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Swine

This page is here to answer all your questions

about pigs and swine including, raising pigs,breeds of pigs, feeding pigs raising pigs for show

and auction, fun and interesting facts aboput pigs,

and pig housing.

Raising one or more pigs to sell as marketanimals is probably one of the most common 4-H

livestock projects. It doesn't require a large

amount of money or expensive buildings and

equipment and it can be completed in about fourmonths.


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Why raising a pig is fun

Raising a pig is fun because you get to interact with a somewhat

large but usually gentle animal. If you have the opportunity to raise a

pig, it will definitely get you in shape, as you are supposed to walk

your animal every day (to get it used to walking before the judge).

You also have to clean out the pen on a regular basis. The next time

you get on the floor to do your stomach crunches, think about taking

a cute little porker on a walk instead!Also, if you are part of a 4-H project, you will get the chance to meet

a lot of new and interesting people. We have met many wonderful

friends through the project, and have taken some interesting field

trips to learn more about pigs. Going to the fair is also fun--not only

do you get to meet lots of other kids who have raised pigs, we haveenjoyed the opportunity to share information about pigs with the

many people who walk through the barns.


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Breeds of Pigs

Eight major pig breeds are commonly used for breeding in the United States. In

general, the five dark breeds--Berkshire, Duroc, Hampshire, Poland China, and

Spot are known and used for their siring ability and potential to pass along theirdurability, leanness, and meatiness to offspring. The three white breeds--

Chester White, Landrance, and Yorkshire are sought after for their reproductive

and mothering abilities.

Yorkshire: The most sought after breed, Yorks are good mothers and produce

large litters. They exhibit a long, big frame and are white with erect ears.Chester White: Solid white, these pigs have medium sized, droopy ears. They

usually have large litters and sought for their mothering ability. Boars of this

breed are usually aggressive.

Berkshire: Black with six white points (nose, tail, and legs), these hogs have

erect ears and a short, dished snout. They work well in enclosed facilities and

are noted for their siring ability.

Duroc: These hogs, noted for their fast growth and good feed efficiency, are a

reddish color with droopy ears. On the average, this breed needs less feed to

make a pound of muscle than the other breeds.


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Hampshire: These hogs are black with a white belt that extends from one front

leg, over the shoulder, and down the other front leg. They have erect ears and

are popular for their lean, meaty carcasses.

Poland China: Like the Berkshire, this breed has six white points on a blackbody. They have medium sized droopy ears and produce meaty carcasses with

large loin eyes.

Spot: White with black spot, this breed has the same type of ears as the Poland

China. These hogs are known for producing pigs with a high growth rate.

Landrance: Like the other white hogs, this breed is known for the sow's

mothering ability. They have very large, floppy ears, are long-bodied, and havethe highest weanedaverage of any breed, as well as the highest average post-weaning survival rate.

No breed of swine is superior to the others. You should select pig based on its

physical characteristics and the performance of its relatives (if you can get that

information). Good quality feeder pigs should appear healthy, thrifty, vigorous,

and alert.In our two years in the project, we have had three Durocs and one Hampshire.

Other members of our project have also had Yorkshires. Yorks are neat but they

do get sun-burned, so if you get one you should plan on buying suntan lotion for

your pig!


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It is important to maintain the health of your pig. The first

2 or 3 weeks are critical, so you should check your pigsseveral times each day during this period. Strong

appetites, body temperatures of 102.5 F, sleek hair

coats, and tightly curled tails are all signs of a healthy

pig. Healthy pigs are active and alert with bright looks in

their eyes.

A pig will give you many clues when it isn't feeling well.

some of the clues are poor appetite, gauntness, rough

hair coat, a dull look in the eyes, excessive coughing,

diarrhea, inactivity and lameness.If you think a pig is sick, take its rectal temperature. If it is

2 degrees or more above normal, call a veterinarian

immediately.


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Feeding Pigs

Pigs are non-ruminant animals. They have a single stomach in contrast to

such animals as cattle and goats. To grow rapidly and efficiently, swine needa high energy, concentrated grain diet that is low in fiber (cellulose) and is

supplemented with adequate protein.

Farm grains are the most common and best source of energy feeds for swine.

Corn is an excellent energy feed, and is ideal for finishing feed because it is

high in digestible carbohydrates, low in fiber, and is very tasty to pigs! But

corn alone will not keep pigs growing and healthy. Corn must besupplemented with vitamins to keep pigs healthy.

Other good sources of feed are barley, oats, and wheat. But like corn. all

these sources should be supplemented with protein supplements.

Water is the most important part of a pig's diet. One-half to two-thirds of apig's body is made up of water. Pigs should be supplied with as much clean,

fresh water as they will drink. Pigs can live longer without feed than without

water.


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Housing, equipment, and supplies for raising swine

You will need to consider three things when designing housing for your pigs. First, pigs

need a clean, dry, draft-free area under a roof to sleep. Second, pigs have specific

space requirements that vary according to their weight. If pigs are crowded, they will be

stressed, resulting in decreased growth rates. Finally, pigs--like people--have an ideal

temperature at which they are most comfortable. This is called the thermoneutral zone.The ideal temperature for a growing pig is around 70 F; the ideal temperature for a

finishing swine is slightly cooler, about 60 F. If the temperature falls below this ideal

zone some types of bedding, such as wood shavings, should be used to keep the

sleeping area warm. When the temperature rises well above 70 F, misters of water will

help to cool your pigs.

Essential equipment includes:

small, covered sleeping area

a hog feeder

water barrel

Equipment you will need for showing:

garden hose (to wash off pig)

rubber bootsscrub brush

small brush that fits in the pocket of your pants

mild soap, such as Orvus

clippers

cane

rags (to wash out ears and wipe off feet)

water bucket and feed pan


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