Powdered milk for piglets: how to properly dilute and proportions, instructions for use

In the first few weeks after birth, piglets feed mainly on mother's milk. Other complementary foods during this period are introduced in limited quantities. However, the lack of lactation in a sow does not mean that the offspring will die. In this case, breeders, instead of standard complementary foods, resort to powdered milk for piglets. Such products provide the microelements necessary for the development of young animals.

Composition and value of milk powder

Dry mix (whole milk replacer or WMC) is obtained after evaporation of pig milk. During this process, the complex is fortified and mineralized.

Regardless of who produces this product, the composition must include:

1. 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 mixes consist of 52-55% lactose. It is believed that such a percentage of the content completely covers the needs of the body of piglets in carbohydrates.
2. Vitamins. These components are introduced in a certain proportion (no more than 1% of the volume of the mixture).
3. 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 body of young animals.
4. Microelements. Almost all WMCs are iron-, selenium- and calcium-containing products.
5. Fillers. These are potato and bean proteins, gluten.
6. Immunoglobulins.

The indicated composition varies depending on the brand. A number of manufacturers introduce additional components that contribute to better absorption of vitamins and minerals by the body of the piglet.

In particular, Cormilact brand milk contains, in addition to the above ingredients, cob alt, 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 from the third day, and other brands - from 1-2 weeks.

Benefits and harms

This substitute is based on 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 proper development of young animals.

Additional trace elements prevent the occurrence of common diseases. Thanks to artificial feed, the risk of developing anemia and dystrophy of muscle fibers, brittle bones is minimized.

The mixtures include substances that improve the absorption of microelements by organisms. And some of these products contain probiotics, which ensure 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 dysbacteriosis and diarrhea. Among the disadvantages of such products is that the mixtures are relatively expensive. In addition, powdered milk is not able to fully replace mother's milk.

When does it apply

Powdered milk is given to young animals, which for certain reasons were taken away from the sow.In this case, it is recommended to transfer piglets to products with a high content of lactose, which will ensure the normal development of the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. And after the first three weeks, solid foods can be gradually introduced into the diet.

Powdered milk is recommended to give 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 mixtures. For normal development, the piglet should be applied to the sow. Young animals should receive a minimum amount of trace elements by consuming colostrum. Mixtures in this case make up for the lack of useful substances. With such feeding, a piglet is given no more than 40 grams of powdered milk at a time in the first days of life.

How to properly breed milk powder

The proportions in which powdered milk is bred are indicated on the packaging. For the preparation of ZMC, it is necessary to preheat the water to a temperature not exceeding 55 degrees.Next, dry milk is poured into the liquid in a thin stream. At this point, the composition must be constantly stirred, achieving complete dissolution of the product. At the end of the procedure, cool the prepared mixture to 37 degrees (you can dilute it with a little cold water if necessary).

ZMC is recommended to be bred before each feeding. Mixtures remain nutritious for several hours. However, the value of such a product is declining by this point. And if you dilute the composition and leave it for storage for more than a day (including in the refrigerator), the cooked milk deteriorates.

Instructions for use

The frequency of feeding and the amount of milk given depends on both age and whether the piglets are breastfed or fully converted to artificial. If the young are immediately opened from the breast, then in the first four days it is necessary to dilute no more than 300 grams of the mixture and give up to six times a day.From the fifth to the tenth - increase to 700 grams. During this period, formula milk can be given up to five times a day. 2- and 3-week-old piglets are fed 1.2 kg of ZMC the same number of times.

Piglets older than a month are recommended to give more concentrated foods no more than three times a day. During this period, granulated feed is introduced, which prepares 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 are actively gaining weight. By this time, you need to transfer the animals to a full-fledged diet, reducing the volume or abandoning the ZMC.

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