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.