There’s a reason pigs are quickly associated with mud, and it’s not for being dirty. Pigs are actually relatively clean animals and prefer to keep their restrooms far away from their sleeping and eating areas. Now, you may wonder why pigs wallow in mud if they’re such clean animals, and we have some answers for you! The truth is, mud is nature’s remedy for a lot of common concerns. Here are 4 benefits of mud baths for pigs.
1. Regulating Body Temperature
When humans get hot, our bodies produce sweat to cool off. Once sweat is produced, it evaporates and leaves our skin feeling cooler than before. Pigs do not have this luxury since they have few sweat glands, and must find other means to get by. Wallowing in the mud is a natural way for pigs to regulate their body temperatures! Mud coats the skin and allows it to slowly absorb the moisture over time.
Another similar method used to keep pigs cool is water sprinklers, but water alone isn’t as effective as mud. Mud retains water for longer periods of time, which keeps pigs’ skin protected from the heat for longer. It’s also a terrific way to insulate pigs during the colder months, so they may wallow in the winter too!
2. Blocking the Sun
Yes, even your pig can suffer from the sun’s strong UV rays! Pigs have very light and sensitive skin, which actually makes them prone to sunburn as much or even more than you. Mud acts as a natural way for pigs to keep their skin safe when they’re outside. When applying mud to the skin, it dries and forms a barrier against the sun. Wallowing in the mud is an easy way for pigs to coat every part of their skin and enjoy the great outdoors even on the sunniest of days!
3. Repelling Insects
Pigs tend to attract a whole slew of pests, from biting critters, flies, and parasites, which can easily transmit diseases. In order to protect their sensitive skin from insects, pigs can wallow in mud! When coating the skin in mud, it cuts off the oxygen supply to any insect resting between the skin and layer of mud. Pigs may love to wallow but bugs don’t want anything to do with that mess!
4. Encouraging Togetherness
Along with all the previous mentioned benefits to wallowing, pigs often use this act to socialize with one another. Pigs usually wallow in groups together, which acts as a way to bond with each other. This helps pigs feel safe and comfortable with their environment, increasing their overall well-being!
Even if your pig lives mostly indoors, it would still be very beneficial to consider providing access to mud. Pigs are naturally drawn to wallowing and instinctively turn to it for many reasons. The next time you hear someone say pigs are dirty for rolling in the mud, let them know it’s the perfect way to regulate body temperature, block out the sun, keep insects away, and bond with other pigs!
