Pig milk

Piglets consuming pig milk

Pig milk is milk from pigs, and is typically consumed by piglets. It has similar colostrum composition in terms of protein, fat, and lactose, when compared to cow's milk. Pigs with high-protein diets produce more milk compared to those on low-protein diets. Milk production has been estimated using a system of weighing piglets prior to and after suckling.

Human uses

Pigs are considered difficult to milk. There are 8 to 10 small nipples, each giving little milk. Also, the sow itself is reluctant to be milked, may be uncooperative or become spooked by human presence, and lactating pigs may be quite aggressive. Another issue making pigs less appealing as a source of milk than other, more conventional animals (such as dairy cattle), is their cleanliness and diet. The flavor of pig milk has been described as "gamy".

Cheese

Cheese produced from pig milk has been described as having a flavor of pig milk that is concentrated and intensified. Chef Edward Lee prepared a ricotta cheese from pig milk, which he described as "delicious".

Healthcare

Susanna Montgomery, Countess of Eglinton used to wash her face with pig milk and then drink it. She recommended this treatment to others, as she believed it would help retain one's figure and complexion.

Further reading

• DOI 10.1021/jf100398u
• DOI 10.1186/1471-2164-15-100
• DOI 10.1111/asj.12165

External links

• Pig's milk, and other difficult dairies. Boing Boing.