How to properly breed milk powder, its composition and value for piglets
In the first few weeks after birth, piglets feed mainly on breast 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 the standard complementary food, resort to powdered milk for piglets. Such products provide the supply of trace elements necessary for the development of young animals.
Composition and value of milk powder
Powder mixture (whole milk substitute or ZMC) is obtained after evaporation of 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 give up breast milk without harm to their own body. Therefore dry mixes consist of 52-55% lactose. It is believed that such a percentage of the content completely covers the needs of the piglets' body in 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. The regular intake of such components has a positive effect on the overall development of the body. Amino acids provide protein balance in the young body.
- Microelements. Almost all ZMC are iron, selenium and calcium-containing products.
- Fillers. These are proteins of potatoes and beans, gluten.
- Immunoglobulins.
The specified composition varies depending on the brand. A number of manufacturers introduce additional components that promote better absorption of vitamins and minerals by the pig's body.
In particular, milk of the Kormilakt brand contains, in addition to the above ingredients, cobalt, zinc, magnesium and iodine.
The composition of the dry mix 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.
Benefit and harm
This substitute is created on the basis of natural milk using technology that preserves 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 correct development of the young.
Additional trace elements prevent the occurrence of common diseases. Thanks to artificial feed, the risk of developing anemia and dystrophy of muscle fibers, fragility of bones is minimized.
The composition of mixtures includes substances that improve the absorption of microelements by organisms. And some of these foods contain probiotics that support the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Also in the composition of milk powder there are bacteria that improve the microflora of internal organs and minimize the likelihood of developing dysbiosis and diarrhea. The disadvantages of such products include the fact that the mixtures are relatively expensive. In addition, milk powder cannot fully replace mother's milk.
In what cases does it apply
Powdered milk is given to young animals, which, for some reason, were taken from the sow. In this case, it is recommended to transfer piglets to foods with a high lactose content, which will ensure the normal development of the pigs' digestive 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 capacity of the sow. But in such cases, it is impossible to tear off the young from the mother, completely transferring to the mixture. For normal development, the pig should be applied to the sow. Young animals should receive the minimum amount of trace elements by consuming colostrum. Mixtures in this case make up for the lack of nutrients. With this feeding, a piglet is given no more than 40 grams of milk powder in the first days of life.
How to properly dilute milk powder
The proportions in which milk powder is diluted are indicated on the package. To prepare ZMC, it is necessary to preheat the water to a temperature not exceeding 55 degrees. Then dry milk is poured into the liquid in a thin stream. At this point, the composition must be constantly mixed, achieving complete dissolution of the product. At the end of the procedure, the prepared mixture should be cooled to 37 degrees (if necessary, diluted with a small amount of cold water).
It is recommended to breed ZMC before each feeding. The mixture remains nutritious for several hours. However, the value of such a product decreases by this time. And if you dilute the composition and leave it for storage for more than a day (including in the refrigerator), the prepared milk spoils.
Instructions for use
The frequency of feeding and the amount of milk given depends both on age and on whether the piglets are breastfed or completely transferred to artificial feeding. If the young are immediately opened from the breast, then in the first four days it is necessary to breed 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, milk mixture can be given up to five times a day. 2- and 3-week-old piglets are fed 1.2 kilograms of milk replacer the same number of times.
Piglets over a month old are advised to give more concentrated products no more than three times a day. During this period, pelleted feed is introduced, which prepares the animals for food for 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, the piglets are actively gaining weight. At this point, you need to transfer the animals to a full-fledged diet, reducing the volume or abandoning the WMC.
