Swine Production Introduction to Animal Science

Swine Terminology Piglet – A baby pig

Weaner/feeder – A young pig that has been weaned – Usually weigh about 40lbs.

Market hog – A hog that is approximately 250lbs and ready for slaughter

Boar – A male pig

Sow – A female pig that has had a litter of piglets

Barrow – A male pig that has been castrated

Gilt – A female pig who has not had a litter of pigs

estrus The time during which a swine is receptive and may be bred Pigs are poly estrous and poly ovulators  Comes every 21 days  Last for 3 days  Ovulation (egg production) occurs

gestation  The time between fertilization and giving birth (parturition)  114 Day or  3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days

Farrowing/Farrowing Crate – The act of parturition in swine

Farrowing  Put sow in farrowing crate 1-5 Days before due date  Exercise Daily  Feed 6 lbs daily  Once babies are born add one pound per piglet to ration

Farrowing (Cont’d.)  Have feed out from day 1  Even out litters  Give iron shot ¼ cc  Clip Teeth  Castrate  Ear notch

Types of Swine Operations Feeder pig production – Produces pigs and keeps to feeder size – Keeps sows for production; sows must produce at least seven piglets to be profitable

Finishing feeder (feeder to finish) – Buy 40lbs feeders and feed to 220 lbs.

Farrow to Finish Produce baby pigs Feed to butcher size-240lbs