have to follow these rules;

Give easy access to feed and water

Pigs aren’t hardy so they must have easy access to feed and water. A baby pig can easily drink 0.5 gallons of water whereas fully mature pigs need at least 1 gallon of clean water every day.

Drinking adequate water every day would help in keeping metabolic function, milk production, and reproduction functions healthy. Moreover, water is also needed to keep the movement of nutrients throughout the body intact.

As per the general rule, pigs need 6 to 8 pounds of feed every day to grow and live a balanced life. Pigs appreciate eating scraps, it is also suggested to offer scraps once in a while. So, if you want your pigs to grow into fine healthy animals you must be supplying the feed and water as per the requirements.

It’s also important to choose the right feed. Their feed should contain a noticeable amount of protein. Since you are going to raise the entire farm on this feed, make sure the feed is healthy and affordable.

Keep the rest and feed area clean

Pigs are super messy. They don’t mind eating spoiled or rotten food scraps. Some farmers even have complained that they have to get their farms cleaned twice a day. To raise a healthy animal, you must keep the rest and feed area clean, safe, and healthy.

Protect the pigs against internal parasites

Pigs wherever they are raised, whatever purpose they are being raised for, get infected by internal parasites. Internal parasites do not just infect pigs but other livestock as well. Internal parasites are mostly handled with pasture management or anthelmintics.

To raise healthy pigs, it’s important to protect the farm pigs from internal parasites. Vets usually suggest anthelmintic treatment every four weeks to prevent this deadly parasite from taking the animal down.

Stay alert

Pigs are generally quite aggressive; they do not come to terms with humans and other animals easily.

Pigs attack humans and have been recorded to eat humans as well. No one on the farm can get loosened up, especially when you have been surrounded by so many pigs.

Keep snorting boards to prevent pig attacks. Stay alert even when the water is calm to prevent the attack from happening in the first place.

How can you generate more profit from pig farming?

Once your pigs reach a certain age, generating profit from them becomes your concern. As mentioned above, you can make money from pig farming in many ways by selling pigs, skin, meat, and manure. Let’s discuss how can you generate more profit from

Selling piglets or fully grown pigs

You need to know that piglets and fully grown pigs are both equally in demand. Piglets are mostly bought to raise as pets where fully grown pigs can only be demanded to slaughter because they are dangerous to keep otherwise.

The pig farmer can offer both piglets and fully grown pigs to generate more money from pig farming. It’s more profitable to sell fully grown pigs because their upkeep cost is noticeably lower and they don’t take years to grow.

If you are interested in making more money from pig farming, offer the pigs for sale only when they are at least five to six months.

Selling meat

You can also generate profit from selling pig meat but to make money from selling meat you need to have a slaughtering unit.

Pig meat can be sold in processed and unprocessed forms. The answer to the question, what’s more profitable, selling processed or unprocessed pig meat? can only be taken from the management accountant.

The management account would take in the regular costs, the regular profit, and the further cost of processing and profit from selling processed meat, and judge what’s more profitable for you.

Selling manure

Pig manure is in great demand because of it’s rewarding nature. Pig manure is demanded by the gardeners because it is enriched in calcium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper, boron, and iron, chlorine.

It is being used on a large scale to give the lawns and gardens a healthy boost. A single pig can produce 1.3 gallons of pig manure in one day. If one pig can produce approximately 39 gallons a month imagine how much pig manure your farm pigs would be producing. It is therefore recommended to sell the pig manure to generate more revenues from pig farming.

Selling skin

A lot of you might not know the advanced pig farmers make money from selling pigskin as well. The pigskin is in demand because it is used as a protective wound covering and for treating severe burns.

Pigskin is also desired to make work gloves, wallets, shoes, and bags. The famous brand called “Louis Vuitton” is popular for selling pigskin leather handbags.

The impact of pig farming on the environment

Pig farming leaves both positive and negative impacts on the environment. The negative impacts can be minimized to a great extent by simply following the golden principles of pig farming. Intensive farming is a bit toxic for the environment but extensive pig farming is rewarding. It helps in managing the ecosystem and maintaining biodiversity.

Pig farming, whether it’s intensive or extensive, causes less damage to the environment than agriculture. As per the data released by the American Farm Bureau, around 9.0 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture whereas, pig farming pollutes the with less than 0.3 percent greenhouse gas emission.

We all know what role plants and trees play in maintaining a healthy environment. Pigs contribute to the planet earth’s health unknowingly.

As in extensive farming, they roam around dispersing seeds, making conditions for new plants to grow. Moreover, The one most obvious advantage of pig farming is that it blesses us with highly nutritional meat.

With all the goods pig farming has it’s bads as well. It’s not just the pig feces and wastes that pollute the surroundings there are some other threats as well.

Excessive pig farming releases nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment that pollutes our air, water and leads to algae overgrowth. Excessive nitrogen in the environment can impact our visibility and breathability.

Everything you need to know about pig farming

Frankly, that’s going to be a detailed discussion as there is a lot you still need to know about pig farming.

Pigs can not be kept with any other animal

Pigs can not be kept with any other farm animal not just because they are aggressive but also because they have a high sex drive. Keeping or mixing pigs with farm animals(goats, sheep, donkeys, etc) would simply be an invitation to trouble.

Dogs and pigs never do well because dogs are predators and the latter species is a prey animal. However, if you can keep the farm animals to their defined places, you can run a multi-animal farm successfully.

Pigs farms should be located far away from the densely populated areas

Pigs stink! Even one pig is enough to give you a headache. Imagine how the environment of the pig farm would be. Fortunately, humans have come up with a solution, pig odor eliminators are usually used at the farms to make the environment breathable. The pig farms must still be located far away because pig feces and wastes pollute the surroundings.

Extensive pig farming is far less damaging

In intensive pig farming, several hundred hogs are confined to small spaces. The pigs in this system of farming would only be polluting the environment.

Extensive farming, which is usually not adopted because of the space it requires, is far less damaging. It encourages plant growth and does not pollute the environment that heavily.

You can breed the pigs or choose to increase the population another way, it’s totally up to you!

Pig farms can be grown with or without breeding. Breeding pigs on farms is economical than buying and raising piglets to sell in the market.

If you are ready to take the breeding responsibility, you can choose to breed but if you are raising pigs for meat then buying and raising piglets is more feasible.

The pigs that are solely raised for meat can not be bred. These pigs are castrated to obtain the delicious meat. The farmers that are raising pigs for meat have no other option than choosing to buy and raise piglets. Whereas, the pig farms that are made for no specific reason can choose to or not breed pigs.

Pigs are not hardy at all

Pigs appear strong but they are not hardy at all. If good food, water, and suitable housing can boost their health then it can affect them adversely as well.

Keeping and raising pigs is a huge responsibility, they must be entertained with nutritional food, clean water, and pig-friendly housing to generate more profit. Poor management, lack of food, water, and inappropriate housing can not affect one or two pigs but will destroy the entire farming enterprise.

Do not invest in poorly bred pigs

Since you are raising pigs for breadwinning it’s important to invest in some expensive pig breeds. The advanced pig farmers usually suggest investing in Yorkshire, Hampshire, Landrace, Duroc, Tamworth, Tibetan, and Meishan pig breeds.

The poorly bred or cheap pig breeds should be avoided as they are genetically inferior and take a longer time to grow. Moreover, they can carry diseases as well. The poorly bred pigs are also not in demand for meat.

Pig farms should at least be started with 250 sown

If you are dreaming of generating a noticeable amount of money each year, it’s mandatory to start pig farming with at least 250 sown. Going above figure 250 would be more profitable. And if you do not want to go big at this point, consider starting with the suggested number.

Pigs are omnivores, they need a variety of food to live a balanced life

Like humans, pigs are omnivores, they can not be kept solely on commercial feeds. They must be fed commercial feed, clean and fresh food scraps, corn, soybeans, fish, insects, plants, flowers, roots, and leaves, etc. So, you must know that you would be struggling with the feeding and the cleaning part the most.

They need to be vaccinated more often

Pigs must be checked and vaccinated properly before selling them in the market. Pigs can easily become a victim of Foot and mouth disease, PRRS, swine influenza, swine fever, TGE, diarrhea, and Aujeszky’s disease. So to boost internal response they are vaccinated from time to time. You must also take into account the vaccination cost while summing up the upkeep cost.

One pig needs at least 20 square feet to stay sane

Pigs get insane when the living conditions are not up to the mark. The most experienced pig farms suggest dedicating at least 20 square feet to one pigpen. It would be enough for one average pig to roam around comfortably. However, if you are building a pigpen for an exceptionally healthy pig extend it to 50 square feet.

You can not place the feeder and waterer side by side

Generally, we keep the waterers and feeders side by side on the farms but pig farming requires you to do the opposite. The pigs generally prefer relieving themselves near the water or waterers. So, you can not keep the pig feeder and waterer side by side. The waterer should be kept far away from the feeder where the mess can be handled easily.

Install electric fence if you can afford

Pig fencing should never be cheap but expensive and sturdy. The fence should be firm enough to take in the hog abuse. Electric fencing is a reliable option for pigs but it’s quite expensive. It’s suggested if you can afford it, go for the moveable electric fencing for your and pigs’ safety.

You must have a partial shelter for emergencies

When you are raising pigs at your farm, you must be prepared for emergencies. For a safety measure in the case of emergency, build a partial shelter to lock the pigs in.

Moreover, this partial shelter can be used to give pigs a breath from the usual environment. Make sure the partial shelter you are building can be wrapped or unwrapped easily.

You have to control flies

Where there are pigs there are flies. Files find a home in pig farms. You have to control flies with fly control sprays and some precautionary measures.

Despite being harmful to pigs and the environment, intensive farming is chosen over extensive pig farming

Intensive farming locks pigs to a small 20-50 square feet place, it’s super unhealthy for the environment and pigs. Even though we all know how harmful it is, still we choose it over extensive farming. Intensive pig farming is becoming popular because of the lack of space and limited capital.

I hope my readers have gained a lot of knowledge from this short pig farming guide. Since it’s impossible to cover everything in this short guide but I have enlightened you with all the worth-sharing information. Now let’s move ahead and find out what the individuals, sitting behind the laptop and mobile screen, search about pig farming and what I have to say about it.

Food List of Pigs

There is some pigs feed list mentioned above which is a regular diet. Some fruits and vegetables can be fed as a treat to pigs. Pigs love to eat apples, grapes, oranges, onions and eggs.

Can Pigs Eat Chicken Bones?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pig farming profitable?

Yes, it’s profitable if one knows how to carry it forward. To make money from pig farming, it is advised to know this industry well before jumping into it.

How much can I make from pig farming?

You can make more than your expectations from pig farming. If one five to six months old pig can help you generate $100-$500 net profit, how much you would be earning from the pig farm monthly and annually? Most pig farmers in the USA are earning more than $136000 annually.

The pig farmers have a bunch of options to make money from for example; from selling piglets, meat, pig manure to pigskins.

How do pig farmers make so much money?

Pig farmers credit their accounts by selling piglets, fully mature pigs, unprocessed or processed meat, pig manure, and pigskin. They make the most money from selling meat and pig manure.

How is pig farming so profitable?

Pig farming is profitable because pigs grow quickly. A five to six months old can help you get a noticeable return. Besides meat and quick growing, it is also profitable because the farmers can sell pig manure, pigskin as well.

How much does it cost to start pig farming?

Pig farming doesn’t require much capital, $800 to $900 is enough to build a little pig farming setup. The monthly upkeep cost of pigs is also considerably lower than livestock options, it’s simply rewarding.

What do pigs eat at pig farms?

Pigs are omnivorous, they can not be solely kept on commercial feed. The pigs at pig farms are eating a variety of feed including fishes, insects, corn, commercial feed, soybeans, food scraps, oats, barley, and sorghum, etc.

In brief, pig farming is rewarding but it puts a huge responsibility on your shoulders. Pig farming is super profitable, the average pig farmers are making around $136000 annually. It doesn’t require much capital $800 to $900 is enough to build a small startup. To raise healthy pigs, the aspiring pig farmers, must build pig-friendly shelters, give easy access to feed and water.

How Much are Pot-Bellied Pigs: Can you Afford?

Pigs / By Talon Juper

So the pot-bellied pigs have caught your eyes as well? Pot-bellied or teacup pigs are considered true pet pigs. They are hardly raised for meat or any other reason except as a wonderful companion. The growing appreciation of this cute little creature encouraged me to dedicate an article to the cost of owning a pot-bellied pig. So without further ado, let’s see how much you can expect to have to keep a pot-bellied pig.

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How Much Does It Cost to Get One Pot-Bellied Pig??

The miniature pot-bellied pigs, which are often admired and wanted as a pet, can either be purchased from professional pot-bellied organizations or breeders. They are generally not expensive; the well-reputed breeders are offering these miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs at prices around $600 to $800. However, adopting this miniature pig is even more economical, adoption can cost $100 to $200.

If we try to see the whole situation from a monetary point of view, the pot-bellied pigs can make the most economical pets. So, both adopting and purchasing a pot-bellied pig from a breeder is not at all expensive but is owning a pot-bellied pig affordable or not? The actual story starts from here. So, let’s move ahead and see

How much does is the upkeep cost to own a pot-bellied pig?

Beneath the small compacted body, the pot-bellied pigs are just regular pigs. Their needs, requirements, and upkeep cost are pretty much similar to their fellas. Since this article is being published to give you a detailed idea. So let’s discuss the all possible costs you have to bear in a year to own a pot-bellied pig.

Feeding cost

The first unavoidable cost I would like to discuss here is “feeding cost”. Like all the pig population, the pot-bellied pigs need corn, soya meal, oats, farm grain-based feed, and healthy food scraps to live a balanced life.

Moreover, overly pampered pigs also eat cheerios, shredded wheat, and dried bananas as occasional treats.

The maximum amount of money you have to set aside for food must be at least $400 per month( if you are planning to raise on superior grade food but if you are fine with offering food scraps quite often the total monthly feeding cost can be minimized to $115 to $200).

Neutering cost

Neutering is a one-time cost mostly the pigs that are offered for sale are already neutered. The aspiring pig owner may or may not have to bear the neutering cost.

Neutering is a surgical procedure that prevents pet animals from reproducing.

Neutering is mandatory because it has a reputation for bringing a positive behavioral change in pet pigs. This surgical procedure is usually performed in a return of $100 to $150.

Veterinary cost

According to the US National Library of Medicine, Pigs are messy eaters so they don’t bother what they should and should not be eating. Most pet pigs because of their weird eating habits mostly become a reason for the surprising vet visits.

However, the healthier pigs that are kept on a strict diet hardly get sick. One or two checkups in a year are enough to keep this little creature fit and healthy. The total annual veterinary cost can be expected up to $100 to $150.

Training cost

A lot of you might be questioning ” pig and training?”, “training and pig?” Yes, it’s absolutely necessary to train the pig to adapt to the environment.

It’s not that easy to raise pigs as a pet because they are naturally quite aggressive towards humans and their fellow animals. Various enormous pigs have attacked and eaten humans and animals.

Pot-bellied pigs can attack and have some behavioral issues but they are just not that giant enough to eat a fellow living thing. To turn the pig into an acceptable pet they are made to pass-through a few weeks of training. Such training can cost somewhere around $200 to $600 per month depending on the reputation of the training center.

Basic accessories cost for raising pot-bellied pig

To own and raise a pig you must have to order a few basic accessories like feeding a pot, waterer, bed, potty pads, odor remover, blanket, and a cozy cave. All these accessories are readily available on Amazon at the below-mentioned prices;

Feeding pot $36 to $150

Waterer $39 to $50

Bed $20 to $60

Potty pads $29 to $39

Odor remover $19 to $44

Blanket $29 to $40

Cozy cave $85 to $150

Toys $20 to $30

There are several other accessories as well but we have decided not to include pig luxuries like pig wipes, pig feeder, main and tail shampoo, pig record diary, etc. If you are interested to spoil your pig with all these luxuries you can check the latest price on Amazon.

The first year of adoption is generally quite heavy on the pocket whether the animal you are adopting is a pig, horse, donkey, goat, or any animal that can be kept as a pet. Whereas, the rest of the years would not cost more than a few thousand dollars a year.

Since we are talking about the cost you must have to bear to own a pig, it becomes mandatory to discuss how you can get one? Or where do you get the pot-bellied pigs from? Dogs, cats, and other regular pets can be bought or adopted without any strict hunt but for pigs like pot-bellied, you have to survey the market.

Where to Purchase pot-bellied pig?

So, now that you have decided to have a pot-bellied pig as a pet let’s help you in finding one. Pot-bellied pigs can be bought from the following resources;

Online livestock exchanges
Local farms
Pet sanctuary
Friends or acquaintance

Online livestock exchanges

Online livestock markets can be of great help if you are finding a pot-bellied pig. The online livestock exchanges are offering all kinds of regular and rare animals at the best possible prices. Pot-bellied pigs are rarely available in local pet stores so you must have to check in the online livestock exchange for this purpose.

Local farms

Pigs are often raised at farms. The livestock keepers take pride in having exceptional breeds on their farms. Pot-bellied is, no doubt, hard to find but they are still not that rare that they can not be found on the local farms. So, do check local farms even if it’s obvious or sounds stupid.

Pet sanctuary

Pet sanctuaries are made by animal admirers. The animals found at the pet sanctuaries are often rescued from inhumane living conditions. The pet sanctuaries are not solely developed for profit but rather to rescue from poor living conditions and to hand over them to the animal admirers to have a better lifestyle.

Pet sanctuaries are the most economical way of finding a pet. The animals offered here are much cheaper than the animals found at local farms or online livestock exchanges.

Friends or acquaintance

Pigs are probably the most common pets so finding them at a friend’s or acquaintance’s place would not be surprising. You can easily adopt the pot-bellied pig from a friend or acquaintance but only if they are willing to give up for adoption.

They may offer the pet without any monetary exchange and what if you get the accessories as well? Do ask your friends or acquaintance if they want to set up their pig for adoption or if they know anyone selling locally?

Lastly, I hope you find this article helpful. This article is solely based on my knowledge if you want to get an accurate idea it’s better to ask an existing teacup pig owner.

How to Raise Feeder Pigs?

Pigs / By Farming Base

The domestication of pigs began 8 to 10 thousand years ago in the areas of East Asia, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean. The gradual process of domestication resulted in breeds that store 70% of their muscle mass in the back of their body, which is the most economically important in today’s production.

The key to raising feeder pigs is choosing good genetics that has the potential to achieve the best results.

A feeder pig is a pig around 8 weeks of age, weighing less than 120 pounds. They are raised to market age, then weighted and slaughtered.

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How to raise feeder pigs?

To raise feeder pigs, certain elements need to be considered, for example, expenses, skills, and ideas.

In general, according to the production characteristics of pigs, they are divided into noble, transitional, and primitive. Within noble or modern genotypes, we can distinguish pure breeds and the increasingly linear hybrids found in intensive production systems.

Pigs don’t require spectacular housing. They can live in a hut that provides shade during summertime, and heat during the wintertime. The most prominent concern is usually fencing. Pigs like to dig under fences and can damage them, so a lot of people set up electric fences. They will choose electric fences because they are usually cheaper and easier to install.

The area in which the pigs are settled should provide enough space for them. For wintertime, pigs should have bedding to keep warm. Some even opt to use heat lamps, but if not handled well, heat lamps could cause fires.

The pigs are mostly fed with grains. Some say that barley is the best cereal for pigs because 90% of it gets absorbed into the body. Barley should make up 70% of all grains in the feeding, as it can feed pigs of any age. Peas are sometimes added to the diet because it saturates the body with proteins and significantly improves the quality of meat.

The major health problem that affects small piglets is respiratory diseases. They need extra care to watch out for symptoms like raising body temperature, coughing, and loss of appetite. The normal body temperature of a pig is 102.5°F. To raise the animal’s resistance and fight bacteria, pigs should get regular vaccines.

How much does it cost to raise a feeder pig?

Most feeder pigs are bought to be raised in the summertime, so a lot of pigs will be bought in spring. Raising pigs in the wintertime is less sufficient, as they need more food to keep them warm.

The exact cost cannot be pinpointed because the cost depends on a lot of factors. When you think about how to raise pigs, the first thing everyone needs to think about is their accommodation. They need to be constantly provided with food and water. If necessary, they need to have transportation. In great heats, they need coolers, so the pigs don’t get stressed out. The cost of a pig’s accommodation can be around $300.

The cost of feeding pigs is relatively high. Traditionally, in the later stages of growth, some people mix their food, such as corn, with already-made food that differs according to the stages of growth. Depending on different food prices, it will take around $150-$200 to feed one pig to market weight.

One should also need to think about a pig’s health care. If a pig falls extremely ill, the health care costs can be big.

How long does it take to grow a feeder pig?

A feeder pig will grow from 60 to 250 pounds in five months. When the pig is born, it weighs about 4 pounds and it will stay with its mom until around 8 weeks of age.

The growing potential of pigs is determined by genetics. If the pigs are healthy, raising them should be an easy success. This depends on the breed of pig. A lot of people have favorite breeds which they use for feeding. The most common one is a crossbred feeder pig. They can be distinguished by white tan and grey spots on the back.

The environment also has a great impact on pig growth. They need to stay in an area that is comfortable for them and protect them from extreme weather. Pigs can be raised completely inside or outside.

Pigs shouldn’t be stressed out in their environment. If the pig is stress-free and calm, it will grow faster and healthier, without developing major diseases. Under stress, pigs will not eat. Pigs need to have plenty of food and water, especially in high heat. As the pigs grow, so does their need for water.

Temperature is important for pig growth. They can adapt to any climate, but too low or too high temperature can affect their growth. If the temperature is too high, pigs can be very stressed out and they can lose appetite. If the pigs are too cold, they will consume more food, but it will burn that food to preserve energy to keep warm.

The most crucial factor to make sure pigs grow is food. The quality of food and feeding is a huge factor that determines the best results. Pigs need to have food available for them at all times. A feeder pig of 40 pounds usually takes around 9 months to raise. For pigs to reach 250 pounds, it would take another 6 months to feed and raise them. But this also depends on the breed of pigs.

Daily, pigs eat about 4% of their body weight. To meet their essential needs, they require lots of water, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. When a proper diet is maintained, expected weight gains are from 1.5 to 1.7 pounds per day.

How do you feed feeder pigs?

Pigs, according to the development of the digestive system, belong to the group of omnivores, so they can consume plant and animal food. They have a simple stomach which is why they break down concentrated feeds better than voluminous foods.

The feed of the pigs is divided into energy, protein, mineral, and supplements. The most common energy feed, which is used in pig feeding, is corn, which is the basis of pig feeding and makes up 60-80% of the meals. In addition to corn, the most common cereals consumed by pigs are barley, wheat, rye, sorghum, and oats.

Piglets are initially fed breast milk or milk replacers, and growth is increased by the use of a Pre-starter, which is in flour form. After the pig separates from his mother, the Starter and Grower are used, so piglets should eat 2 pounds of Pre-starter, 28 pounds of Starter, and 50 pounds of Grower.

Pig feeding is done with concentrates and two mixtures are used. The first one is ST1 with 16% protein and ST2 with 14% protein. ST1 is used for pigs from 55 to 130 pounds, while ST2 is used for pigs from 130 to 220 pounds.

The largest increase in body weight of pigs is achieved if they consume mixtures ad libitum, in which case the duration of a feeding is the shortest. The composition of the feed for pigs should not be constant but should change, depending on the price of raw materials and feeder pigs on the market.

Dry or wet food can be used in pig feeding. Wheat is by far the most popular food for pigs. Almost equal to barley, it contains a large number of nutrients and supplies the body with energy. Unrelated to their age, every food given to pigs needs to be supplied with lots of water.

When feeding pigs, there are general foods that should be avoided. Food high in sugar can slow down the growth rate. Fish, milk, and meats carry viruses that cause health issues. Potatoes could damage the stomach and it can sometimes result in death. Potatoes can also destroy red blood cells and cause heart failure.

7 Best Pig Feeder (Reviews) in 2022

Pigs / By Talon Juper

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Looking for a new pig feeder? Tired of needing to find pig feeders every other day? It’s just not your problem. Several hundred thousand pig keepers are often seen struggling to find the right feeder for their hog.

The pig feeders are mostly demanded to train pigs to eat in discipline and sometimes with a reason to let them eat as per their will. Pig feeders are also bought to reduce the feed waste.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the pig keepers do not usually find many options to choose from.

Despite having fewer options, It’s still hard to select one feeder out of those available options for a lot of reasons.

My pig was developing a bad habit of putting his mouth in every dish, container he could possibly find. To train him to eat from his pot I was hell-bent on finding him a right feeding pot last week.

In between finding the right feeding pot I got to learn a lot about pig feeders. So, I decided to summarize it all in one article. The hog feeders that I had to choose from are;

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Best Pig Feeder Reviews

Brower Hog Feeder
Behlen Country Four Feet Feed Trough
Little Giant Piglet Feeder
Bower 11H Single Door Supplement Hog Feeder
Ware Manufacturing 5-Inch Sifer Pet Feeder With Lid
Bower Galvanized Steel Animal Feeder
Little Giant Heavy Duty Mountable Plastic Fence Feeder

1. Brower Hog Feeder

The Brower is serving the livestock keepers with versatile feeding and watering equipment for almost a decade.

The quality, durability, and user-friendly construction make it a leading feeding and watering equipment brand.

The 16-gauge sturdily built feeder is manufactured to withstand extreme weather and Pig abuse. Four openings and a seven-bushel feed capacity can feed up to 20 large hogs.

The adjustable feed slide allows the cover to shut automatically when the feed is full. Moreover, there are multiple other feeding and watering options for locally grown poultry; beef cattle, sheep, dairy, swine, and eggs.

Pros

Offers several multiple feeding and watering option
Enough for feeding 20 hogs
Large, free acting, automatic closure
Suitable for well-grown hogs
Sturdily build
Withstands extreme weather and hog abuse
Four feed openings

Cons

Got a few negative reviews
Comes unassembled

2. Behlen Country Four Feet Feed Trough

Behlen country store was established in 1936 to provide value-added customer satisfaction with their versatile products.

This thoughtfully designed trough not only makes the refilling less tiring but gives the livestock easy access to feed.

The multi-purpose four inches tall steel feed trough is designed to be used for both feeding and watering purposes. The versatile design allows it to be used for various other livestock options as well. It can hold 8-½ gallons of feed and 5 gallons of water.

The Behlen feeding trough is heavy and tough enough to take in the hog abuse without losing it’s place. Can be used to feed goats, deers, pigs, and sheep, for chickens, it’s too tall.

Pros

Heavy enough to hold it’s place
Can be used as a waterer
Easy cleaning and refilling
Equally suitable for mini or well-grown pigs

Cons

Needs a repaint after a few months of use
Got no cover
Can catch rust

3. Little Giant Piglet Feeder

Little Giant Piglet Feeder is made to serve the small needs. The open feeding trough makes it a handy pot for refilling and cleaning.

The little giant piglet feeder is highly suitable for those who are looking to get a valuable pig feeder at an affordable price.

The adjustable feed flow gives the pig keeper full control.

The only drawback a lot of pig keepers found is “missing cover”. The feed can get damp or moisten due to weather conditions.

Pros

3 feed portions
Adjustable flow
Affordable
Durable
Can be used for chickens, rabbits, and pigeons, etc.

Cons

Suitable for baby pigs only
Got no cover

4. Bower 11H Single Door Supplement Hog Feeder

Bower 11H single door supplement hog feeder is in Amazon’s choice because of it’s positive reviews, supernatural sales, and user-friendly design.

This large pig feeder is enough to feed four fully grown pigs.

This 11H pig feeder can hold 1.5 bushels. The 20 gauge galvanized steel does not just add more toughness to nature but also allows it to take in abuse.

Adjustable feed gate and saver lip are placed keeping the needs of pigs in mind.

The well-covered top keeps the feed fresh for a longer time. It can be filled or refilled by raising back the top cover. Comes in only one size.

Pros

Easy to assemble
Made from ultra-durable 20 gauge galvanized steel
Comes with a cover
Sturdy

Cons

Non-satisfactory installation instructions

5. Ware Manufacturing 5-Inch Sifer Pet Feeder With Lid

This general-purpose pet feeder has recently gained popularity because of it’s versatile nature. The side hooks keep it in place and ensure easy installation.

This versatile feeder can be used to feed chicken, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds.

The all-metal design makes it durable enough to last years with you. Have enough room to store at least 5 days’ feed. The chew-proof metal keeps it new for a longer time. Available in only one color. Absolutely safe and handy for indoor use.

Pros

Can be used on all mini pets
Chew-proof, durable
All-metal
Doesn’t require refilling up to five days

Cons

Available in only one color
Can be used indoors only
Doesn’t include a lid

6. Bower Galvanized Steel Animal Feeder

Bower 18 CF galvanized small animal feeder is manufactured from top-grade steel that makes it nearly unbreakable.

This small feeder can be used to feed 4 pigs for several days as it can hold 25 pounds of feed.

The feed saver flange on the trough does not limit its use.

It can be used to feed chickens, goats, rabbits, ducks, pigeons, etc. It is designed specifically to reduce feed waste.

Balanced weight distribution doesn’t allow it to move an inch from the place it is mounted. However, it doesn’t include a lid.

Pros

Can be used for multiple purposes
Balanced weight distribution aid in holding the place
Designed to reduce food waste
Manufactured from top-grade steel

Cons

Doesn’t include a lid
Suits chicken more
Good for indoor use

7. Little Giant Heavy Duty Mountable Plastic Fence Feeder

The Little Giant Heavy Duty Mountable Plastic Fence is not specifically made for pigs but it’s okay for occasional use.

It’s easy to store and mount. The heavy-duty hooks make it useful for the long haul.

This portable feeder is quick to take off and install. The durable heavy-duty plastic doesn’t restrict its use” to indoors only”.

It is 11 inches long, 6.75 inches wide, 6 inches high, enough to feed one pet pig.

It can be used to feed birds, horses, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, calves, chickens, and baby pigs. It comes in two sizes and colors.

Pros

Unlike other pig feeders, it comes in sizes and attractive colors
Easy to take off and install
Heavy-duty aluminum hooks

Cons

It’s not as durable as steel feeders
Can only allow one pig

These were the pig feeder options that caught my attention. Unfortunately, we are unable to bring more options to the limelight as the Little Giant and Bower have not allowed the small feeder manufacturing brands to make it to Amazon. Therefore our recommendation list ends here.

As we all know hogs are messy eaters they don’t know what the word “discipline” means when it comes to eating. So, The pig feeders should be bought after detailed research as not all feeders can stand up to the pig abuse.

While looking for a pig feeder the first thing you need to be careful with is it should be a “specific” pig feeder.

The feeders that are specially designed for hogs are tougher and far more durable than the general animal feeders.

Do not ever go get carried away by the catchy advertisement, eye-catching photos, and impressive product description as these are just selling tricks.

Feeders play an important role in maintaining the pig’s health as these cute little fellas eat in a huge quantity, the feeders are bought to retain a balanced diet that helps in maintaining healthy stock, maximizing growth, reproduction, and increasing production.

This reason defines how important it is to choose the right feeder for your pet pig. Now that you got to know the importance of a pig feeder in a pig’s life, want to know how can you judge whether this feeder is right for the job or not?

How to find the right pig feeder – Buyers Guide

Finding a pig feeder can be the toughest or easiest job in the world as there are quite a few companies that are manufacturing and listing their top-grade feeders on amazon, it can be the toughest as it should be able to withstand the hog abuse and offers only the required quantity of feed. While finding the pig feeder you have to look for a few things;

Material

The first thing you need to be aware of before placing a order is “material”.

Pigs abuse the feeders and waterers a lot so the feeder should be of fine material like steel as it is apparent, sturdy, and durable in all senses.

The plastic feeders may not be able to serve the purpose more than just a couple of months.

Lid

The next thing you should be bothering about is whether it has a lid or not? It may appear unimportant to you but having a feeder with a lid can save your pig feed from getting affected by the weather conditions.

Feeders usually come without lids but the feeders with this valuable addition are not rare.

Gate and Lip

Gate and lip also play a huge role in supplying the feed right away.

The feeder’s gate should be adjustable so that you can minimize or maximize the quantity of feed being released.

The commercial pig feed is expensive, the feeder should have a lip to avoid feed spilling all over the ground.

The lip should be right above the front gate to serve the food and keep the moisture, bugs, rodents away.

Size

Size is an important factor that should never be ignored when you are selecting the pig feeder.

You need to be aware of whether the feeder is for one or two or three pigs.

The feeder should hold a good amount of feed to feed the pigs for at least two to three days. So, look for the height and width of the feeder to minimize the refilling required.

Budget

Like shopping for every essential item, you need to look for the amount of money it is being offered at.

If it suits your budget you can go for it if don’t the market is still crowded with the affordable options.

Moreover, double-check the height as you certainly do not want to lose half of the feed by spillage. Also, pay attention to how it can be installed? Whether it has the hooks or other installing aid or not.

Weight should also not be ignored because it allows the feeder to hold its place.

The majority of the top-grade feeders come in steel color but if you want it to be in a specific color, you can consider looking for that color as well.

Half knowledge is dangerous, you should know how much feed your pig needs daily to get the right feeder. So, let’s not deprive you off of this valuable information;

Generally, the fully grown pig needs 8.8 to 17.6 lbs of feed every day to live a balanced life. Whereas, the piglets’ daily feed requirements depends on their age and weight.

On average the daily need is;

Age	Weight	Feed Requirement
8 to 10 weeks	26 to 33 lbs	1.6lbs
10 to 12 weeks	33 to 44 lbs	2.2lbs
12 to 16 weeks	44 to 88lbs	4.4lbs
16 to 18 weeks	88 to 110lbs	5.5lbs
18 to 24 weeks	110 to 185lbs	6.6lbs
24 to 28 weeks	185 to 231lbs	7.7lbs

It wouldn’t be hard now to judge how much feed your pig feeder should hold. Half of your issue, I’m sure is resolved and you are welcome.

Pro-Tip

Pig feeders are not designed to hold food scrap or any garbage pigs like to get their hands on. These feeders are specifically made to be filled with corn, soybean meal, or commercial feed only. If you want to feed food scrap you have to invest in some general animal feeders.

My recommendation

All the above-mentioned options are good for the job but Bower 11H Single Door Supplement Hog Feeder and Bower Galvanized Steel Animal Feeder are quite up to the mark for pig feeding.

These feeders are of perfect size, affordable, and made of steel. Do not solely rely on my recommendation do thorough research, be the judge, and find out what fulfills your need as what suits us may be useless for you.

Summary

Pig feeders are demanded to give these cute little messy creature freedom to eat. Feeders are an excellent tool to reduce food waste.

The reliable feeders that are available to be sold on Amazon are; Brower Hog Feeder, Behlen Country Four Feet Feed Trough, Little Giant Piglet Feeder, Bower 11H Single Door Supplement Hog Feeder, Ware Manufacturing 5-Inch Sifer Pet Feeder With Lid, Bower Galvanized Steel Animal Feeder, and Little Giant Heavy Duty Mountable Plastic Fence Feeder.

All these options are durable except the plastic one (it isn’t as durable as steel hog feeder but enough to feed up to a year at least). Bower 11H Single Door Supplement Hog Feeder and Bower Galvanized Steel Animal feeder are the most promising options for two to three pig’s feeding requirement. Lastly, I hope you have found this article helpful.

10 Small Pig Breeds that Look Cute

Pigs / By Shumaila Ejaz

Pigs are often demanded as a companion or for various purposes including food (pork, bacon, gammon) and skin. The pigs make great agricultural and environmental pets.

Miniature or small pigs are either kept as a pet or raised for meat. They produce delicious meat that is being eaten around the globe as “bacon”, “sausage”, and ” pork chops”.

Small pigs are adored for their curious, social, and extra friendly nature. There are some countable mini pig breeds that are spreading across the globe on a large scale. Most of the small pig breeds mentioned below are good pets and flavorful meat producing creatures.

American Mini Pig
Juliana
Meishan
Kunekune
Ossabaw Island Hog
Miniature Pig
Mulefoot Pig
American Guinea Hog
Pot Bellied Pigs
Gottingen Mini Pig

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Small Pig Breeds

American Mini Pig

American mini pigs evolved after years of cross-breeding various pig breeds of the world. This 15 to 20 inches mini pig makes a perfect pet for all pig admirers. They are even-tempered, intelligent, friendly disposition, and easy to train.

The American mini pigs have strong, proportionate, and straight legs. Because of their small compacted body, they are also called by cute nicknames; “teacup pigs, pocket pigs, micro-pigs”.

Like most of the pig breeds, well kept American pigs can usually live more than 20 years. American mini pigs have an appreciation for zucchini, cucumber, carrots, pumpkin, and peppers.

Juliana

Juliana is another small pig breed that is known for it’s spotted coat. It looks quite similar to the large hog or feral pig. Like, the whole compacted build, Juliana has small erect ears.

The Juliana pigs may have white, silver, rust, red, black, and cream color. The spotting gets less visible as the coat grows longer. The weight of Juliana pig greatly depends on the bone structure, health, and length but the body weight usually remains below 40 pounds.

The life expectancy of Juliana pig is generally 18 years. These pigs have extremely sensitive skin so require more care than any other pig breed.

Meishan Pig

Meishan pig miniature pig breed that is named after a province in China. They can be identified by the wrinkled black skin and large drooping ears.

The Meishan pigs are always in demand because of their tender flavorful red meat pork. This pig breed is admired for superior lard, fat quality, and succulent meat.

The Meishan pig is super hardy. They are mostly kept and raised because of their flavorful meat, less demanding nature, hyper-productivity, prolificacy, and ability to live on a rough diet. The life expectancy of this pig breed is up to 15 to 20 years.

Kunekune

Kunekune is considered the smallest of all miniature pig breeds. The kunekune pig breed is blessed with black, white, brown, gold tip, cream, and tricolors. The kunekune pig breed got the recognition it deserves in the 19th century. This cute black and white pig breed is becoming rare.

Kunekune like all small pet pig breeds is known for their docile and friendly nature. The kunekune pig is well covered with long, short, straight, or curly hair. Kunekune pigs do not do well indoors as their natural habitat is woodland and pasture.

Kunekune is true grazing pigs so they prefer grass over food scraps. The female kunekune are excellent mothers that become fertile within six to seven months of their age (but can only be impregnated after 5 months of reaching puberty).

Ossabaw Island Hog

The ossabaw island hogs are believed to be the descendants of Spanish pigs that represent the spanish heritage quite well. These pigs have got heavier coats, upright ears, and prominent long snouts. The ossabaw island hogs are found in black, spotted black and white, red and tan color.

Like most almost all pig breeds, the ossabaw Island Hogs are hardy and excellent foragers. Because of their resilience, sustainability, and wildness outdoor farms suit them well.

Ossabaw Island Hogs survive their entire summer and spring on leeches, earthworms, fiddler crabs, and insects, etc whereas in winters they look for roots and tubers to fulfill their food requirements.

Miniature Pig

The miniature is categorized as the world’s smallest pig because of their extra small compacted body they are also referred to as Micro Pig, Pygmy Pig, and Dwarf Pig.

The perked-back ears, pot belly, chubby figure, swayed back, short snout, well-rounded head, thick hair, short neck, tail, and legs are their prominent identification marks. The miniature pigs are much easier to raise and keep than the other small pig breeds. They are cute white pig breeds with black upper bodies.

Besides being domesticated, the miniature pigs are also raised for medical purposes as well. They are usually used in toxicology, pharmacology, pulmonology, experimental surgery, orthopedic, xenotransplantation, orthopedic procedure search. Moreover, they are also great pet.

Mulefoot Pig

This domestic pig breed got this name because of their intact uncloven hooves. The Mulefoot pigs can be recognized by their long snouts, erect floppy ears, and short shiny ears. Moreover, they are blessed with bright, clear and expressive eyes.

The swons belonging to this pig breed are dedicated mothers as they take good care of their babies until they reach maturity. The Mulefoot is mainly kept for it’s leaner meat.

The Mulefoot hog population is now in a critical stage as the annual registration number has dropped down to 200. The majority of the Mulefoot pig population is living and entertaining the pig admirers of Missouri.

American Guinea Hog

American Guinea Hog is a small domestic pig breed that originates from the United States of America. The American Guinea Hog, besides their obvious name, also got referred to as ” Pineywoods Guinea”, “Guinea Forest Hog”, “Acorn Eater”, and “Yard Pig”.

The American Guinea Hog have black coats, curly tail, upright ears, and a sturdy body. Guinea Hogs are either raised as a companion or for meat. One Guinea Hogs can reward you with 60 to 80 pounds of pork.

The domestic pig breed can live up to 10 to 15 years if their requirements are being fulfilled. With all the rewards, the Guinea Hogs can be bought for more or less $250.

Pot Bellied Pigs

Mini Pot-Bellied Pigs are smart, curious, charming, affectionate, intelligent, companions but they can not be tamed or handled easily. Pot-Bellied Pigs are probably the only domestic pigs that do not like being carried or held by humans.

The Pot-Bellied Pig does not go against the general pig behavior they do get attached to people they live with but it requires some time. Pot-Bellied Pigs have straight tails, long snouts, and upright ears.

The Pot-Bellied Pigs eat all kinds of food scraps including eggs, frogs, snakes, fish, and grasses. Their gestation period lasts up to 114 days. The Pot-Bellied pigs normally bless our farms with six piglets.

Gottingen Mini Pig

Gottingen Mini Pig is the smallest pig breed that is adored for it’s supernatural small size. Besides, keeping as pets they are also raised for biomedical research.

The Gottingen Mini Pig is the first pig breed that was recognized as a ” miniature pig” in Europe. The fully mature Gottingen Mini Pig can not go above 10 to 12 inches in height.

Gottingen Mini Pig is mostly praised for its docile nature and well-characterized health status. They are much easier to handle than all small animal breeds.

Can Pigs Eat Chicken Bones?

Pigs / By Talon Juper

A few days back, I and my fellow livestock keeper gathered to settle the debate whether our pigs should or should not be eating chicken bones? As the pig in my neighborhood was in severe pain because the chicken bone got stuck in his throat.

This incident gathered us all to a table to discuss how we can save this messy eater from eating chicken bones from the scraps?

We had a valuable discussion so I decided to share all that I know about feeding chicken bones with you as well. Starting with the simpler most Googled questions as usual;

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Can pigs eat chicken bones?

The answer to this question is yes you can but you should not. Pigs aren’t picky eaters they are used to eating scraps. Sometimes they find and eat chicken bones from the food scrap but it is not healthy at all.

What makes the chicken bones harmful? If it’s harmful

Chicken bones are harder to digest and if the no-so-chewed part gets stuck somewhere it may cause a lot of disturbance in the pig’s body. Also according to peta raw meat and bones have got the reputation of infecting the omnivorous with bacteria and viruses.

Pigs are categorized as omnivores, they love chicken bones

Pigs love chicken bones to the point that once they get used to eating them it would be impossible to stop them from having it from your plate. They would do anything to have it over and over again just like the kids are willing to do whatever their parents say to get chocolate in the end.

Some of the pig keepers support whereas the majority of people go strictly against the idea of feeding chicken bones

Even though pigs have been eating chicken and chicken bones from the restaurant and home scraps since the beginning of time, the debate on whether it should be fed or not is on.

The majority of people that go against the idea of feeding chicken bones defend their view by saying “it’s not easy to digest, it can get stuck in the stomach or what if it transmits the bacteria or virus?”

The raw chicken bones are even more dangerous as they are more likely to cause harm by infecting the pig with a bacterial disease and transmitting it to humans and other animals.

The other reason why should you never let your pigs taste chicken or chicken bones

The pigs, once they are used to eating chicken or chicken bones, would do anything to satisfy their taste buds even if they have to kill a bird or chicken. What if they get infected by eating raw chicken or chicken bones? And it would also be hard to see the beloved chickens and birds of your farm sacrificing their lives this way.

Feeding Chicken Bones to Pigs

Feed-in moderation; Chicken bones, if you have to feed it anyway, should be fed-in moderation like all other pig treats.
Make sure the bones are small and easy-to-chew; The bones that you are separating for your pet pig should be small and easy-to-chew. So, before feeding carefully remove the harder, not-so-easy to chew parts and for the pig’s safety.
Feed only cooked chicken bones; The raw chicken and chicken bones should be avoided as who knows if they are carrying virus or bacteria?
The chicken bones should thoroughly be washed; Make sure the chicken or chicken bones that you are cooking to feed the pigs should thoroughly be washed. As per a belief, washing chicken before cooking wash away the harmful pathogenic bacteria.

Do chicken and chicken bones cause diseases

We all know how much the pigs love food scraps. The majority of the total population is surviving mainly on food scraps. In 1950, a swine disease started engulfing the pigs of America rapidly.

The pigs at that time were eating the food scraps of restaurants and bakeries. The “uncooked shellfish” from one of the restaurants becomes the reason for this viral disease that took the lives of uncountable pigs.

In between, finding the reason and cure for the viral disease it was discovered that raw chicken, meat, and bones are not good for the pig’s health.

After that sad incident, the majority of pig owners started preferring cooked chickens and bones. So, be extra carefulwith the chicken, meat, and chicken bones as the viral diseases not only affect the pigs or other animals but humans as well.

What vitamins and minerals chicken bones have?

Chicken bones are enriched in several essential vitamins and minerals that pigs need to live a healthy life. The major ones are;

Calcium
Phosphorus
Sodium
Magnesium
Potassium
Vitamin A
Iron
Zinc
Manganese

Pigs need copper, iron, manganese, and zinc during the critical growing years, and iron, manganese, sodium, vitamin E, chlorine, and selenium to live healthily. (Resource)

Phosphorus is another important macromineral that helps in better skeletal growth, mineralization, and cellular functions but the vitamins and minerals need can be fulfilled through healthier treat options other than unripe tomatoes, raw potatoes, parsnips, celery, parsley, onion, avocados, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, chicken, meat, and chicken bones.

My recommendation

We should be as careful with our pets as we are with our kids. No parents want their kids to eat unhealthy junk all the time. The chicken bones are just as unhealthy as junk food is for us. So, I would never recommend feeding both cooked and raw chicken bones. If our pig is already addicted to it you can still break the addiction by finding a better alternative.

Summary

Pigs can eat cooked chicken bones but they should not because it’s hard to digest and can get stuck. The raw chicken bones should never be fed as they can transmit the virus or bacteria within a matter of minutes.

The chicken bones are enriched in calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, Iron, zinc, manganese but the vitamin and mineral need can be fulfilled through other healthier treats as well. If food puts the pig’s and your life at the stack why should it be fed anyway?

Other Feed for Pigs

Can Pigs Eat Eggs?

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Last weekend when I was making my breakfast my pet pig, out of blue, snatched an egg from my hand. Before my overprotective self came to action, the egg with its shell was down the throat. I was super panicked as this pig has been living with me for years and I adore him the most.

For an hour or so I kept asking myself what I would do if the egg and eggshell don’t behave well in the stomach. Fortunately, nothing really happened. He was behaving the same as he used to be.

So, when I was sure he was fine, I found myself curious to know if pigs can or can not eat eggs? since my pig seemed to enjoy it, do they like eggs or eggshells? And if they can eat eggs what’s the right way of feeding them?

I took my laptop and started researching. What I concluded about pigs and eggs chemistry after thorough research is worth sharing. So, I decided to write about it. Without wasting your time, let’s get to our main subject of discussion. Starting with a simple most Googled questions;

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Can pigs eat eggs?

Yes, pigs can eat eggs but in moderation. Eggs are in fact a great non-processed source of protein. Eggs would make a safe and healthy treat option only when they are fed in the right manner.

With or without shells?

With shells, if they are thoroughly washed, if you do not want them to cause any problem. Most of the pig owners that consider eggs a must-have try to feed them with shells. As the eggs shells have got the reputation of having a remarkable amount of calcium that plays an important role in maintaining blood clotting, muscle contraction, and skeleton system.

Raw or cooked?

Cooked, raw eggs aren’t that good in satisfying the taste buds, and they can contribute to foot and mouth disease. The raw eggs can also cause biotin deficiency and the untreated biotin deficiency can cause diarrhea, dermatitis, excessive hair loss, and worse lameness and laminitis. So, if taking it through a process makes it safer and healthier what’s the point of feeding raw anyway?

Boiled or fried?

Frankly, I have never seen or heard someone serving pigs a fried omelet but boiled eggs are a fine option. You can further cut or mash them up to make it easier for the pigs to eat and digest. More importantly, boiled eggs got a yes as an answer also because the pigs seem to love eating boiled eggs.

How Many Eggs a Pig Can Eat in a Day?

Eggs should be fed in moderation so a 200lb pig can eat 4-5 eggs a day. Going a little above (but remaining below the digit 24) the prescribed number won’t cause any problem but it’s better to keep the pig’s health on priority. How often can you feed the pigs? Once a week. This healthier protein treat once a week would help them grow and develop muscle tissue.

Now you know, what you need to be careful of while feeding this natural source of calcium and protein. Let’s see what else do the eggs have and how is it beneficial?

What Vitamins and Minerals do Eggs Have?

Pigs need vitamins and minerals for optimal health, growth, reproduction, and healthy functioning of physiological functions. The eggs are not just charged with protein and calcium they are a natural source of

Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Iron
Phosphorus
Iodine
Selenium
Zinc
Protein
Calcium

Vitamin D

Eggs are considered one of the rich sources of vitamin D. It is an essential vitamin that supports the pig’s immune system and aids in optimized performance. The vitamin D intake during pregnancy can help the unborn baby pig to attain good health.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a crucial vitamin that acts as a tissue antioxidant. Vitamin E also plays a significant role in maintaining the integral structure of muscles in the reproductive and digestive systems.

Vitamin A

Pigs need vitamin A more than anything else in their crucial growth years. It gives a resting shoulder to almost all necessary functions of a pig’s body. Moreover, it boosts immunity.

Iron

Not just pig, every living thing on planet earth need iron for optimal health and growth. The pigs specifically need an adequate amount of iron to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin that aid the red blood cells in transmitting oxygen to all parts of the body.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another important mineral that pigs need to live a balanced healthy life. The pig foods are rich in iron, manganese, iodine, cobalt, and selenium. The phosphorus need can only be fulfilled by treats. So, if eggs are fulfilling some part of the total need then what’s the harm.

Iodine

Iodine supports the pig’s reproductive system. Iodine deficiency is common in pigs and it becomes the reason for weaker underweight offsprings.

Zinc

This significant mineral aids in bone development. The deficiency of zinc in pigs shows poor growth and poor appetite. Moreover, it is also needed by the pigs for the normal and healthier functioning of the body.

Protein

Like most animals, pigs need protein to grow and develop muscle tissue. The eggs can be fed with other pig protein sources; soybean meal, sunflower meal, fish, meat, and bone meal to improve their health.

Calcium

Calcium together with phosphorus plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of muscle contraction and blood clotting mechanism.

Other Treats for Pigs

Eggs or eggshells are not only treated to feed pigs. You can feed apples, onions, grapes or potatoes.

Summary

Yes, pigs can eat both eggs and eggs shells in moderation. The raw eggs are a little harmful as they have got the reputation of causing biotin deficiency that can cause diarrhoea, dermatitis, excessive hair loss, and worse lameness and laminitis.

Eggs are an important source of protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, E, and D. All these vitamins and minerals necessary for the pig’s health and growth.

4 Red Pig Breeds You’ll Love

Pigs / By Talon Juper / 8 minutes of reading

Domestic pig farming is getting a boost day by day throughout the world. Pig farming is a lucrative business with the aim of production is pork, bacon, and gammon.

A lot of pig breeds are present throughout the world and in unique climates. Some of them are good for meat production while some for bacon and gammon.

With the advancement of taxonomy, all these breeds are classified into many classes on the basis of their color, characters, and body shapes.

Most of these breeds are natural ones while major breeds are lately formed by the cross of two different breeds for getting the unique characteristics of the mother animals in their single offspring.

Similarly, pigs are also classified on the basis of their body color. This classification consists of the breeds of pigs having the same color, no matter to which country it belongs.

That’s why I build this guide on Red Pig Breeds with their characteristics like feeding habit, body shape, weight, and origin.

Before moving to the guide, take a look at some other pig breeds’ classification on the colors.

Classification of pig breeds by colors

Black Pig Breeds
Blonde Pig Breeds
Brown Pig Breeds
Cream Pig Breeds
Ginger Pig Breeds
Gold Pig Breeds
Red Pig Breeds
Sandy Pig Breeds
Tan Pig Breeds
White Pig Breeds

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Red Pig Breeds

Here is the complete guide on Red pig breeds that consists of all the pig breeds that have the red body color. Most of them are commonly found breeds while some are rare in the world.

All of the pig breeds listed in this guide belong to the Red pig breeds category but they do exist as a unique pig breed too.

Let’s move to the Reg Pig breeds.

1. Duroc

Duroc Pig is an old domestic pig breed originating in the United States. This breed is one of the red pig stains that were developed in New England During 1800.

It is believed to have originated in the US but its exact origin is still unknown. Some theories explain that the red color of the Duroc comes from the Berkshire breed (black breed but was rusty brown in early ages).

The other theory says that they were imported from the Guinea coast of Africa during the slave trade time.

First Breed to have genome sequenced

Duroc pig is well known as the first breed to have the genome sequenced. It was the duroc sow that got the genome sequenced. The modern breed of the Duroc is the result of crosses between New York’s older Duroc and Jersey Red.

These breeds started being used as show hogs during the 1950s.

Second most pig breed in the US

Duroc is the second most recorded breed of swine in the United States. The red pigs are well known in the US for their drooping ears and product quality, carcass yield, and lean-gain efficiency.

The prolificacy and longevity of the sows also add up more value to the Duroc pigs.

Large Litters

Duroc sows are known for their large litters and caring behavior for their piglets.

Duroc Pig Characteristics

Body Shape

Duroc pig has a moderately long, medium-sized body along with a slightly dished face. They were originally a large breed in the past but slightly less than Jersey Red pig.

They have drooping ears that are not held erect.

The most common body color of Duroc pig is orangish-brown while it can be found from light golden shade to deep mahogany red.

Bodyweight

Duroc pigs are large-framed animals having large muscular bodies. The average weight of the mature sows is almost 204-295 kg while boars have slightly more weight of around 227-340 kg.

Special Characters

Duroc is a hardy pig breed and well known for its hardiness and quick muscle growth.

The breed is famous for its calm temperament and good behavior to humans and fellows. It is also called the least aggressive pig breed.

This breed is widely used for the extensive pig farming system because they grow faster if they are provided with consistent nutrition.

Breed Name	Duroc
Breed Size	Medium to large
Climate Tolerance	All climates
Special Features	Very hardy, good behavior, calm temperament, less aggressive, grow faster, good for extensive system
Boars Weight	227-340 kg
Sows Weight	204-295 kg
Color	Usually an orangish-brown
Country/Place of Origin	United States

2. Danish Protest

Danish Protest is domestic pig breeds. It is one of the rare breeds of pigs. Danish Protest was first originated in Germany and lately transferred to other parts of the world.

It originatedin North Frisia in Southern Schleswig during the early 20th century.

Danish protest pig was the symbol of Danish cultural identity. The white vertical belt on the body of the Danish protest resembles the white color in the flag of Denmark.

Other names

Danish protest is also known by other names like Protest pig, Red Pied Husum (Ger. Root Buntes Husumer), German Red Pied (Ger. Rotbuntes Schwein, Rotbunte Schleswig-Holsteiner.

Danish Protest Pig Characteristics

Body Shape

Danish protest has a medium to the large-sized body with red as the main body color and a broad vertical belt near the shoulder.

Height

The average height of Danish protest pigs is almost 92 cm.

Body Weight

A mature Danish protest boar has a bodyweight of around 350 kg while the mature protest sow has around 300 kg body weight.

Special Characters

Danish protest is an active pig breed and also known for its hardiness. It is a rare breed of pig and the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein now supports the preservation of this breed.

Breed Name	Danish Protest
Other Name	Protest pig, Red Pied Husum (Ger. Root Buntes Husumer), German Red Pied (Ger. Rotbuntes Schwein, Rotbunte Schleswig-Holsteiner
Special Features	Very hardy, active, currently a rare breed
Climate Tolerance	Native climates
Boars Weight	Around 350 kg
Sows Weight	Around 300 kg
Breed Size	Medium to large
Color	Usually red with a broad white vertical belt
Country/Place of Origin	Germany

3. Red Wattle

Red Wattle pig is a domestic breed and well known for its red color. It is also known as the Red Wattle Hog and it is named for its red color and distinctive wattles and tassels.

It originated in the United States and is currently considered a rare breed of pig. It is listed as the “Threatened species” by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

The complete history of the Wattle is not yet clear but they are considered as descended in the late 1960’ from the pigs found in East Texas.

The Modern Red Wattle pig breed is developed by the H.C. Wengler who crossed the two red breed lines with a Duroc bear.

Red Wattle Pig Characteristics

Body shape

Red Wattle pigs are medium to large-sized animals and have a red body color along with distinctive wattles.

Body colors

The body color of Red Wattle hogs is mostly red but can be black sometimes.

Height

The average height of Red Wattle hogs is almost 120 cm.

Body Weight

A mature Red Wattle boar weighs around 340 kg while the Red wattle sows have a low weight of around 250 kg.

Special Characters

It is a hardy animal and famous as an excellent forager. Red Wattle grows relatively faster than other breeds and that character makes it a suitable breed for the pig farming system.

Another character to make it well for farming is the disease resistance and mild temperament.

Red Wattle shows good behavior to its offspring and produces around 10-15 piglets per litter.

Breed Name	Red Wattle
Other Name	Red Wattle Hog
Special Features	very hardy and usually active, grow relatively faster, good foragers, mild-tempered, resistant to diseases
Breed Size	Medium to large
Boars Weight	Around 340 kg
Sows Weight	Around 249 kg
Color	Red or various shades of red, and sometimes almost black
Rarity	Threatened
Country/Place of Origin	United States

4. Tamworth

Tamworth is a domestic pig breed and has its origin in the United Kingdom. It is one of the threatened pig breeds.

Tamworth pig was first originated in Sir Robert Peel’s Drayton Manor Estate at Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.

Tamworth is listed as Threatened in the United States and Vulnerable in the United Kingdom. That report was given by Rare Breeds Survival Trust as there are just 300 registered breeding females of Tamworth now left.

Tamworth breed is considered to be descended from the wild boars.

The major population of Tamworth pigs is present in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Other names

Tamworth pig is also known as the Sandy Back and Tam.

One of the oldest pig breeds

Tamworth is one of the oldest known pig breeds. But this breed is not well suited to the modern production methods like other older breeds of livestock.

Tamworth Pig Characteristics

Body shape

Tamworth pig is a medium to a large-sized animal having versatility in terms of body color from pale gingery to dark mahogany red.

They have an elongated head shape with a rectilinear face and snout. The body of an animal is long and narrow.

The Tamworth has erect pointed ears and a long neck and legs.

The body is muscular and firm and well known for the good skeletal system with excellent foot structure.

Body-color

Tamworth pigs have versatility in body color. It had orange and purple body color in history but orange coloration was removed by breeding.

Height and Weight

The average height of a mature Tamworth pig is almost 20-26 inches.

A mature Tamworth boar has a weight of around 250-370 kg while the average body weight of mature sows is around 200-300 kg.

Special Features

Tamworth is a very active animal and well known for its docile temperament. It has great hardiness and adaptation to adverse climates.

Tamworth pigs are well known as a bacon breed and thrive well on low energy foods. They are excellent forages and compatible for grazing with cattle and animals.

They have a body coat of ginger red color that is well adaptable in a variety of climates.

The female Tamworth pigs are highly prolific and capable of producing a large number of piglets and care for large litters.

It is a famous pig breed that is well-suited for forest grazing.

Breed Name	Tamworth
Other Name	Sandy Back and Tam
Breed Size	Medium to large
Climate Tolerance	All climates
Color	Vary from a pale gingery to dark mahogany red
Boars Weight	250 to 370 kg
Sows Weight	200 to 300 kg
Special Features	Well adapted to native climates, good mothers, sows are fertile, very hardy, good for extensive systems
Country/Place of Origin	United Kingdom

Sources:

8 Black Pig Breeds with Photos

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Domestic pigs often called swine, hog, or pig, are omnivores and primarily raised for meat as well as for leather. Being omnivores, they consume both animals and plants, but their diet can alter from wild ones.

Pig’s meat is also known as pork, hams, or bacon, and it collectively accounts for 38% of the worldwide meat production. Their bristle hairs are commonly used in making brushes.

Likewise other biotics and antibiotics, pigs do have a limited number of breeds that are distinguished in terms of body shapes, sizes, and colors. Classification of pigs on body colors is the most commonly used to discriminate against animals.

The body size and weight largely depend on the breed of pig. Most of the breeds are raised commercially for meat and milk production that is used in many commercial products. But some breeds like Asian pot-bellied pig and Kune Kunes are also kept as pets.

Adult male pigs are known as Boars or hogs while the females are called sows. Young pigs or swine are called piglets or pigs. A group of pigs is called a passel, sounder, or team.

Let’s get started with the black pig breeds in detail but take a look at the classification of other pig breeds on colors.

Classification of pig breeds by colors

Black
Blonde
Brown
Cream
Ginger
Gold
Red
Sandy
Tan
White

Contents show

Black pig breeds

Here are some common breeds of pig that exist in black body color. Most of them are truly famous breeds and well known to everyone but some are rare.

All of these black pig breeds in the list belong to different breeds but they are classified in the same category in terms of body color.

1. Large Black Pig

Large Black Pig is the only British pig that is truly black in color. It is considered as the large pig among the other domestic pigs.

It originated from the United Kingdom but particularly native to Devon, Essex, and Cornwall.

Large Black Pig actually resulted from the amalgamation of two separate breeds of pigs that belongs to two different geographical regions, Essex, Kent, and Suffolk in the east and Devon, Cornwall in the South-west of England.

Other names

Large Black Pig is also called with other names as Cornwall Black, Devon, and Large Black hog.

Body shape

These pigs have deep elongated bodies with long noses, tails, and ears. Their ears are such large that they obscures their vision.

The body is purely black in color and covered with long black hairs that help to protect them from sunny climates and sunburn.

Weight

The male Large Black pig weighs between 320 to 360 kg while the female sows’ weight varies from 270 to 320 kg.

Child Birth

The female sows give birth to 8-10 piglets. It is a famous breed known for having litters of up to 13 piglets.

Excellent foragers

These pigs are excellent foragers along with good foraging ability for extensive farming systems. Instead of extensive foraging, they are not good for intensive pig farming systems.

Distinguished feature

Large Black Pig is perfectly named due to its large body and black color. It is a true black breed of pigs having a whole body of black color.

It is the only British pig that is entirely black in color.

They are very hardy animals and have good behavior with others.

Breed Name	Large Black
Other Name	Large Black hog, Cornwall Black or Devon
Special behavior	Very hardy, good behavior, docile temperament, fertile, larger litters, excellent foragers
Breed Size	Large
Boars Weight	320-360 kg
Sows Weight	270-320 kg
Color	Black
Origin	United Kingdom

2. Berkshire Pig

Berkshire Pig is a rare breed of domestic pigs. It was named Berkshire as it originated from Berkshire county of United Kingdom.

As per a report in 2008, only 300 breeding sows of Berkshire Pigs are known to exist. But herds of Berkshire pigs are maintained by Rare Breeds Survival Trust in England at Aldenham Country Park, Hertfordshire.

They are also bred in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan under the trademark name of Kagoshima Kurobuta.

Body shape

Berkshire pigs are a black colored body with white points on the nose, feet, and tail. They are relatively short legs and prick ears.

Their face is disk-shaped with a large jaw and an inverted nose. The short snout on the face is short-sized with an upturned nose.

Bodyweight

The average body weight of Berkshire pigs is almost 270 kg. The boars are a little more in weight than sows.

Appearance

Mature pigs are medium to large-sized animals. The latest breed of Berkshire is entirely black in color while the original stock is sandy-brown.

Best for meat production

Berkshire Pigs are considered well suited for quality meat production and extensive pig farming.

Being a fast grower, it takes around 180-195 days to fully grown stage with a weight of around 113 kgs.

Distinguished feature

Berkshire pig is prized for flavor, tenderness, pink-hued, juiciness, and heavily marbled meat. Their meat is rich in fat and suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Breed Name	Berkshire
Special Features	Intelligent, well suited for extensive pig farming system, known for their quality meat production, grow relatively faster
Breed Size	Medium to large
Boars Weight	Up to 270 kg
Sows Weight	Around 270 kg
Color	Entirely black with white points on the feet, nose, and tail
Rarity	Rare
Country/Place of Origin	United Kingdom

3. Hampshire Pig

Hampshire Pigs is another breed of domestic pigs having the origin from the United Kingdom. They are easily distinguished from other similar pigs by their erect ears and black body color.

It is also known as the oldest American Pig breed.

According to the American national Swine Registry, it is the fourth most recorded pig breed of the United States.

Hampshire breed is believed to derived from English breeds that were found in Scotland and northern England. It was brought to America from Hampshire, England during 1827 and 1839.

Other names

Hampshire pigs are also known as Hampshire Hogs.

Body shape

Hampshire pigs are medium-sized pigs and having erect ears on a black body. The black-colored body has a whitish band around the middle of the body, covering the front legs.

These pigs have relatively long legs and noses and well known for meat production.

Weight

A mature male Hampshire pig weighs around 300 kg while female sows weigh about 250 kg.

Marvelous features

Hampshire pigs are a fast-growing breed of pigs and well known for well-muscled.

They exhibit great quality carcass and perfect breed for meat production.

Breed Name	Hampshire
Other Name	Hampshire Hog
Special Features	Rapid growers, well-muscled, good carcass quality, sows are excellent mothers, good temperament
Breed Size	Medium
Boars Weight	Around 300 kg
Sows Weight	Around 250 kg
Color	Black and white
Rarity	Available
Country/Place of Origin	United Kingdom

4. Wessex Saddleback Pig

The Wessex Saddleback Pig is a domestic pig breed having the origin in the West Country of England. It was originated especially in Wiltshire and New Frest area of Hamshire.

This breed is also known as Wessex pig and the latest breed of these pigs originated in 1967 by a combination of two breeds from southern England.

Essex and Wessex are the two breeds.

Body shape

Wessex Saddleback pigs have a tall body and they are rangy animals. Their body color is black with a white band near the forepart of the trunk that extends from one forefoot over the shoulder.

Other names

Wessex Saddleback pigs are also called Wessex pigs.

Uses

Being an excellent breed in terms of eating, they are traditionally used as “baconers” and raised for bacon and hams.

Marvelous features

It is a hardy breed and well-known breed for its ability to thrive out of doors. They are easily manageable on pastures.

They have excellent maternal qualities. That’s why it is widely used in commercial crossbreeding, especially with Large White.

Breed Name	Wessex Saddleback
Other Name	Wessex
Special Features	Very hardy, good for raising on pasture, excellent foragers, have good maternal qualities, used in commercial crossbreeding systems
Breed Size	Medium
Color	Mainly black with a white band about the forepart of the trunk
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	England

5. Ossabaw Island Pig

Ossabaw Islan pig is a critical breed of domestic pigs and their population is now limited to the feral pigs on Ossabow Island, Georgia, United States.

They are also known as Ossabaw Island and are descended from pigs released on the island in the 16th century by Spanish explorers.

These pigs were the only source of food for the Spanish explorers on the coast of the Americas in the 16th century.

Body shape

They are relatively small in size and found in a wide range of colors. But the black colored pigs with spots on their bodies are the most common breed.

They have long snouts, a heavy coat of bristles, and upright ears. The average height of a mature Ossabaw pig is less than 51 cm.

Bodyweight

The average body weight of Ossabaw Island boars and sows is almost the same and it is around 90 kg.

Meat

Its meat is dark in color with a unique texture. The great thing is that it is prized for resembling the jamón ibérico of the black Iberian pig.

Marvelous features

Ossabaw Island pig is pretty hardy and an active animal. It is a well-known forager and an excellent breed for extensive pig farming.

This pig has intelligent and friendly behavior and well adapted to local climates and high salt diets.

Breed Name	Ossabaw Island
Other Name	Ossabaw Island Hog
Special Features	Well adapted to native climates, relatively active, pretty hardy, excellent foragers
Breed Size	Small
Boars Weight	Under 90 kg
Sows Weight	Under 90 kg
Color	Appears in a wide range of colors
Rarity	Critical
Country/Place of Origin	United States

6. Fengjing Pig

Fengjing pig is a famous breed among domestic pigs and it is originated from Shanghai, China. It is commonly found in the districts of Songjiang, Wujiang, and Jinshan.

This breed is named Fengjing after Fengjing town of Shanghai. It is a type of Taihu pig that occurs in narrow regions around the Lake Tai region.

It is a well-known breed for its tasty meat, disease resistance, and large litters.

Body shape

Fengjing pigs are small-sized animals having the black colored body with large floppy ears. These pigs can easily be distinguished by their wrinkled face and wrinkled bodies.

The average body height of Fengjing pigs is about 69 cm and boars are larger than sows.

Weight

The mature Fengjing sows weigh around 70 kg while the boar’s weight more than sows.

Meat

The meat quality of Fengjing pigs is good and succulent in taste but they grow slightly slowly.

Marvelous features

It is a hardy animal but has high breeding rates. The Fengjing sows are capable to produce two litters per year with almost 12 piglets in the first parity that lately exceed 17 piglets in the third parity.

The larger litter size of 20 piglets is also observed in this breed sometimes.

Breed Name	Fengjing
Special Features	Hardy, high breeding rates, sows are able to produce large litters, grow relatively slowly, the great taste of meat
Breed Size	Small
Boars Weight	More than 70 kg
Sows Weight	Around 70 kg
Color	Black
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	China

7. Meishan Pig

Meishan pig is a domestic pig breed, having origin in China. It was named Meishan for the Chinese prefecture of Meishan and it is the subgroup of Taihu pig.

The Meishan pig is actually native to Southern China and well known for large litters of 15-16 piglets.

This breed was imported to the United States in the late 1980s by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

This breed did not get much popularity in farms due to its fat abundance and slower growth rate. But it is known as one of the most prolific breeds in the world due to the early maturity of both sows and boars.

Body shape

Meishan pig has a small to the medium-sized body with black color and large drooping ears. It is also known for its wrinkled face and skin.

The mature Meishan pig has a height of around 57.8 cm.

Weight

The average body weight of a mature Meishan pigs is almost 61.6 kg.

Most prolific breed of pig in the world

Meishan pig is well known as the most prolific breed of pig in the world. It has puberty at the age of 2.5 to 3 months. It possesses larger litters having 15-16 piglets.

Marvelous features

Instead of a slow growth rate and high fat, it has great taste and popular breed for pork.

The Meishan pig animals are hardy and much resistant to diseases.

Breed Name	Meishan
Special Features	Highly prolific, sows can produce 15-16 piglets per litter, slow-growing, early maturing, fat, great taste
Breed Size	Small to medium
Boars Weight	Around 61.6 kg
Sows Weight	Around 61.6 kg
Color	Mainly black
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	China

8. Oxford Sandy and Black Pig

Oxford Sandy and Black Pig is a domestic pig breed having the origin in Oxfordshire, England. It was named Sandy and Black pig due to its sandy brown color with black patches.

This breed is also named Oxford Forest Pig and Plum Pudding. It is an old breed and native to Britain.

Oxford Sandy and Black Pig is one of the oldest pig breeds and related to old Berkshire and Tamworth pig breeds.

Body shape

Oxford Sandy and Black pig is a medium to the large-sized animal. The body color has a sandy brown color with black patches. It has a white blaze, feet, and tassel.

They have fine shoulders and good quarters and strong legs and feet that are helpful in giving support to the body.

Their head is moderately strong with lop and semi lop ears.

Excellent foragers

Oxford Sandy and Black pigs are excellent foragers and forage pretty well in the outdoor management system.

Marvelous features

It is a hardy breed and well-suited breed for reared outdoors with many good qualities. It is pretty docile in temperament.

They are less prone to sunburn due to the sandy colored skin.

Breed Name	Oxford Sandy and Black
Other Name	Oxford Forest Pig or Plum Pudding
Special Features	Hardy, very good for raising outdoors, docile temperament, sows have very good mothering abilities
Breed Size	Medium to large
Climate Tolerance	Native climates
Coat Color	The base of sandy brown color with black patches
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	England

Sources:

Can Pigs Eat Apples?

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Apples for pigs, A thought came across my mind as I was thinking of new ways to please the pigs I bought two months ago. Ever since the pigs’ arrival, what I have observed is that they are picky eaters. I have showered them with many treats but they liked only a few.

I have heard many stories that pigs love apples to such an extent that they will eat as many as they can get their mouths on. To check if it was true or some faker misleading others, I decided to feed apples to the pigs in smaller amounts for a month. Here I brought the answer: every new pig owner is dying to know that can pig eat apples?

Contents show

Can Pigs Eat Apples?

Can Pigs Eat Apples? Yes, they can. Pigs love apples and they will even knock you out in excitement to have one. Apple is considered one of the most nutritious treats that many animals love. Apples, being an excellent carb source, are fed to fatten them up. However, it should be fed with caution which will be discussed later in the post.

Feeding apples to pigs

According to research gate, Apples must be fed with caution and added gradually to the pig’s diet.

Apple seed contains cyanide which is life-threatening for the pigs. So, the apple must be cut and seeds are thrown out before feeding to the pigs as the naive creature does not know what to eat and what to leave. A moderate quantity of feeding will cause no harm.

Are apples good for pigs?

Yes, they surely are and the pigs love them. What more can one ask for. However, be it Apple or any other healthy treat, it is only good if it’s being fed in moderation. (source)

Apple seeds

Yes, life-threatening to be precise. If the seeds are swallowed, there is no reason to fret as the risk of toxins absorption is almost non-existent. If the pigs have eaten a whole lot of apples and chewed seeds then the problem may arise.

However, the pig may getaway if the apple seeds are chewed in a smaller amount.

What to do If a Pig has eaten apple seed?

If it’s a single seed there is nothing to worry about. If the seeds are chewed in a fairly large amount, it is an emergency and must be treated as such. Call an animal helpline or veterinarian to ask for immediate measures. Ask help if the pig shows any sign of distress.

Rotten Apples

There are many stories circulating that farmers used to feed rotten apples to pigs to flavor the meat. No one can vouch for the aforementioned story, however, feeding rotten and old apples may not bring any good to the pig’s health. It is best to feed fresh apples and who gives a rotten treat anyway.

Should the apple be given whole or cut up?

Pigs are never quite concerned with the fact that the apple is being fed whole or cut up. Nonetheless, it is better to cut to avoid the choking hazard. To be on the safer route, remove seeds as well.

Precautions of Feeding Apples

Following measures must be taken into account before feeding apples to the pigs

Include apples in the diet gradually.
Feed the apple in a moderate amount.
Treat them with fresh apples, the softer/riper the better.
Avoid feeding slimy, moldy, old, and rotten apples.
Cut them into pieces to prevent choking.
Most important of all, remove the seeds to avoid Cyanide poisoning.

Key Nutrients of Apple for pigs

The loaded nutrients profile of apples may leave behind many other fruits with its nutritional value. Following key nutrients help pigs stay healthy and fit.

Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Potassium
Anti-Oxidants

Vitamin C

It is not us, humans, who need vitamin C but animals too. Pigs need vitamin C for numerous metabolic functions and immune regulation. Vitamin C deficiency leads to weakness, fatigue, and teeth loss.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for the vision and bone development of pigs and apples play their part in supplying adequate vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency causes vision failure, abnormal bone development, and reproductive system.

Potassium

A potassium deficient pig is susceptible to weakness, recumbency, and diminished feed intake. Potassium helps in the better functioning of muscles and nerves.

Anti-Oxidants

Apples are rich in antioxidants which favors the pig’s health. Apple contains a variety of antioxidants like Quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage and maintain the structural integrity of immune cells.

Other Treats for Pigs

Pigs can eat other treats like grapes, onions, chocolates, Oranges, tomatoes, eggs, or potatoes. Make sure you add them just as a treat, not a complete diet.

FAQ’s

Are apples alternative to pig feed?

No, Apple must not be mistaken as an alternative to pig feed by looking at their amazing nutrient portfolio. In addition to the feed, vitamins, minerals, other supplements should be given as per the need. Apples should be fed twice a week or more depending upon the quantity. If there is some deficiency to treat, quantity can be increased.

Can pigs have Apple Juice, Applesauce, or Apple Chips?

Pigs may become vulnerable to problematic teeth and the apple may lose its nutritional value when served in the form of other foods. Apple chips have added sugar and no fiber whereas applesauce and apple juice have high water content, added sugar, and no fiber.

Feeding these food items on a regular basis may lead to weight gain and enamel decay.

Are apples bad for pig’s teeth?

No, it is not. It is believed by many that the sugar in apples may be problematic for the pig’s teeth, however, it is highly unlikely.

Apple skins work like a toothbrush and the high water content washes the sugar from inside the mouth.

To sum up, if fed in moderation apples are one of the most nutritious treats a pig owner can spoil their pigs with. Apple, being nutrients rich, supplies ample nutrients that may help to treat smaller deficiencies. One tip of feeding apples to avoid any health hazard is to remove the seeds, they are a bit of a trouble maker.

Resources

Ajila, C.M et al., Fermented apple pomace as a feed additive to enhance growth performance of growing pigs and its effects on emissions. Agriculture, 5(2), pp.313-329.
Oshida, T., et al. “Effects of apple polyphenol on pig production and meat quality.” Bulletin of Animal Hygiene (Japan) (2002).

Can Pigs Eat Grapes? 3 Cares to Know

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Raising pigs at your farm is a rewarding experience in the form of a huge load of income in the form of market pigs and having the homegrown pork to fill your desire and store for the later days.

But the pig feed is ultimately the main pillar of raising pigs on the commercial as well for home use.

Pigs are a single stomach animal and can eat almost similar to the human’s diet. This freedom of feed provides immense relief to the farm owner or homesteaders in terms of feeding pigs.

Pigs have a very choosy nutritional diet plan for optimal growth and health. A little insecurity in terms of their feed can lead the whole farm to hazard limits and can be fatal sometimes.

An optimum feed ration plan with balanced sugars, salts, vitamins, and minerals would be enough to meet the commercial feed needs. Consulting an animal nutritionist about the pig feed diet plan would be better for the well-being of your pigs.

Not all human consumption food with similar amounts is safe for the pigs feeding as some of the food’s overconsumption could be toxic for the pigs.

Consuming a high amount of sugars and caffeine can be fatal as they are not a good consumer of caffeine and high amounts of sugar.

So an optimal diet plan is necessary to follow for feeding the pigs.

Contents show

Can Pigs Eat Grapes?

Pigs can eat grapes but the number of grapes should be optimal. As the pigs are low sugar and salt feed lovers so the number of grapes should be low in feed.

The best practice of feeding grapes to pigs is less frequent and not on a daily basis. In the case of routine feeding or more grapes to pigs will increase the number of sugars in the pig’s body that can lead to many health problems.

Cares of Feeding Grapes to Pigs

These are some caring tips to feed the grapes to pigs in safer limits:

Make sure to feed the fresh produce as the rotten or moldy produce will harm the health
Feed less amount of grapes along with other roughage
Pigs should not be allowed to remain more than 3-4 hours in the vineyard, to avoid the overeating of high sugars
Make sure to add other fruit types to the diet plan, otherwise feeding a single fruit for the whole season can increase the levels of minerals or sugar content in body cells
It is better to add some salty food item to the diet of pigs to balance the high sugars of grapes

Nutritional impacts of Feeding Grapes to Pigs

Grapes are versatile fruits along with a wide range of health benefits due to its high profile in nutrition. It is packed with many types of nutrients and antioxidants that are good for the heart, and health cares.

Grapes are packed with versatile minerals and vitamins as:

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Copper
Calcium
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fibers

Grapes are a good source of fiber that makes them a reliable and perfect food source for feeding porkers. It will enhance them to gain more body weight and better health.

The presence of fibers in the diet lets the body be safe from any type of heart disease. Additionally, they are too a good source of feed, relatively low in calories.

The major benefit of including grapes in the pig’s diet is the enhancement of pork quality and oxidative stability of omega-3 enriched fat.

The dietary supplementation of grapes in the pig diet improves the meat color by enhancing the redness and color saturation. The omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content increased by including the grape pomace in the diet of pigs.

How Much Grapes are Safe in a Pig’s Diet?

A scientific study was conducted to check the safe amount of grape juice content in the DE intake of pigs. It was observed to check the effect of Grapes Juice concentrates on the growing pigs.

Trials showed that the incorporation of GJC in the diets of growing diets of pigs at the levels of 0.40 of dietary DE intake is perfect. This value can be a little increased to 0.60 of dietary DE intake but 0.40 is the optimal value found.

What Can Pigs Eat List?

All the foods that are low in sugar and salts are good for pigs feeding. They love to eat fresh produce like fresh grass, bugs, and roots.

A lot of other fruits and cereals are also good, safe, and nontoxic for feeding to pigs. Here is the list of what can pig eat list:

Vegetable: carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, cooked zucchini
Fruits: apples, beans, banana, coconut
Grains: barley, quinoa, oats
Nuts & seeds: Almonds, Cashews, Chia Seeds, Cumin Seeds
Legumes: Alfalfa, beans(cooked), peas

Impacts of Sugary and Caffeinated Food Items on Pigs

Pigs are a lover and consumers of high sugar and caffeinated foods. Consuming such foods could lead the pigs to health risks and put your whole flock of pigs at death risk.

Here is the impact of sugary and caffeinated food items on pigs:

Sugary foods

Foods that are high in sugar are not a good selection for feeding pigs. Feeding sugary foods to pigs will put them at health risk as the sugar gets stacked in the body and causes many diseases and increases the body weight.

Caffeinated items

Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers the PSS (porcine stress syndrome) in pigs and affects the reproductive ability of pigs.

It is mandatory to keep the pigs safe from consuming caffeine products as caffeine can trigger many genetic disorders in pigs.

Final Verdict

Yes, pigs can eat grapes. But make sure to feed the grapes or grapes juice concentrate in low amounts to balance the sugar contents in the pig’s body.

Feeding the high sugary food items to pigs can lead to many heart problems and sometimes conditions can become fatal and may cause the death of animals.

Can Pigs Eat Onions? Toxic or Beneficial

Pigs / By Talon Juper

Have you ever wondered if onions, that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, are okay for pigs?

Onions are generally considered toxic for animals and the American society of the prevention of cruelty to animals (ASPCA) is spreading awareness about the risks attached to feeding onions to animals.

Onions belong to the family of garlic, leeks, and chives, etc, called Allium. This vegetable became a part of the daily meal because of its aromatic nature and strong flavor.

Are onions as harmful to pigs as they to dogs and cats? This question usually raises in pet owners’ minds when he sees his pig searching for onions.

Contents show

So, Can Pigs Eat Onions?

Yes, Pigs can eat onions but they shouldn’t as they are not just that good and nutritional. So, it would be better if you don’t allow your pet pig to have some.

Onions are toxic for such pets

Calling it toxic means that it can cause some health issues if eaten carelessly. It won’t be of any nutritional value except for a change of taste. To sprinkle salt to the wounds, some varieties of onion have “hemolytic anemia” that can lead to serious complications.

Feeding a small piece of onion

A small piece of onion to satisfy taste buds in a month or so won’t hurt pigs at all. But if it can be avoided it should be avoided.

Onion taints meat. How true is that?

One hundred and ten percent true onions do taint the meat. A popular story supports this fact. A farmer let the pigs graze around in the harvest onion crops for one or two months just before slaughter. The meat obtained from those pigs was inedible, tasting like bitter onions.

Pigs that are raised for meat should never be allowed to taste onions

Pet pigs can have it in small quantities but once in a blue moon. It won’t harm them and since they are not specifically being raised for meat so even if it’s changing the actual flavor, what’s the harm?

Pigs that are about to get slaughtered for meat should never be fed as to why on earth would one want to eat meat that tastes like onions?

Boiled and cooked onions are no exception

Boiled, raw, or cooked onions, they are all two peas in a pod. So, cooking, steaming, or boiling won’t help but mixing it with some healthier options would make it better for the pigs to eat.

Even for Guinea pigs onions are fatal

Guinea pigs may appear strong but onions can kill them. The presence of disulfide makes onion a poisonous pill to swallow. Even a small amount of onion can cause severe anemia, which eventually leads them to death.

Vitamin C is the only pig-friendly ingredient in onions:

Onions are rich in vitamin C and due to ample biosynthesis, they don’t necessarily need vitamin C to function. But even if the vet suggests you let this poor creature have some vitamin C, find a healthier and safer alternative.

How Does Onion Lead to Anemia?

A buildup of thiosulphate forms clumps in the body that in turn ruptures the red blood cells. When enough red blood cells are destroyed the pig’s body is starving for oxygen and thus then anemia occurs.

What’s the Safest Onion Consumption Percentage for Pigs?

Onions equal to 0.5% of the total pig’s body weight can call severe toxicity that will eventually lead to death. Consumption below this percentage would also be dangerous but it will still be mild enough to be cured.

What are some healthier onion alternatives?

Tomatoes, grapes, oranges, strawberries, green peppers, blueberries, and pellets are healthier and safer treats for pigs. And frankly, All these above-mentioned options are rich in vitamin C.

Everything You Need to know about onion Toxicity in Pigs

The signs of onion toxicity in pigs

The signs of toxicity start appearing within a few hours of onion consumption. The common noticeable signs are vomiting, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, bluish gums, and increased heart rate. These signs and animals confirmed by a colorado state university.

In the case of early detection, can onion toxicity be cured?

The cure depends on the severity of toxicity. If it’s mild it can be cured by taking one or two doses of the vet’s prescribed medicines. But if it has surpassed the scale a lengthy hospital stay or blood transfusion may help.

The other reason why pigs have to deal with toxicity

The pig’s body is not designed to filter out the toxins from the food, they store them in their fat storage system instead. So, when they eat onion their body fails to detect and filter toxins out of their body. That’s why pigs have to deal with toxicity every other day if they are eating carelessly.

According to research Despite having vitamin A, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus in abundance onions are still bad in this play.

A friendly suggestion

Take care of your pets and livestock as you lay hold of yourself. If something is causing one percent damage to these poor creatures (that are in our control) do not allow them to have it. It seems fine because they can not express their pain in words but when in reality they are fighting a hard battle for life.

Final Words

Onions are not bad but toxic for pigs. Even a small amount of onions can become a reason for severe life-threatening diseases like anemia. Cooking, steaming, or boiling onion won’t take the toxicity away. Keeping toxicity aside, it also makes the meat taste bitter just like onions. Vomiting, difficulty in breathing, bluish gums, increased heart rate, and diarrhea are the first noticeable signs of onion toxicity.

Resources

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