Swine Production Flashcards
Around when were pigs domesticated?
Between 8000 to 9000 years ago (~7000 BC)
What was the wild ancestor of our modern pig?
The wild pig or banded pig.
What is interesting about the banded pig?
Actually the ancestor of our modern domesticated pig AND all of the wild variants (like wild boar)
What was the range in habitat for banded pigs.
Europe to china. A thin and shallow arch under Russia.
What is the random little spot on the map separate from the other spots where wild pigs used to live?
Between Iraq and Seria. This is where we found human ancient civilization with pig bones.
Using the map and the timeline of pig domestication, what can we conclude?
That we started coming into contact with pigs while we were still nomatic.
This is different than cows!
Where is north carolina in swine?
World leader in swine production and research.
In comparison to cattle, where are pigs easier? Harder?
Pigs are easy to schedule because their cycles are very clean cit. One cycle ends the next begins. This is different than cattle.
Pigs have to be very hands on. They need a lot more personal care than cattle.
Why might pigs need more hands on care than cattle?
They are normally kept in a much more confined space.
What was the primary reason for domesticating pigs?
Food.
How did the domestication process go for pigs?
Two main steps.
First step: Pigs lived on the fringes of nomadic bands and lived off of their scraps.
Second step: When humans started becoming stationary and growing crops they captured pigs to prevent them from raiding the crops.
Who is the ancient ancestor of the banded pig?
Daedon.
What three categories of pig are decendants of the banded pig?
Peccaries (Collared, white-lipped)
Old world pigs (warthog, wild boar…)
Domestic pigs.
What is a meishan pig?
A small Chinese pig breed. Average of 300 pounds weight.
Describe Liberian pigs.
Found on the Liberian peninsula in Spain.
This pig is considered to be a delicacy.
Average 700-800
Basically a cross between Chinese and European pigs.
In this class, what two kinds of domestic pigs do we talk about?
Chinese and european pigs.
Describe the traits of chinese pigs.
Large litter size (>20)
Good mothering ability
Very docile
No peck orders
Small size (~300 lbs)
Slow growth
Increased body fat.
Describe the traits of European pigs.
Very lean (Less fat, more muscle)
Rapid growth
Very adaptable
Good meat quality
Large size (~500 lbs)
Establish peck orders
Increased disease susceptibility.
What is a possible theory for why European pigs are more susceptible to disease than Chinese pigs?
We think it comes from a difference in colostrum quality
What is the difference in adaptability in pigs?
European pigs can be raised in most environments. Not true for Chinese!
Explain how the swine industry can become political.
If you US wants to put a tariff on Chinese imports, the other countries are going to retaliate by putting tariffs on American things like pork.
Of 2017 statistics, how many total swine operations are there in the US?
63, 246
Of 2017 statistics, what is the total swine inventory in the US?
66 million
Of 2017 statistics, what is the total sow inventory in the US?
4.3 million