Transcript WEBER COUNTY 4-H SHOW PIG SELECTION

SHOW PIG SELECTION
Darrell Rothlisberger
Breeds of Pigs
 There
are many breeds
 Hampshire
 Duroc
 Yorkshire
 Chester
 Crossbreed
Hampshire
Duroc
Yorkshire
Chester
Crossbred – York x Hamp
Selection Criteria
Muscle
Frame
Structural
Correctness
Capacity
Movement
Style
& Balance
Parts of the Pig
Back
Loin
Neck
Shoulder
Rump
Rib
Ham
Jowl
Forearm
Flank
Hock
Muscle
This
is what you are selling to
the consumer
Select a pig that is moderate to
heavy muscled
Know the indicators of muscle
Indicators of Muscle
Groove
Dimple
Stifle / Ham
Wide Based
The groove!
Frame
Length
and height
Select a pig that is
Long
Tall
bodied
Structural Correctness
How
the pig is put together
A pig should move with ease
Take long strides
Joints should be clean and be
at the proper angle
Structural Correctness
Good
Poor
Notice angle to joints…
Capacity
Movement
Style and Balance
A hog
that has style and
balance:
Holds
its head up when walking
Smooth in its overall appearance
Be clean made through
shoulders, jowl, top line and
underline
Style and Balance
Nutrition
Five
basic nutrients for pigs
Water
Protein
Energy
Minerals
Vitamins
Do not feed scraps, garbage or other foods to show pigs
Water
 The
most important nutrient
 Must be available, clean, and fresh at
all times
 Best if it is available
through a nipple
 Don’t let them step in
or lay in their water
Protein
 Provide
material to build tissue
 Hair,
hooves, skin, muscle,
internal organs
 When
in the growing stages protein levels need to be
higher
 When in the finishing stages protein levels need to be lower
Protein Levels
Weight of Pig
Recommended
Protein level
Up to 100 lbs
18-24%
100 to 150
18-20%
150 to market
16-18%
These levels may need adjusting depending on your
pigs specific needs and requirements
Proteins and Amino Acids
 Proteins
are made up of
amino acids
 Pigs need amino acids to
utilize protein
 There are 20 different
amino acids
 Lysine is the most important
 Be sure your feed has amino acids
Metabolizable Energy ME or
Fat
 Levels
need to be between 3% and
6.5%
 Growing pigs need more ME
 Finishing pigs need less ME
Metabolizable Energy ME or
Fat
 Important
for body maintenance,
growth, movement and heat production
 Efficient use of energy depends on
levels of protein
 Remember… Most commercially
prepared show pig feeds will be well
balanced with regards to protein and
energy levels
Minerals
 Important
for bone growth and
other body functions
 Calcium
Phosphorus
 Salt
Iron
 Manganese
Zinc
 Copper
Iodine
 Selinium
Vitamins
 Important
for performance, growth and
body functions
 11 Major Vitamins
 A, D, E, K, riboflavin, pantothenic acid
 choline, B12, biotin, folic acid
Facilities and Pen Preparation
 Provide
protection from
extreme weather
conditions
 Provide good
shade and
protection from
sun and wind
Facilities and Pen Prep (con’t)
 Pen
needs to be safe and clean
 Make sure there are no sharp objects
where pigs can injure themselves
Facilities and Pen Prep (con’t)
 Two
weeks prior to
arrival
 Disinfect
pen, fences and
structures with a bleach
mixture of 1 part bleach
with 4 parts water
 Spray this liberally over all
areas
Facilities and Pen Prep (con’t)
 Keep
pen clean of trash and
manure at all times.
 Pigs will defecate in one part
of pen so it is easy to keep clean
 Keep pen surface soft . . .
 Good
pen bedding can be sand, wood
chips or shavings or well tilled soil
Facilities and Pen Prep (con’t)
Early care of your new pig
 Spend
time with your pig throughout the
project
 Get to know your pigs so they will be
used to you and know who you are.
Feeding Methods
 A self
feeder is the best
way to feed show pigs
 It keeps feed clean and
dry
 It is always ready and
plentiful
 NOTE: you must check
daily to insure proper
feed availability
Feeding
Spray them down
with cool water
three times a day.
Also keep their
pens wet down to
keep dust away
On hot days pigs
will not eat well.
Exercise
 Only
exercise
when it is cool
 Use a cane or
driving
instrument
when
exercising
Basic Equipment

Feeder
 Water barrel w/
nipple
 Show bat
 Spray bottle or
pump sprayer

Brush
 Shampoo
 Shallow Rubber
Feed Pan
 Water bucket
 Hair Conditioner or
light oil
 Water hose
Health
 The
following is a list of important
vaccinations your pig should have had
before you bought them
 Atropic
Rhinitis
 Ecoli
 Dysentary
 Pseudo-rabies
 Parvovirus
 Erysipelas
 De-worming
Health
Check
with your breeder
Ask if your pig has had
vaccinations
If purchasing from out of state:
Ask
if they are a certified herd
This means that all animals are
free of Brucellocis and Pseudorabies
Is my pig sick?

Pig goes off feed
 Quits drinking
 Gets scours
 Off by themselves and lying down
WHO SHOULD I CALL?…
 Local Veterinarian, Breeder, Leader, Ag
Teacher, Extension 4-H Agent

Papers and Regulations

Be sure to get a proper bill of sale from the
seller
 Brand inspection papers are not required on
pigs
 If purchasing from out of state be sure to
follow the requirements mandated by law by
the Utah Department of Agriculture. For
more information call the state vet at
(801) 538.7100