26 US Swine Industry Overview and Pet Pig Basics

Since 2018, it has killed as many as 300 million pigs in China which is 25% of the global hog population = it cut pork production by 1/3

Why is African Swine Fever relevant, even though it is considered a foreign animal disease?

Iowa and North Carolina

What are two of the biggest states for pork production?

FALSE: in recent years, the number of farms has decreased but the number of pigs per farm has increased

TRUE OR FALSE: in recent years, the number of farms has increased but the number of pigs has decreased

Gilt

Term for a young female pig hat has not yet given birth

Sow

Term for a mature female pig

Boar

Term for an intact male pig

Barrow

Term for a castrated male pig

3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days

aka 114 days

How long is pig gestation

Farrowing

Term used when a pig is giving birth

3 weeks of age

Pigs are weaned when?

A nursery pig

A weaned pig weighing up to about 50 lbs is called what?

A grow-finish or a finishing pig

A pig weighing 150 lbs and more is called?

280-300 lbs

In the US, pigs reach market weight around how heavy?

THEN: variety of crops and livestock raised, pigs raised outside and were fat

NOW: farmers specialize, pigs raised in barns and are 75% more lean

What are some of the major features that are different in pig production today versus 50 years ago?

A clear link between fat in the diet and health was established so Americans began to change their diet, so the pork industry had to change too

Why did a large pig change occur in the 1970s to make pigs more lean?

Breeding/gestation

Farrowing

Nursery

Growing/finishing

Today's pig farming is more specialized. Describe the phases

Advances in technology have virtually eliminated swine exposure to trichinella because they are raised inside

In 2011, the USDA guidelines lowered the minimum cooking temperature for pork from 165 to 145 degrees. Why?

Because pigs don't actually do well on pasture: they can't efficiently digest fiber and thrive on grass only = they need nutritional supplementation

Why is pasture raised pork a more "niche" market?

LAMENESS (OCD, joint infection, hoof cracks), pneumonia, scours

What are some of the most common problems you will experience with show pigs?

Show industry

Lameness is usually only a big deal in the commercial or show pig industry

Glucosamine and chondroitin

Name some oral joint supplements commonly used in show pigs to support joint health

Many don't allow livestock within their boundaries and regulations differ from state to state. Most states require a health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian

What is the issue with trying to transport pigs, even pet minipigs?

Make sure you are NOT feeding them a commercial pig diet or they will get extremely fat and weight gain. Pet pigs should be fed diets specifically formulated for miniature pigs. Do NOT free feed pigs

What do you need to consider with pet pig diets?

a. starchy vegetables like potatoes

b. pig meat

c. canned vegetables high in salt

e. fruits

Select food which should be AVOIDED feeding to pet pigs:

a. starchy vegetables like potatoes

b. pig meat

c. canned vegetables high in salt

d. fresh vegetables like green beans and lettuce

e. fruits

f. grass hay fiber

Rooting boxes

What enrichment tool can you offer to pet pigs?

They will root on objects indoors like carpet and hoof overgrowth will be much more extreme

Why is it not recommended to keep pigs strictly indoors as pets?

Opposite side of the room

Where should a litter pan be placed in relation to sleep and rest areas for pet pigs?

Erysipelas, Rabies, Tetanus

Name the common recommended vaccines for pet pigs:

When they are indoor pet pigs

When are problems like obesity, toxic exposure, and arthritis commonly seen in pigs?