Swine Breed Identification and Production Management

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and definitions related to swine breed identification and management.

Porcine

Of or relating to pigs, hogs, and swine.

Sow

Adult female pig of reproductive age.

Boar

Adult male pig of reproductive age.

Barrow

A young castrated male pig.

Gilt

A young female pig that has not been bred.

Farrowing

Describes the labor process in pigs.

Piglet

A newborn pig.

Monogastric

Referring to an animal with a single-chambered stomach, such as swine.

Gestation

The period of development during pregnancy, lasting for 113 days in swine.

Vaccination

Programs to immunize pigs against diseases such as pneumonia, rhinitis, and flu.

Artificial Insemination

A breeding method where sperm is manually introduced into the reproductive tract of the sow.

Confinement Housing

Housing system where swine are kept in controlled environments for management and welfare.

Specific-pathogen Free (SPF)

A herd that is certified to be disease-free.

Nutritional Needs

The dietary requirements for swine including balanced feeds based on their stage of life.

Restraint Methods

Techniques used to hold or control pigs for procedures and handling.

Tail Docking

A procedure performed shortly after birth for sanitation purposes to prevent tail biting.

Farrow to Finish System

A production system where sows are bred and piglets are raised to market weight on the same farm.

Finishing System

A method of feeding pigs until they reach the desired market size, typically between 200-240 lbs.

Breed Selection

Choosing swine based on desirable characteristics such as appearance, muscle to fat ratio, and production goals.

Swine Production Industry

The sector involving the raising and management of pigs for meat, being the second-largest livestock production industry in North America.