The fight to eat
Our new setup is perfect; it’s keeping all 25 of these babies warm, dry, and close to their mommas while allowing them to stay close to each other. Meishans are herd pigs with their mentalities, so being able to keep up this close to each other while allowing for some privacy to raise their litters is the best solution we could come up with. When I captured this moment, I realized just how different a few weeks can be for piggets.
If you've ever observed piglets nursing from their mother, you might be surprised by how intense and, at times, seemingly aggressive the process can be. The squealing, jostling, and competition among siblings can appear chaotic, but this behavior is deeply rooted in their instincts and survival mechanisms.
One of the primary reasons piglets display aggressive nursing behavior is their innate drive to establish a teat order. Piglets are born with an instinct to compete for the best access to their mother’s milk, which is rich in essential nutrients for their rapid growth. The strongest piglets will fight to claim the front teats, which typically produce the most milk, while weaker piglets may struggle to secure a position.
Once a teat order is established, it remains consistent throughout nursing, reducing conflict over time. However, until that hierarchy is firmly set, piglets will push, bite, and jostle to secure their spot. Piglets are born with an intense hunger drive and require frequent feeding to thrive. Their mother’s milk provides essential nutrients such as colostrum, which are crucial in the first hours after birth to provide antibodies and boost immunity. Because colostrum production is limited, piglets instinctively compete to ensure they receive their fair share, leading to aggressive nursing behaviors.
Piglets face numerous threats in the wild, including predators and competition from littermates. Aggressive nursing behavior is an evolutionary adaptation that helps ensure survival. Those who can fight for and secure a good spot at their mother’s teat are more likely to grow stronger and develop faster, giving them a better chance of survival. Sows may react differently to the aggressive nursing of their piglets. Some mothers will respond by shifting positions, grunting, or standing up if the nursing becomes too rough. Experienced sows tend to be more patient and allow the piglets to settle into their feeding routine, while first-time mothers may struggle with the chaos. We are lucky enough to have mothers who can handle the chaos calmly and patiently, making my job a lot easier. I couldn’t be happier, pleased, and in love with these Meishans as I am right now. Great mothers, amazing babies, and a promise of fantastic pork for my family in the future.
