In an attempt to decrease feeding problems sometimes seen at weaning, a few production farms have used automatic liquid feed dispensers. This is a more natural feeding method for the pig, however it has been difficult to match the natural lactation cycle of the sow, especially in terms of milk volume during each feeding bout. If pigs take in too much milk they are prone to scours and digestive problems. Pigs normally nurse about once every hour while on the sow, but the volume of milk is not large at any one nursing. It is difficult, or at least very expensive, to design a liquid feed dispenser that will deliver similar amounts without plugging, malfunctioning, or allowing too much formula to be dispensed at one time.
Liquid diets are also more expensive to prepare and more difficult to store than dry feeds.
Other producers mix dry feed with water and use a trough or pan to help reduce the numbers pigs that are problem feeders the first few days following weaning. However, this is a time-consuming method of feeding and can result in spoilage, flies, etc. if not constantly managed. Most producers simply wean into nursery pens where dry feed and nipple waterers are available. Pigs are watched closely, and those pigs that do not take to dry feed right away are removed to other pens where they can be trained to eat wet feed and then moved back to rejoin the group. Because the nursing instinct is very strong in young pigs, when weaned early they may sometimes seek other objects or animals to suckle.