If a recent experiment conducted by Chinese researchers is successful, it could be good news for cows, as the team discovered that pig milk is highly nutritious and has the potential to become a human beverage.
"Pig milk has received a lot of attention recently, and we are currently conducting research on it," Tan Yongsong of the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences' Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, the team's leader, informed.
He believes that after preliminary research and testing, pig milk has the potential to be used as a daily drink in the future.
Pig milk is milky white in colour, has no distinguishing flavour or odour, and is similar to cow's and goat's milk. According to preliminary research, pig milk has a high nutritional value, including energy, fat, protein, lactose, calcium, sodium, and so on.
Some nutritional indicators are comparable to or even exceed those of cow and goat milk; for example, the protein content of pig milk is nearly 17 grammes per 100 grammes, significantly higher than the protein content of milk, which is less than 3 grammes per 100 grammes.
The quantitative indicators of pig milk nutrients are being tested at the moment. According to available data, only a few researchers have ever contacted studies on pig milk, and no domestic pig experts have conducted comprehensive and thematic research on pig milk so far.
"Research on pig milk has only recently begun, and the study will take considerably longer," Tan stated. "The goal of our research is to improve citizens' lives and meet the needs of various consumer groups."
He stated that the research team is currently using existing pig breeds in Shanghai for pig milk research, including Meishan, Large White, American Landrace, and Duroc breeds.
