This provides passive immunity to the pig. The gut of the baby pig is permeable to these large proteins for about 24 hours. Active antibody production is slow to occur in young pigs. Some production is thought to occur by about 1 week of age. More significant antibody production is thought to occur at about 3 weeks of age with a slow increase in production over the next several weeks.
Pigs normally nurse about once every hour.
Although adapted for a liquid diet, young pigs can be trained to eat dry feed within a few days. If given a choice, pigs do not normally eat significant amounts of dry feed until about 10 days of age. The suckling instinct is very strong in young pigs. Pigs weaned at young ages may attempt to suck and root at each other's navels, ears etc. causing injury or even death of other pigs if not taken care of by the producer. Including sucrose or other sugars in feeds can cause gastrointestinal upset and scours leading to serious consequences.