Swine Production Introduction to Animal Science Swine Terminology

Swine Production Introduction to Animal Science

Swine Terminology • Piglet – A baby pig

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

• Market hog – A hog that is approximately 250 lbs 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 q. Comes every 21 days q. Last for 3 days q. Ovulation (egg production) occurs

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

• Farrowing/Farrowing Crate – The act of parturition in swine

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

Farrowing (Cont’d. ) q. Have feed out from day 1 q. Even out litters q. Give iron shot ¼ cc q. Clip Teeth q. Castrate q. 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 40 lbs feeders and feed to 220 lbs.

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