Can pigs and goats live together? At first glance this seems like a yes or no question. However, it is not as clear-cut as that and as such it is best to look at both sides. After having done that we shall draw a conclusion from the insights we would have discussed. Essentially we would want to give you an informed recommendation. If you are to make pigs and goats live together you will do it knowing fully well what is involved. If you are to decide otherwise you will also be doing it from an informed standpoint. Here is why it may be tricky to keep both species together.
Pigs can be omnivorous
Pigs can eat meat just as much as they can eat plants or vegetation. This spells ‘disaster’ for the goats because either way they can be a victim. Pigs can actually end up eating the goats especially the young ones. In the same vein they can also eat vegetation, vegetation which constitutes an integral part of the goats’ diet. Thus if pigs and goats live together it might be a nightmare for the goats. This is even exacerbated by the fact that pigs are typically bigger and weightier than goats. Couple that with how particular pigs are in having their own space and it becomes abundantly clear why pigs and goats living together is a bad idea.
Pigs are typically destructive.
It is a common thing for pigs to destroy things within their vicinity. The vegetation we mentioned moments ago is again a victim of that destructive behaviour. As opposed to eating the vegetation, the pigs can actually destroy it thus depriving the goats of their food source. Pigs are known to either trample on the vegetation or to uproot it. Depending on the protective barriers used, they can be destroyed by pigs which ends up exposing both of them to predators or even human theft.
Different feeding requirements
Some of the aspects we have touched on entail feeding requirements. However, here we want to focus on manufactured feeds. Imagine a scenario where there are two feeding spots are set up i.e. one for the pigs and one for the goats. Both animals are adventurous and thus will end up getting into each other’s feeds. Not only will this be wasteful but it might lead to digestive issues. This will emanate from either of the animals eating what is not really meant for them. Some farmers have noted that if goats eat pig feed they can experience adverse reactions e.g. diarrhoea.
Sharing of parasites and Disease.
Pigs and goats living together does not only end with sharing space alone. Diseases and parasites, if any, can end up moving from pigs to the goats and vice versa. This can create a complicated scenario where animals suffer from or exhibit unfamiliar signs and symptoms. The effective control of diseases and parasites becomes very difficult to handle. Imagine having to apply chemicals to deal with diseases or parasites on say, the pigs. The goats will inevitably be exposed and the consequences might be dire.
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