In the first few weeks after birth, piglets feed mainly on mother's milk. Other complementary foods are introduced in limited quantities during this period. However, the absence of lactation in a sow does not mean that the offspring will die. In this case, breeders, instead of standard complementary feeding, resort to milk powder for piglets. Such products provide the supply of microelements necessary for the development of young animals.
Composition and value of milk powder
The dry mixture (whole milk substitute or WMC) is obtained after evaporating pork milk.During this process, the complex is fortified and mineralized.
Regardless of who produces this product, the composition must include:
- Lactose. Without this substance, piglets in the first days of life will not be able to refuse mother’s milk without harm to their own body. Therefore, dry mixtures consist of 52-55% lactose. It is believed that this percentage of content completely covers the piglets’ body needs for carbohydrates.
- Vitamins. These components are introduced in a certain proportion (not more than 1% of the volume of the mixture).
- Plant proteins, or amino acids. Regular intake of such components has a positive effect on the overall development of the body. Amino acids ensure protein balance in the body of young animals.
- Microelements. Almost all ZMC are iron-, selenium- and calcium-containing products.
- Fillers. These are potato and bean proteins, gluten.
- Immunoglobulins.
The indicated composition varies depending on the brand. A number of manufacturers introduce additional components that promote better absorption of vitamins and minerals by the piglet’s body.
In particular, Kormilakt brand milk contains, in addition to the above ingredients, cobalt, zinc, magnesium and iodine.
The composition of the dry mixture also determines the age at which the product can be introduced into the diet of piglets. Milk of the above brand is allowed to be given from the third day, and other brands - from 1-2 weeks.
Benefits and harms
This substitute is created on the basis of natural milk using technology that allows you to preserve micronutrients. In addition to the latter, the composition includes additional components that increase the nutritional and energy value of the product. Thanks to this, milk ensures the proper development of young animals.
Additional microelements prevent the occurrence of common diseases. Thanks to artificial feed, the risk of developing anemia and dystrophy of muscle fibers, and brittle bones is minimized.
The mixtures include substances that improve the absorption of microelements in organisms. And some similar products contain probiotics, which ensure the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Powdered milk also contains bacteria that improve the microflora of internal organs and minimize the likelihood of developing dysbacteriosis and diarrhea. The disadvantages of such products include the fact that the mixtures are relatively expensive. In addition, powdered milk is not able to fully replace mother's milk.
In what cases is it used?
Powdered milk is given to young animals, which for certain reasons were taken away from the sow. In this case, it is recommended to switch the piglets to products with a high lactose content, which will ensure the normal development of the pigs’ gastrointestinal tract. And after the first three weeks, solid foods can be gradually introduced into the diet.
Powdered milk is recommended to be given when the number of piglets exceeds the sow's capabilities. But in such cases, the young animals cannot be separated from their mother and completely switched to formula. For normal development, the piglet should be attached to the sow. Young animals should receive a minimum amount of microelements by consuming colostrum. In this case, the mixtures compensate for the lack of nutrients. With this feeding, the piglet is given no more than 40 grams of milk powder at a time in the first days of life.
How to properly dilute milk powder
The proportions in which milk powder is diluted are indicated on the packaging.To prepare ZMC, it is necessary to preheat the water to a temperature not exceeding 55 degrees. Next, powdered milk is poured into the liquid in a thin stream. At this point, the composition must be constantly stirred, ensuring complete dissolution of the product. At the end of the procedure, cool the prepared mixture to 37 degrees (can be diluted with a small amount of cold water if necessary).
It is recommended to dilute ZMC before each feeding. The mixtures remain nutritious for several hours. However, the value of such a product decreases by this point. And if you dilute the composition and leave it in storage for more than a day (including in the refrigerator), the prepared milk will spoil.
Instructions for use
The frequency of feeding and the volume of milk given depend both on age and on whether the piglets are breastfed or completely switched to artificial feeding. If young animals are immediately weaned, then in the first four days it is necessary to dilute no more than 300 grams of the mixture and give it up to six times a day. From the fifth to the tenth - increase to 700 grams. During this period, you can give formula up to five times a day. 2- and 3-week-old piglets are fed 1.2 kilograms of ZMC the same number of times.
For piglets older than one month, it is recommended to give more concentrated products no more than three times a day. During this period, granulated feed is introduced, which prepares the animals for the food of adult pigs.
Immediately after birth, the mixture should be given through a bottle, sterilizing the latter after each procedure. From the 11th day, concentrated feed is gradually introduced into the diet. Starting from the second month, piglets actively gain weight.At this point, it is necessary to transfer the animals to a complete diet, reducing the volume or abandoning ZMC.
