Market Swine Essentials Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Topics to Discuss The following topics will be discussed: Selection Where to purchase pigs Validation Facilities and Equipment Nutrition, Management and Exercise Health Fitting and Showing Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection Classification Up to ten breeds may be classified depending on show –Berkshire –Chester White –Duroc –Hampshire –Landrace Some shows combine other purebreds into OPB Agents should become familiar with classification guidelines Texas 4-H and Youth Development - Poland China - Spot, Yorkshire - Dark Crossbred - Crossbred

Selection Classification cont. Classification relies on genetics and physical characteristics such as: –Color markings –Physical structure –Set of the ear –Breed character Be familiar with the consequences of classifying out of a show. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection cont. Age and Weight of Market Hog Current trend is fast-growing hogs with plenty of rib shape and capacity. Most market hogs are five and half to six and half months old when shown. All shows have minimum and maximum weight limits, most have weigh back rules. Agent should become familiar with weight limits Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Selection cont. Quality Considerations Selection criteria include: muscle, structural correctness, style and balance, and growth potential Pigs might be tender footed when selecting depending on the type of floors they are on. Important to select for soundness Lameness in young pigs will typically increase as the pigs get older. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Where to Purchase Pigs Private treaty is becoming more and popular over sales Pigs will generally be between 40 and 75 lbs. when purchased. Buying off the farm allows individual to see sows, visit about genetics, vaccination schedule, etc. When going to farm be on time, alert the breed if you have been on any other farms, always wait for the breeder before stepping into the barn Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Validation State Fair of Texas – June deadline Major Winter Shows (Fort Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Austin, and Houston) – November deadline Most county shows require either county or state tags. Tags for the State Fair of Texas are ordered the last of April San Angelo pigs must have been born and bred in Texas Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Facilities and Equipment At least 20 sq. ft. of spacer per pig Barn should be well ventilated, well drained, and open to south or east Shade is essential Keep cool during summer and warm during winter Can be kept on cement or dirt floors Avoid slippery flooring, sharp edges, etc. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Facilities and Equipment Feeders should be hung at a height which equals top of pigs’ shoulder Most market hogs are individually housed to monitor weight gain and feed consumption Fresh water is very important Nipple waters or trough waters may be used Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Facilities and Equipment Other equipment needed includes: –Brush –Show stick –Pipe or whip –Shovel –Electric clippers with proper combs and cutters –Syringes and needles –Small portable feed trough –Water bucket –Show box –Portable livestock scale –Extension cord –Heat lamp –Electric fan Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Nutrition, Management and Exercise No magic formula for champioins The total feeding programs creates success this includes: feeding schedule, exercise program, careful observation Five basic nutrients include: water, protein, carbohydrates and fats (energy), minerals and vitamins Balanced commercially prepared ration should be prepared Should be at least 16 to 20 percent Do not constantly change rations Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Nutrition, Management and Exercise Do not make abrupt changes in feeding Pigs should consume around lbs per day, split between two feedings Weigh pig regularly Protein requirements decrease as pig grows Exercise builds up endurance, tones muscle, and requires exhibitor to work with animal Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Nutrition, Management and Exercise Should be at least 16 to 20 percent Do not constantly change rations Do not make abrupt changes in feeding Pigs should consume around lbs per day, split between two feedings Protein requirements decrease as pig grows Exercise builds up endurance, tones muscle, and requires exhibitor to work with animal Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Health Key to a healthy pig program is development of preventative health program Erysipelas, atrophic rhinitis, circovirus, leptospirorsis, mycoplasma are a few viruses pigs should be vaccinated for Pigs should be dewormed monthly (rotate wormers with at least one rotation of Atguard or Safeguad) Ivemectin controls external parasites like lice and mange Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Health Observe daily for infections or viruses Follow all state and federal laws when administering drugs Feed labels cannot be altered by a producer or veterinarian and must be used according to the label Most livestock shows strictly prohibit the use of performance enhancing drugs Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Fitting and Showing Skin care is very important for show preparation Most market shows are water only Hair care begins early on in the feeding period Brush hogs twice a week Be careful using oils on white hogs so they do not get sunburn One weed prior to the show pigs should be clipped Keep hair about ½ to ¾ inch in length Can be done by using a #1 or #2 guard on clippers Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Health cont. When administering drugs follow all directions on drug labels to Quality Assurance. The use of drugs in manner unintended violates laws set by the Food and Drug Administration Texas livestock shows have strict laws for illegal drug use and will disqualify animals if illegal drugs are used Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Fitting and Showing Angora goats are shown in their natural state, never washed. Important that fleece contamination by hay, dirt, etc. be kept to a minimum When mohair gets long Angora goats tend to urinate on themselves, trimming prevents this. Mohair can be worked so it will open easier when being evaluated. Important to do properly otherwise can cause more harm than good. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Fitting and Showing cont. No set rules for fitting Boer goats Shorn slick a month or two before show Boer goats generally washed before show Both Angora and Boer should be halter broken and taught to lead. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Additional questions to address with Exhibitors What are the goals of the 4-H member and family? What shows or time of the year will you exhibit the project(s)? Will you need assistance in locating and selecting your project? Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Additional Resources for Market Swine Pork Information Gateway ( TAMU Animal Science website ( Raising Show Pigs By Ricky Thompson Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Conclusions All aspects of the selection process should be understood. (classification, age and weight, quality consideration) Agents should help youth locate pigs and know the proper etiquette when visiting farms. All pigs should be properly validated for each show they will be attending. Proper facilities should be available. Proper diets and nutritional information about feeding goats should be identified. Health is one of the most important aspects of raising breeding goats. All rules should be followed in regards to fitting prior to show. Texas 4-H and Youth Development