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 Needle teeth Castration

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

Ear Notching

Used for identification Pigs right ear is the litter number Pigs left ear is the piglet number

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.

Penicillin

Penicillin is given to stop infection from occurring.

½ CC Usually given in the neck region

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.

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.

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.

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.

Goal Weight

After they reach their goal weight, they are taken to slaughter.

Types of operations

Feeder pig operation Farrow to Finish Finishing Operation

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

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

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