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The Life Cycle of a Pig

The Life Cycle of a Pig. Farrowing House. Baby pigs are born in a farrowing house. The farrowing crate prevents the sow from stepping on or laying on the piglets. The piglets are processed so that they can have a healthy start!. Piglet Processing. Tail Docking Ear Notching Iron/Penicillin

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The Life Cycle of a Pig

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  1. The Life Cycle of a Pig

  2. Farrowing House • Baby pigs are born in a farrowing house. • The farrowing crate prevents the sow from stepping on or laying on the piglets. • The piglets are processed so that they can have a healthy start!

  3. Piglet Processing • Tail Docking • Ear Notching • Iron/Penicillin • Needle teeth • Castration

  4. Tail Docking • Tails are docked to prevent other piglets from biting or chewing on each other’s tails. • Prevents infection from bites • An inch of tail is left. • Sidecutter pliers

  5. Ear Notching • Used for identification • Pigs right ear is the litter number • Pigs left ear is the piglet number

  6. Iron shot • Newborn pigs have a low reserve of iron. • 1-2 CC • Without the boost of iron pigs may become anemic because sows milk lacks iron. • An injection of iron is given 3-4 days after birth.

  7. Penicillin • Penicillin is given to stop infection from occurring. • ½ CC • Usually given in the neck region

  8. Needle Teeth • These teeth are extremely sharp! • Two on each side of the upper and lower jaw • Should be clipped at the jaw line • They are removed so they do not cut other pigs or injure the underline of the sow.

  9. Nursery • After being weaned the pigs are taken from the farrowing house to a nursery. • They are separated by size and sex. • Smaller pigs do not have to compete for food.

  10. Heating • In the farrowing house the pigs were used to warm temperatures. • The temperature in the nursery is 86 degrees. • After they have been in the nursery for a week, the temperature is turned down a half a degree. • The pigs will then be used to cooler climates when they move outside.

  11. Grow Barn • After 6 weeks in the nursery they are moved to a grow barn. • They remain with the same group of pigs. • They eat from self-feeders.

  12. Goal Weight • After they reach their goal weight, they are taken to slaughter.

  13. Types of operations • Feeder pig operation • Farrow to Finish • Finishing Operation

  14. Feeder Pig Production • Fastest return on investment • Pigs are born, weaned and then sold to another farmer to grow them to market weight • Pigs are sold between 35 and 70 pounds • Startup costs are minimal

  15. Farrow to Finish Production • Most common type in the US • More costly to run but is most profitable • Additional growing/finishing facilities are needed • Operator owns hogs from birth to slaughter • Sows are bred at 60 day intervals

  16. Finishing Operation • Operator buys feeder pigs and grows them to market weight • Not very common operation • Best to buy animals from one producer to limit diseases

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