Pig Husbandry Flashcards
Sow
Any breeding female which has farrowed a litter
Guilt
Female transferred to the breeding herd, maybe mated (pregnant gilt) but has not yet farrowed
Boar
Male pig in the breeding herd
Grower (porker)
Pig aged 9-16 weeks
Finisher
Pig aged 17-24 weeks
Barrow
Castrated male
Herd Size
Total number of SOWS in a herd
Farrowing Rate
Number of sows MATED that actually farrow
Porker
Sold at 9-16 weeks (70kgs live-weight)
Baconer
Sold at 17-24 weeks (100+ kgs live weight)
Pig Feed Type
Creep, weaner, porker, grower, finisher, gilt, developer, dry sow (also fed to boars), lactating (wet), dual sow
What are the limiting factors for pig feed production?
Rainfall, Drought
Which code is used to assess compliance standards in pigs?
Model Code of Practice for the welfare of animals (MCOP) - Pigs (2008)
4 Types of Pig Housing
1) Dry Sows and Boars
2) Farrowing Sows and suckers
3) Weaners
4) Growers/Finishers
Advantages and Disadvantages to group housing?
Advantages: Social hierarchy, improved conception rates, stability of groups
Disadvantages: Introduction of new pigs will disrupt hierarchy