Month: May 2021

There are many different pig breeds, all have poor eyesight, but a great sense of smell. Their nose is sensitive, but they use it as a tool to root (dig in the dirt). https://www.livestockoftheworld.com/pigs/

Sex of Pigs

I have been using the word pig(s), but the term swine is interchangeable. Hog usually refers to a domestic pig over 120 lbs. Boars are wild pigs or uncastrated male pigs, male pigs are barrows. Female pigs are gilts, and a sow is a female pig who has reproduced. Domestic pigs have bred so many times it’s rare to see one with tusks. Piglets with tusks will have them removed or trimmed once or twice a year. Most people have them removed so the pig doesn’t hurt itself, other pigs, or people. You can tell the difference between a male and a female pig because males have a seeth, while females have vulvas. A seeth is between the male’s legs and a vulva is on a female’s rear.

Female pigs go into heat, so you want to make sure this happens before you go to the fair. The term ‘heat’ refers to the period in which female pigs are ready to reproduce. You should practice loading up your pigs on your trailer and taking a drive a week before the fair. Pigs are less startled when you load them up to leave, and you know the most effective way to load them. I bring this up because this can put your gilt in heat. You want this to happen before the fair so your gilt (most female show pigs will be gilts not sows) shows well. During heat, your gilt won’t want to move and its body temperature will rise.

Breeds

There are twelve recognized domestic pig breeds that can be shown in 4H. These are, Herford, Duroc, Hampshire, Berkshire, Tamworth, Poland China, Pietrain, Landrace, Yorkshire, Chester, and Spotted. There are other breeds such as potbelly or mini, but there’s not a show for these breeds. The difference between these breeds is mostly physical appearance, but certain pigs have greater capabilities than others. For example, Berkshires have a good memory and facial recognition, so you have to be extra patient with them. Some think a certain breed shows better or tastes better, but that’s opinion-based.

The overall benefits

I show pigs because I think it’s an important life experience. It shows you the responsibility of raising an animal and the challenge of doing things on your own. It prepares you for research projects at school because you must learn about the pig for your project book. Also, that applies to science and math because you write down how much things cost. It’s like an experiment or equation, so you can estimate how much you’ll spend each year. It gives you connections because you become a part of the community and you ask people for financial support. It shows you how to respectfully talk to people about business. I think it helps show you what career you want in life, in terms of manual labor or something less physical.

Why pigs?

I specifically like pigs because they remind me so much of dogs. They want to roll in the mud, run, and be pet (https://youtu.be/xeew7JmhdM4). By the way, pigs roll in the mud to cool down, because they don’t have sweat glands. You must bathe them, they let you know when they’re hungry, and they’re usually hard to walk. I feel as though I form connections with my pigs. They know the difference between people and they have a preference. In the past, it’s seemed as though they care for me. I only like to have animals that care for me as I care for them, and pigs fulfill that. They each have their own personality and like different things. Like a puppy, if you teach them something young, they’ll remember it. This could apply to other farm animals, but I think pigs are a perfect size and maintenance level.

Although I know each year they’re not coming home with me, and they’ll be brutally dragged off to the butcher, I cry every year. Like I previously stated, I form a connection with my pigs, they have no idea what’s about to happen, and I feel as if I’ve betrayed them. Pigs can get on your nerves and seem like they have no brain, but they really are just like every other pet. That’s why I show pigs.

7/27/20, Pets on a hot day 🙂

Mark’s Farm

My hero in the 4h pig community is a pig breeder, Mark Waddle. I met him through his wife, who is my mom’s cousin. Mark is one of the big three pig farmers in Clark County. He has lived on and taken care of a farm his whole life, which originally was a cow farm. When Mark took over the family farm he turned it into a pig farm, so now there are many breeding pigs. In one barn he keeps pigs to breed, these pigs are about four feet tall on all fours. In another barn, Mark keeps the fair pigs, since they will only be on the property for a couple of months. That barn was recently built, so it has everything you could need to take care of a pig.

Mark’s Involvement

Each year I buy a pig from him, and he has generously let me keep my pigs in his barn. I also buy a pig from a different pig farmer, who breeds a specific breed, and Mark doesn’t mind. He has taught me a lot of tips on how to show a pig and take care of one. Such as, keeping the water and food up so the pig’s head stays up when showing. Also, sometimes the judge wants you to shake their hand when entering/exiting the ring. His knowledge of pigs and experience have made him a great mentor. Mark really cares about each of his pigs and wants to see them live a good life. He stays with each of his pigs as long as he can and insures they look/show the best they possibly can.

The Waddle family, as a whole, has been very kind to me and really helped me be in the position of pig showing I am today.