Pigs And Beer: A Safe Combo?

Beer-drinking pigs are a novelty attraction at a bar in Tasmania and a restaurant in St. Croix, but the question of whether it is safe for pigs to consume beer is a more complex one. Pigs have been observed to voluntarily consume alcohol to the point of intoxication, and have exhibited signs of physical dependence. However, it is unclear if they can develop a psychological dependence on alcohol. While beer has been used to calm nervous sows before giving birth, and dark beer is believed to help barnyard animals struggling with loss of appetite or in need of a boost after physical exertion, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous for pigs, as evidenced by a group of pigs that drank an entire tank of distillery mash and got extremely drunk.

Beer can be used to treat pigs that are unwell or have lost their appetite

Beer, especially dark beer, can be used to treat pigs that are unwell or have lost their appetite. In fact, small-scale pig producers sometimes offer sows a six-pack, straight or mixed with milk, as soon as they finish giving birth. A mild buzz helps them relax and let down their milk. It is also mentioned in one of James Herriot's books.

Beer can also be used to sedate pigs. In one instance, a vet recommended using beer to sedate a boar that needed its hooves trimmed. In another case, a homebrewer used the dregs of their brew to sedate their boar so that they could be injected with medicine.

The usual dose for ailing sheep or goats is one full beer in the morning and, if necessary, another in the late afternoon. The same dose could be applied to pigs, although it is not clear how much beer a pig would need to consume to feel the effects, as they are significantly larger than sheep and goats.

It is important to note that while beer can be used to treat pigs in certain situations, it should not be a regular occurrence. Additionally, proper care should be taken when providing beer to pigs, as too much alcohol can be harmful to them.

Pigs have been observed to consume alcohol voluntarily to a state of intoxication

In an experiment conducted by Sylvie Cloutier et al., published in *Physiological Behaviour*, pregnant sows were fed alcohol non-voluntarily for five weeks to study whether they would develop a preference for alcohol. The results showed that the pigs did not develop a preference for alcohol, even after non-voluntary consumption during the experiment and withdrawal after the experiment.

Despite this, there are anecdotal reports of pigs consuming alcohol voluntarily and exhibiting signs of intoxication. For example, in an article by Karen Pinchin in *Modern Farmer*, a pig farmer named Julie Shore recounted an incident where one of her pigs managed to open a valve and consume a significant amount of distillery mash, leading to the pig and its companions getting drunk. Similarly, in an article about treating livestock with beer, Sue Weaver mentions that small-scale pig producers sometimes offer sows a six-pack of beer, mixed with milk, to help them relax and let down their milk after giving birth.

It is worth noting that while pigs may voluntarily consume alcohol, it does not necessarily mean they will develop a psychological dependence on it. However, consuming large amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for pigs, just as it is for humans, and may lead to health issues and even death.

Alcoholic beer should be given to pigs via a rubber nipple or syringe

While it may be tempting to give your pigs a tipple, it is important to exercise caution. Although pigs have been observed to consume alcohol voluntarily and can handle larger quantities than humans, it is crucial to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful, and even fatal, to pigs.

If you do decide to give your pigs beer, it is recommended to use a rubber nipple or syringe to administer it. This method helps to control the amount of beer consumed and prevents the pig from having direct access to the bottle or can. This is especially important as pigs have been known to drink excessively if given the opportunity.

When using a rubber nipple, cut a 1/2" circle at the tip to slowly feed the beer to the pig, allowing it to sip and swallow at its own pace. Alternatively, you can use a syringe to administer flat beer (as fresh beer tends to foam too much for a syringe). This method is useful for pigs that may be more resistant to drinking beer.

It is worth noting that dark beer, such as Guinness stout, is commonly used for medicinal purposes for various farm animals, including pigs. The yeast in Guinness, for example, is a probiotic, while hops have been used to aid digestion and treat intestinal issues. Additionally, the malted barley in Guinness provides B vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, and selenium.

However, it is important to remember that beer should be given to pigs in moderation and only when necessary, such as to boost their appetite or aid their recovery after physical exertion. It is not recommended to give pigs alcoholic beer regularly or in large quantities, as it can be detrimental to their health and well-being.

Beer is believed to calm nervous sows and prevent them from killing their young

Beer has been used to calm nervous sows and prevent them from killing their young. This practice has been around for decades, with farmers giving beer to sows before giving birth to relax them and help them release their milk.

In small-scale pig farming, sows are sometimes offered a six-pack of beer, either straight or mixed with milk, as soon as they finish giving birth. The mild inebriation helps the sows relax and let down their milk. This practice is even mentioned in one of James Herriot's books.

The use of beer for this purpose may be rooted in the physiological similarities between pigs and humans. Pigs have been used in scientific experiments and trials for decades because their organs, muscles, and metabolisms closely resemble those of humans. As a result, alcohol consumption can affect pigs in a similar way to humans.

However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to pigs, just as it is to humans. While a mild buzz may be beneficial for nervous sows, allowing pigs unrestricted access to alcohol can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication, as seen in the case of Cate Dewey, a pig expert, who observed a group of pigs getting drunk after accessing an open bar.

Therefore, while beer may be offered to calm nervous sows and prevent them from harming their young, it should be done in a controlled and supervised manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.

Beer is used to treat horses with anhydrosis (inability to sweat)

Anhidrosis refers to the inability of horses to sweat properly, which can affect certain areas of the body or the entire horse. This condition is commonly referred to as "no sweat" and can potentially lead to heatstroke, especially in hot and humid climates. While there is no proven medication or supplement to treat anhidrosis effectively, a traditional remedy among equestrians is to give their horses a can of beer, specifically dark beer such as Guinness stout, every day. This practice is based on the belief that beer provides a source of yeast and essential B vitamins, which are vital for the correct functioning of metabolic pathways and maintaining a healthy coat.

The use of beer as a treatment for anhidrosis in horses is not a new concept and has been a tradition among racehorse trainers and equestrians for many years. Famous horses like Tapit and Zenyatta are known to have enjoyed an occasional Guinness. The rationale behind this unconventional treatment is the presence of B vitamins in beer, including biotin, folic acid, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and B12. These vitamins are crucial for the proper functioning of metabolic pathways, such as building blood cells, maintaining nerve cells, generating cellular energy, and metabolising fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Additionally, they contribute to maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.

While it may seem unusual to treat a horse with beer, there is no need to worry about your horse getting drunk. Horses have large amounts of alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes in their livers, which enable them to metabolise the alcohol content in beer efficiently. Furthermore, due to their large body size, they would have to consume substantial amounts of beer before any risk of intoxication.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of using beer to treat anhidrosis in horses is not universally accepted. While some equestrians swear by this remedy, others may opt for alternative treatments like acupuncture, supplements, or other home remedies. Ultimately, if you suspect your horse is suffering from anhidrosis, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before attempting any treatment.

Although there is no scientific consensus on the effectiveness of beer in treating anhidrosis, the potential benefits may lie in the nutritional content of the beverage. The rich source of B vitamins and yeast in beer could contribute to improving the overall health and metabolic functions of horses affected by anhidrosis.

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