INTRODUCTION TO SWINE PRODUCTION

Darren Leach

AGED 4104/15/10

I. Production Facts

A. History of Swine Production1. 4900 B.C. domesticated in China, 1500 B.C. in Europe

2. America’s first hogs came in 1539 when Hernando de Soto brought 13 to Florida

3. Pork Industry centered in Midwest “Corn Belt” States

B. Current Production in the World1. China is the top producing country in the world2. U.S. is 3rd (2001)

C. Current Production in the United States1. #1 Pork producing state-Iowa2. California ranks #293. $64 billion per year

D. Consumption of Pork1. U.S.-(2001) 64.9 pounds person per year

E. By-Products1. “We use everything but the oink”ex: heart valves, skin, insulin

F. Types of Production Systems1. Purebred2. Commercial

G. American Breeds are crossed betweenEast Indian PigEuropean Wild Boar

H. Colonial AmericaHome use- meat and lardSold for rum, sugar and necessities

II. Terminology of the Swine Industry

A. Names by age and sex1.Boar--Male pig that is not castrated

2. Sow--Female pig that has farrowed

3. Gilt--Female pig that has not farrowed

4. Barrow--Male pig that has been castrated

5. Piglet--Young pig under 4 months old

6. Weaner--0 to 40 pounds, in the nursery having been weaned away from mother

7. Market Hog-- “Finisher” 125-250 pounds

B. Production Terms1. Farrowing--give birth2. Ear Notch--identification system most commonly used with swine

3. Castrate--removal of testicles

4. Wean--remove from sow (mother)

5. Monogastric--one stomach compartment

6. Gestation Length--114 days(3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days)

III. Other Hog Facts

P.S.S.--Porcine Stress Syndrome--The result of breeding for a more muscular hog

Health--Body heat controlled by external factors (water, mud, air)

--Not self regulated (don’t sweat, pant, etc.)

Top 5 States

1. Iowa2. North Carolina3. Illinois4. Minnesota5. Nebraska

Careers in the Swine Industry

1. Butcher2. Breeder3. Farmer/ owner4. Vet5. Seller6. Buyer7. Nutrition8. Mating specialist