Show Pig Management“Sam’s Perspective”
Sam A. Womble
County Extension Agent – Ag/NR
Bexar County
Show Pig Basics...
Selection
Feeding
Health
Selection – “The Most Important Decision You’ll Make’’ Gather information about the show
Arrival, Weigh/sift, Age/sex of pig,
Min/Max weight, Judge Market vs. Breeding
Classification Eligibility
Seek advise from someone successful Extension Agent, Ag. Teacher, Club Leader,
Friend
Selection...
Where to purchase a pig? Private Treaty Sale
What is your price range? Be realistic
Be cautious of pigs younger than 5 ½ months and older than 6 ½ months.
Inquire about the history Parents Previous Litters
Selection – The BIG Four
Structure Balance Muscle Volume
Selection...
Structure Correct feet and leg
placement Toe/foot size Angularity/Flexibility
Structure...
Structure...
Structure...
Selection...
Balance Length and extension Levelness of design
You can’t win without BALANCE!
Selection...
Muscle Loin (top shape) Rump and Hip Ham and Stifle
Base Width Chest Track
Selection...
Volume Production (rib shape) Fresh appearance
Natural Youthful
Feeding – “The Key”
Seek advise if you are not sure what to do. Ultimate goal is to feed pigs for rapid growth
and development for as long as possible. Rules of Thumb
Generally pigs will gain between 1.7 and 2.0 pounds per day on full feed.
Pigs will convert 3 pounds of feed to 1 pound of gain on average.
Normally it takes 1 ½ gallons of water to digest 1 pound of feed.
Feeding – No Magic Diets
Always use a good quality feed and be consistent.
Know how many pounds of feed your pig is eating a day.
Recognize that each pig is different and may require a different approach.
Make any necessary changes to your feeding program slowly, over time.
Feeding...
Monitor the pigs weight weekly. Set a time-line Know where you are and
where you’re going!
Feeding Dilemmas...
My pig is growing to fast, what do I do? Start slowing your pig down early as opposed to
waiting until the end of the feeding period. Decrease energy, maybe add a little filler (rolled
oats, beet pulp) Increase protein in some instances.
Feeding Dilemmas...
My pig is not growing fast enough, what do I do? Try feeding more times a day in smaller
quantities. Wet feed Consider feeding paylean
Exercise...
Exercise is extremely important! It will increase your pigs metabolism and
stamina. Provides you an opportunity to practice your
showmanship skills. Remember, pigs are creatures of habit. If you want to be successful, practice perfection!
Exercise – Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s: Let your pig out frequently and practice
showmanship. 30 days out of the show practice walking your pig
daily for 20-30 minutes. Gradually, increase the time. A pig that has been
properly trained and conditioned stands a much higher likelihood of winning.
Don’t: Teach your pig to RUN!
Health...
Buy healthy looking pigs. Provide a clean, sanitary pen with fresh feed
and water. Isolate new pigs upon arrival. Sort pigs to reduce fighting and stress.
Health – Signs of a Sick Pig
Drooping head and tail Stiffness Coughing and wheezing Nasal discharge Diarrhea Loss of appetite Rashes, bumps, itching, swelling of joints Shaking or dizzy appearance
Health...
Lice - inside ears, legs, flank, neck and jowl Mange - skin disease caused by mites Ticks - often seen on ears, neck, and flank Flies/Mosquitoes - eliminate breeding ground,
sanitation Ants - bites can be found anywhere on the pigs
body, proper management
(Sprays, dips, pour-ons, and dusts can be used to treat most of the above)
Health – Vaccination Procedures Store products appropriately Read and follow the label Buy correct equipment
20cc syringe 16 gauge needles (3/4 – 1 inch)
Always use clean needles Administer vaccines correctly
Intramuscularly (IM) Subcutaneous (SQ)
Health - Vaccinations
Two primary diseases: Erysipelas – sudden death, skin disease,
lameness APP (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae) –
pneumonia, sudden death, poor doers PRRS (Porcine Reproductive Respiratory
Syndrome) – pneumonia, death, reduced weight gain
Deworming – whipworms and roundworms
Health – Vaccination Procedures I’d suggest having antibiotics on hand at all
times. LA 200 – respiratory Tylan 200 – respiratory, intestinal, general
bacterial diseases Lincomix 100 – lameness and general bacterial
diseases A topical antibiotic spray like Furox works
well for cuts and scrapes.
Additional Information...
There is a world of information out there. Livestock publications Magazines Internet People
Take advantage of these resources and make the most of opportunities available to you.