How to Feed a Runt Pig

Runt pigs are often born too small and weak to properly feed from the mother pig. It is critical that the piglet nurse from its mother within the first few hours of being born. Sow's milk includes high levels of colostrum, which is vital for the piglet's survival. Colostrum is full of antibodies that protect the piglet from pathogens. Without colostrum, the piglet is susceptible to viruses and bacteria which can lead to death. If the runt is too weak to nurse from the sow, it will need to be bottle fed to survive.

Things You'll Need

  • Sow milk replacer
  • Baby bottle with small nipple
  • Shallow bowl
  • Heating pad or heat lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the runt piglet from the sow if it is unable to nurse.

    • 2

      Keep the piglet warm using a heating pad or heat lamp. Piglets should be kept at a temperature of 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in an area that is free from drafts. Piglets are not able to produce their own body heat at this point, so it is critical to keep them warm. The runt piglet will not be able to feed properly if its body temperature is too low.

    • 3

      Warm the milk replacer until it is approximately 87 degrees or close to body temperature. Piglets should be fed sow milk replacer which can be purchased from most animal health stores or co-ops. If sow milk replacer is not readily available, you can use canned condensed milk that has been watered down by one third until you get proper milk replacer.

    • 4

      Feed the piglet 2-3 ounces of the milk using a regular baby bottle. Express a small amount of the milk onto the nipple of the bottle so the piglet can smell and taste it. This will promote the piglet's interest in the bottle.

    • 5

      Repeat the feeding process every three to four hours until the piglet is several days old and gaining weight quickly. After several days, you can reduce the number of feedings to four times each day.

    • 6

      Teach the piglet to drink from a bowl when it is a few days old. This will be easier than having to feed it from a bottle. Pour the milk replacer into a small shallow bowl and gently dip the piglet's nose into the milk. Repeat this process a few times until the piglet starts to drink from the bowl on its own.

    • 7

      Gradually increase the amount of milk at each feeding until the piglet is 10 days old. At this time, you can start the piglet on solid food such as a starter feed. Average piglets can be weaned off milk when they reach 12 to 14 lbs in weight. This usually occurs around 28 days.