Can Pigs Eat Hay?

 

 Pigs are also omnivores; they can eat from both plants’ and animals' food origins. Pigs are also one of many mindless eaters on earth. They would literally eat from anywhere and any source. This is not an ideal habit. As a pig owner, this is why you must do some research and ensure your pig is eating safely. 

Hay is a common go-to source of meal for animals, but not all animals can eat them or should eat them. Before diving in to discuss whether or not pigs can eat Hay, let us give a brief introduction to what Hay is.

What is Hay?

According to Wikipedia, "Hay is grass, legumes, or other herbaceous plants that have been cut and dried to be stored for use by animals. Some common types of hay include Timothy hay, alfalfa hay, orchard grass hay e.t.c 

Now Can Pigs Eat Hay 

Yes, pigs can definitely eat hay. If you haven't already added them to your pig's diet, you should. Aside from hay being a cheap source of food for pigs, it is also packed with a decent amount of nutrients needed by pigs. 

Pigs also need a diet that is primarily made up of grass, barley, corn, and wheat.

Hay is a solid substitute for fresh grass and grains, especially during winter.

Benefits of Hay

Pigs need a nutritious diet like hay with plenty of vitamins and minerals to grow into a hulking and healthy size. You also have to ensure that you are feeding them only a little.

Cost

Unlike other sources of food for pigs, hays are pretty affordable. You really do not need to break the bank to get some hays for your pigs.

Protein content

Hays contain a good amount of protein. Different types of hay have different protein content. Protein helps repair damaged muscles and tissues. However, you should only partially depend on Hay for your pig's protein source. 

Fiber 

Hay contains a good amount of fiber. Fiber helps aid a better bowel movement as it also helps soften stool and prevent constipation. 

Source of energy

Hay also contains carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates act as an energy-giving source of nutrients. They help me give your pigs the energy to go about their day. 

Low calorie

It is vital to keep a balance when feeding pigs. Keeping a balance in your pig's calorie intake is also essential. Pigs are already prone to being fat; food like hay does a great job of providing them with good nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Minerals and vitamins

Hay contains several minerals, such as potassium, manganese, and so on.  Hay also contains vitamins like vitamins B, D, and A. These minerals and vitamins play different roles in animals, including pigs. Some of these minerals might not be high in quantity, but they do their job and help your pets feel better and thrive better.  

How Much Hay To Feed to Pigs?

The amount of food you feed your pigs depends on their size mainly. The larger the pig, the more or less it will need to eat a particular food.

It can be hard to make these calculations as pigs grow fast, so it is better to keep everything in moderation, that is, keep the serving to a medium size. You can also study your pigs and the amount of food they usually would finish at a go. 

On an average, a pig needs about 5 to 7 pounds of food daily. The food should definitely be a combination of both grains and fresh vegetables.

As for hay, it should be about 2 to 3 pounds of a pig’s total food allotment per day. So, between a third and a half of a pig’s diet can be hay.

Can Mini Pigs also Eat Hay?

Yes, mini pigs can also eat hay, but it would be best to wait for them to reach their adult stage before you start introducing hay to them.

A mini pig’s primary source of nutrients should be pig feed, and other types of food should only be used as a treat for them. 

Can Pigs Live on Hay Alone?

Pigs can technically live on hay alone, but they won’t receive enough nutrients as they should. Instead, hay should be kept for use in the wintertime and should be given in addition to other grains such as corn and wheat.

Can Pigs Eat Moldy Hay?

No, it is not recommended for pigs to eat moldy hay or any other type of rotted food.

This can put the life of your pigs in danger; it could also lead to a high cost of treatment and fees you wouldn't want to pay. 

Can Pigs Eat Hay Silage?

Yes, pigs can definitely eat hay silage. This is one the best-recommended type of hay you can feed your pigs, as it can help them gain weight more efficiently If they need to, and it also helps with their overall behavior.

Unfortunately, silage it’s not commonly used with pigs, but if you have the opportunity, feed them hay silage. It is highly recommended. 

Conclusion: Can Pigs Eat Hay?

Yes, pigs love to eat hay; this is an excellent source of nutrients for them.  It should, however, be fed in combination with pig's feed or a corn-based diet.

Young pigs can’t digest hay as efficiently as grown pigs, so it is best to introduce hay to their diet later on in their life. Also, these young pigs would take more time to gain weight when they are on a hay-only based diet.

Sure, pigs can definitely survive just by eating hay, but their growth will be much slower, and they will also miss out on the other types of nutrients they need to thrive. Pigs need a balanced diet to grow strong and healthy, so a balance is the only recommended for both pigs and piglets.