RICH COUNTY 4-H SHOW PIG SELECTION

Darrell Rothlisberger

Breeds of Pigs

There are many breeds..HampshireDurocYorkshireChesterCrossbreed

Hampshire

Duroc

Yorkshire

Chester

Crossbred – York x Hamp

Selection CriteriaMuscleFrameStructural CorrectnessCapacityMovementStyle & Balance

Parts of the Pig

BackLoin

Rump

Ham

Neck

Jowl

Rib

Forearm

Hock

Flank

Shoulder

MuscleThis is what you are selling to

the consumerSelect a pig that is moderate to

heavy muscledKnow the indicators of muscle

Indicators of MuscleGroove

Dimple

Stifle / Ham

Wide Based

The groove!

FrameLength and HeightSelect a pig that is

Long bodiedTall

Structural CorrectnessHow the pig is put togetherA pig should move with ease Take long stridesJoints should be clean and be

at the proper angle

Structural Correctness

Good Poor

Notice angle to joints…

Capacity

Movement

Style and BalanceA hog that has style and

balance: Holds its head up when walkingSmooth in its overall appearanceBe clean made through

shoulders, jowl, top line and underline

Style and Balance

NutritionFive basic nutrients for pigs

WaterProteinEnergyMinerals Vitamins

Do not feed scraps, garbage or other foods to show pigs

Water

The most important nutrientMust be available clean and fresh at

all timesBest if it is available

through a nipple Don’t let them step in

or lay in their water

ProteinProvide 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 needs to be lower

Protein LevelsWeight 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 AcidsProteins are made up of

Amino AcidsPigs need amino acids to

utilize proteinThere are 20 different

amino acidsLysine is the most importantBe sure your feed has Amino Acids

Metabolizable Energy ME or FatLevels 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 productionEfficient use of Energy depends on

levels of protein Remember… Most commercially

prepared show pig feeds feeds will be well balanced with regards to protein and energy levels

MineralsImportant for bone growth and

other body functionsCalcium PhosphorusSalt IronManganese ZincCopper IodineSelinium

Vitamins Important for performance, growth and

body functions11 Major VitaminsA, D, E, K, riboflavin, pantothenic acidcholine, B12, biotin, folic acid

Facilities and Pen PreparationProvide

protection from extreme weather conditions

Provide good shade and protection from sun as well as wind

Facilities and Pen Prep (con’t)Pen needs to be safe and cleanMake sure there are no sharp objects

where the pig 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 pigSpend time with your pig throughout the

projectGet to know them so they will be used

to you and know who you are.

Feeding MethodsA self feeder is the best

way to feed show pigs It keeps feed clean and

dry It is always ready and

plentifulNOTE: you must check

daily to insure proper feed availability

Feeding On hot days pigs will not eat well.

Spray them down with cool water three times a day. Also keep their pens wet down to keep dust away

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

HealthThere are several very important

vaccinations your pig should have had before you bought them Atropic Rhinitis Ecoli Dysentary Pseudo-rabies Parvovirus Erysipelas De-worming

HealthCheck with your breeder Ask if your pig has had

vaccinationsIf purchasing from out of state:

Ask if they are a certified herdThis means that all animals are

free of Brucellocis and Pseudo-rabies

Is my pig sick? Pig goes off feed Quits drinking Gets scours Off by themselves and laying 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 See Darrell for details

Rich County Junior Livestock Schools and Skillathon June 14-17, 2005 Rich County

Fairgrounds Demonstrations Lectures by experts Hands on instruction Showmanship Fitting Feeding

Rebel Jackpot June 18, 2005 Rich County

Fairgrounds Swine 8:00 AM Steers 10:00 AM Lambs 2:00 PM Pigs and Lambs $10 Steers $25