Pigs are not commercially milked primarily because they are difficult to milk and uncooperative, and their milk yield is relatively low compared to dairy animals like cows.
Challenges in Milking Pigs
Several factors contribute to the impracticality of milking pigs:
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Temperament and Handling: Sows (female pigs) can be easily stressed or aggressive, particularly when lactating. They are often reluctant to be milked by humans, making the process challenging and potentially dangerous for both the animal and the handler.
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Anatomy and Physiology: Pig udders are located along their abdomen and have multiple teats. This makes designing efficient milking equipment difficult. Furthermore, the milk let-down reflex in pigs is not as readily triggered as in cows, which affects the milk volume obtained.
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Milk Yield and Composition: While pig milk is rich in nutrients, the overall yield per sow is low compared to cows or goats. This makes commercial production economically unviable. Pig milk also has a distinctive flavor that is not universally appealing.
Lack of Commercial Viability
Due to the combination of low milk yield, handling difficulties, and the lack of a readily available market, pig milk production has not proven to be commercially feasible. The costs associated with managing and milking pigs outweigh the potential benefits.
