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. In nursery pens they may begin sucking on each other, especially ears and navels and, if not separated, they may injure or even kill litter mates. Usually, only a few pigs demonstrate this behavior, but it is important that they be separated from other animals until they overcome this habit. This is intended to allow the pigs to become familiar with dry feed so that they will recognized it as a food source when they are weaned.