How to Apply Sunscreen to Pigs with a Livestock Sprayer
To prevent your white pigs from getting sunburned, you can apply sunscreen to their skin. Here are instructions for diluting sunscreen and applying it with a livestock sprayer. Sunscreen ingredient implications for pet versus market hog producers are discussed.
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A quick and easy way to apply sunscreen to your hogs is with a hand-held, pump-action livestock sprayer. These can be purchased at a farm store or online, I ordered mine on Amazon.
These are nice because they touch-free- you don’t have to rub anything on the pig’s skin by hand. Also, the nozzle is adjustable and the chamber is refillable so you can use it to apply any topical liquid.
Why Pigs Need Sunscreen
Lacking protective fur coats like other animals, pigs (like humans!) are prone to sunburn. Sunburn is not only painful, but prolonged exposure to damaging rays can lead to skin cancer.
As responsible livestock producers, or pet owners, we make sure that our animals are as healthy and happy as possible. Applying sunscreen is one way to protect pigs from sunburn, but there are other things you can do as well. For additional recommendations on sunburn prevention and skin care in hogs, click here to read my related article.
Choosing Sunscreen for the Livestock Sprayer
I recommend talking with your veterinarian before choosing a sunscreen and applying it to your hogs. If your pigs are pets, sunscreen ingredients are less important.
For those that produce market hogs, the safest bet would be to use a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and provide a physical barrier, instead of a chemical barrier, to ultraviolet radiation. Many commercially available sunscreens contain oxybenzone, lidocaine, and other ingredients that are absorbed through the skin, and in an animal intended for meat, should be avoided.
Mixing the Sunscreen for the Livestock Sprayer
A ratio of about 1-part sunscreen to 5-parts water works well for us. It is diluted enough to go through the sprayer, and still provides protection from sunburn.
I marked a black line on the chamber of my sprayer to show how much sunscreen I use.
I marked a green line on the chamber of my sprayer to show how much water I add to the sunscreen.
Once the sunscreen and water are in the chamber, I screw the top on and shake it well.
Steps for Applying Sunscreen to Pigs
- Prepare sunscreen according to the mixing directions above
- If the sprayer has been sitting, give it a shake to mix it back up
- Using the circular attachment on the top of the sprayer, pump the sprayer up using an in-and-out motion
- Aim the nozzle of the sprayer at your pig (where you want the sunscreen to be applied)
- Depress (hold down) the button on the top of the carrying handle to emit spray
- Adjust spray nozzle if necessary
- Reapply to your pig as needed
