Ideal Market Hog

Question 1

1. Ideal Market Hog

Answer 1

Degree of Muscling
-thickness through center of ham
-width at the ground between feet (standing and walking)
-base width and width of pigs top should be equal
-top width should not exceed base width - indicates fat
-muscular top should be “butterfly” shape (indicates leanness)
-loins on both sides of backbone extending higher than center (flat top indicates fat)

Question 2

2. Ideal Market Hog

Answer 2

Growth
-heaviest pig is the fastest growing
-lightest pig is the slowest growing

Question 3

3. Ideal Market Hog

Answer 3

Capacity or Volume
-walk and stand wide in front and rear
-have good width through the chest
-top width and base width should be equal
-middle of the animal should be the widest

Question 4

4. Ideal Market Hog

Answer 4

Degree of Leanness
-heavy muscled hogs will be lean (light muscled hogs will be fat)
-evaluate by looking for: indentions over and behind shoulders, at ham-loin junction, for presence of a dimple just in front of tailhead

Question 5

5. Ideal Market Hog

Answer 5

Structure and Soundness
-give attention to: feet and pasterns, hocks, knees, rump, shoulders

Question 6

Phrases

Answer 6

-high tail setting
-muscular stifle
-correct set of hocks
-full and deep through center and lower portion of ham
-legs set wide apart
-deep, long muscled ham
-clean turn to top
-long, level rump
-naturally thick loin
-deep ribbed
-long bodied
-cushion to pastern
-firm at base of ham
-heavy, rugged bone
-smooth, clean shoulder
-trim jowl
-correct set of knee
-deep, wide chest floor
-strong, bold head and ear