Pigs are mammals. They are described as having stout bodies and short legs. They also have thick skin which is coated with bristle hair. Pigs are also characterized by their hooves. They have cloves and hooves which means their hooves are divided into two. Cloven hooves are found in other animals like goats, sheep, and deer.
Pigs in their nature are omnivorous. Giving them the ability to feed on a wide variety of food from plants and animal origin.
Asparagus is a plant with scale-like leaves. It is a member of the "Lilly" family under the plant kingdom. It comes in a variety of colors including white, green, and purple. Asparagus is a delicious and nutritional vegetable. It is used in dishes worldwide. Dishes such as pasta and stir-fries. It takes about two to three years for asparagus to grow. However, when fully grown, it takes around twenty years before it turns bad.
CAN PIGS EAT ASPARAGUS
Yes, pigs can eat asparagus. Pigs love asparagus. pigs are one of the most curious animals when it comes to eating. They have a habit of tasting and chewing on almost everything they come across. Asparagus contains loads of nutritional value and a lot of benefits to offer. It is known to be a vegetable with many nutrients but with low calories. some of the nutrients in asparagus include:
Protein
Proteins are one the most essential source of nutrients for your pigs. It is one of the requirements for a healthy balanced diet. Luckily, asparagus contains a decent amount of protein. Half a cup of asparagus which is equivalent to 90grammes contains about 2.2 grams of protein in it. This amount of protein is about…10% of the daily required dietary value.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that are known to help boost your pig's immune system. It also reduces the risk of diseases in your pig. Asparagus is known to be a very good source of antioxidants.
Water
Asparagus is made up of 94% of water. We all know how important water is. Our pigs need a lot of water just like we do. Water is known for several benefits it provides. Water helps flush bacteria from the bladder. It also helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your pig's cells. Most importantly, water helps prevent cases like constipation in your pigs. These are only a few benefits out of many that water has to offer to your pigs. Water should never be underestimated for your pigs. If for nothing, the high water content of water in asparagus should be enough for you to feed your pigs with it.
Fiber
Like other vegetables, asparagus contains, dietary fiber. Half a cup of asparagus contains 1.8 grams of fiber which is equivalent to 7% of the daily dietary value.Feeding asparagus to your pig(s) is a good way to meet their fiber need. Fibers also help the digestive system as it is known to keep your pig full for a long period. Asparagus in particular is known to have a high amount of insoluble fiber. This type of fiber aids bowel movement, that is, it prevents difficulty for your pigs when they need to stool. Thus, feeding your pig with asparagus is a win-win situation as you also get to be free from frequent visits to the veterinarian due to digestive issues.
Vitamins
Asparagus contains a series of vitamins which include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E. These vitamins are essential required nutrients for your pig.
Vitamin A also known as retinol. It is known as retinol because of its function in promoting good eyesight. Feeding the pig with asparagus helps improve their eyesight, especially in low light. It also aids proper bone growth. Also, in reproductive function.
Vitamin C is another source of vitamin in asparagus. It helps in the repair of worn-out tissue. The deficiency of vitamin C leads to diseases like scurvy.
Half a cup of asparagus is known to contain about 12% of the daily required value of vitamin c.
Vitamin k is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is a vitamin needed for blood clotting. Asparagus is very rich in vitamin k. Half a cup of asparagus contains 57% of vitamin k, which is the dietary daily value.
Vitamin E is one of the most important sources of vitamins for your pigs. Vitamin E is necessary for the optimum and normal function of the nerves and muscles. Your pigs need vitamin E supplements in their food as lack of it can lead to weakness.
Folate
Folate is also known as vitamin B9. Folate, also known as folic acid is an essential nutrient that helps the formation of red blood cells. The absence of folate can lead to immature production of red blood cells in your pig. Abnormal production of red blood cells on your pig can thus lead to a series of issues like anemia, and also the presence of abnormally large red blood cells in your pig.
Minerals
Minerals Which include potassium, copper, calcium, iron, and potassium can be found in asparagus. Pigs need calcium and iron for proper bone and teeth development. They are one of the required minerals for your pigs to have a healthy living.
Asparagus contains a load of potassium. Potassium is found in many food and vegetables including asparagus because of its importance. It helps maintain fluid balance in pigs'' bodies. It also helps in muscle contraction. On the other hand, your pigs need the right amount of iron in their body. Iron is a required mineral for growth and development in pigs. Pig needs Iron to make hemoglobin, a protein that aids the movement of oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body. Just like the way your pig needs oxygen to survive, so do they need iron.
Can pigs eat raw asparagus?
Yes, both raw and cooked asparagus can be eaten by your pigs. People often believe that asparagus should be cooked before it can be fed to pigs, but that is not the case. One of the major differences between raw and cooked asparagus is that the latter is softer. You can also try feeding your pig with both the raw and cooked ones. Observe them as they eat to know their preference. However, if you choose to feed your pigs with raw asparagus, it would do them more good to cut the vegetable into bits for better chewing.
Can pregnant pigs eat asparagus?
Yes, it is safe to serve your pregnant pig with asparagus. The presence of Folate in asparagus makes it a plus for your pregnant pig. Aside from its function in red blood cell production it also helps prevent complications that could occur to your pregnant pig.
In conclusion, aside from all these nutrients, asparagus has to offer to your pig, it is also an easy food to add to your pig's diet.
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