The Swine Industry

Objectives Understand importance of the swine industry Overview of the structure of the swine industry Become familiar with terms Breeds

Swine Industry: Structural Overview Concentrated in the Midwest Area of major corn and soybean production Major feed ingredients- complementary of each other

Corn Production Primary Energy Source= Corn

Soybean Production Primary Protein Source= Soybean

Concentration in Midwest Why not expand? Environmental Issues/Concerns Why Midwest?  Large open land mass  Sparse population  Receptive to agriculture  Precedent: Feedlots

Vertical Integration What is vertical integration? Integrating several stages of production into single management of one organization Seedstock Farrow to Finish Packer/Processor

Sectors of the Swine Industry Seedstock Production  Sell breeding stock (boars and gilts)  Supply the genetic base for change  Traditional Producers: produce purebred stock for use in crossbreeding programs  Hybrid: carefully orchestrated crossbred

Feeder Pig Production Maintain breeding herd Product sold: feeder pigs  40 to 60 lbs.  2 months of age

Farrowing Process of sow/gilt giving birth Farrowing stalls:  Protect baby pig  Provide dual heat  Drip coolers for sow  Heat pads/lamps for pigs

Feeder Pig Production Production Factors  Reproductive Performance  Average of 2.5 litters/yr  Weaned litter size of pigs  21 day litter weight- reflects milk production

Feeder Pig Production Reproductive Traits are lowly heritable  Must properly manage the environment  Minimize disease  Provide disease adequate nutrition

Grower-Finisher Operations Purchase Feeder Pigs Product sold: market hogs  Sold at 250 lbs  5-6 months of age Average daily Gain (ADG) 2 lbs Feed Conversion: 3 lbs of feed to 1 lb of gain

Grower-Finisher Operations Who’s leaner? Gilts or Barrows Who eats more feed? Gilts or Barrows Who grows faster? Gilts or Barrows Who is more efficient? Gilts or Barrows

Terms Gilt: Young Female Sow: Mature Female Boar pig: Young, Intact Male Boar: Mature, Intact Male Barrow: Young, Castrated Male Stag: Mature, Castrated Male

Terms Farrowing: Act of giving birth Weaning: Withdrawing young from mother’s milk

Landrace White Long Bodied Floppy Ears Mothering Ability

Berkshire Black with 6 white points Carcass

Duroc Red Floppy Ears Mothering ability Growth Rate

Hampshire Black with white belt Erect Ears Muscle and Carcass Leaness

Spotted Black and white Has Spots! Efficient Gains