Pig milk is not commercially viable primarily because pigs are difficult to milk and produce relatively little milk compared to other livestock.
Challenges in Milking Pigs
Several factors contribute to the challenges of milking pigs on a commercial scale:
- Temperament: Sows (female pigs) are often uncooperative and easily startled, making the milking process difficult and potentially dangerous for both the animal and the milker. Lactating pigs can be aggressive, particularly when humans are near their piglets.
- Milk Production: Pigs produce a relatively small amount of milk per day compared to dairy cows or goats. This makes the process less economically efficient.
- Teat Structure: A sow's teats are small and numerous, making it difficult to attach milking machines efficiently. The anatomy is also not as conducive to manual milking compared to other livestock.
- Lactation Duration: The duration of lactation in pigs is relatively short compared to other milk-producing animals, further impacting the overall yield.
Economic Inefficiency
Due to the challenges mentioned above, the labor and resources required to milk pigs far outweigh the potential milk yield, rendering it economically inefficient. The cost of overcoming the pig's natural reluctance to be milked, coupled with the low volume of milk produced, makes it impractical for large-scale commercial production.
Alternative Milk Sources
Cow's milk, goat's milk, and plant-based milk alternatives offer more efficient and accessible sources of dairy and dairy substitutes, making pig milk an unnecessary pursuit.
