Introduction to Pigs Carlene McManigal

Gender Clarification A female pig who has never given birth to piglets is called a gilt. An unneutered male pig is called a boar. A female pig who has given birth before is called a sow. A neutered male pig is called a barrow.

Reproduction in Pigs Gilts become able to breed by about 8 months of age, and remain fertile until they are about months of age. Boars reach this point between 8-10 months of age. The gestation period is about 115 days. An easy way to remember this is 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days.

Piglets! When a sow gives birth, the process is called “farrowing.” Sows and piglets are usually kept in special buildings called farrowing huts. This allows space for piglets to move so they don’t get smashed by the sow, but are still safe from other full grown pigs. Sows generally farrow between 7-13 piglets per litter.

Pork Most pigs are raised for the purpose of becoming pork. There are many parts of the pig that can be eaten, even including the feet! Pork is a white meat that is drier than beef but tends to be flavorful. Sausage and bacon are the most popular pork products.

Common Pig Breeds and Characteristics

Berkshire Originates from England Upright ears, black body, generally some white on face and ankles There are fewer than 300 breeding Berkshire sows left.

Hampshire Oldest breed in the U.S. 4 th most common breed Likely originated in England Erect ears Black with white band around belly

Duroc Red with floppy ears Docile temperments Recently one of the most popular American breeds due to their muscular builds and high rates of gain Originated in the U.S.

Yorkshire Originated in England All white with erect ears Known as the best, most attentive sows Very aggressive temperment Most popular pig breed in the world

Chester White All white with floppy ears Originated in Pennsylvania One of the largest and most hardy of all the pig breeds Popular choice in crossbreeding

Pig Video Link ds10

Did you know? Pigs may have a reputation for being dirty, but they are actually very clean animals. They refuse to eat or sleep near their bathroom area, and only roll in mud to keep cool Any pig breed ending in “-shire” will have erect ears, and any not ending in “-shire” will have floppy ears

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