What do pig judges look for?
Judges look for pigs that are well built from the ground up. It’s not enough to look at a show pig’s muscle shape while in the pen. When selecting your show pig, it’s best to get them out of the pen to assess soundness and how they move. Look for solid, wide toes pointed in the same, forward direction and stout legs.
How do you train a pig to keep its head up?
Dip your whip in pure vanilla extract. Let the pig taste it first and then hold the whip just out of the pigs reach and the pig will hold it head as high as you hold the whip. Giving the pig a hit under the chin always works, but it also helps to make the pig comfortable to have the head in the air.
How should an exhibitor approach a pig?
Prior to entering the show ring, the exhibitor should brush the pig clean of all straw and clean its feet of excess mud or manure. The exhibitor should be ready when the class is called. Promptness in getting the pig to the show ring is the mark of a good exhibitor.
How often should you walk show pigs?
We recommend working them once in the morning and once in the evening, letting them rest during the hottest part of the day. 6.) If you are dedicated and make sure you stick to a routine, your hog should be driving like a champ when you enter the ring on show day.
How are pigs judged at the fair?
Swine judging For market hogs, traits are ranked in order of their importance: Degree of muscling, growth, capacity or volume, degree of leanness, structure and soundness.
How do you judge hogs?
Besides these goals there are five main criteria to consider when selecting pigs: (1) performance (size), (2) muscling, (3) volume, (4) trimness, condition, and (5) structure, soundness, balance. Pigs should be of the right size and weight in order to produce a marketable carcass.
How much exercise does a pig need?
Exercise, exercise, exercise o Your pig will burn calories when exercised. You should exercise every other day for 20-30 minutes which will help reduce weight gain and keep your pig feeling good during this time.
How do you make a pig walk faster?
Use the “Go Button” to walk your pig at an even pace The go button is on your pig’s side about midway between his shoulder and his flank. You should never tap your pig on his head or on his rear end. Knowing where and how to tap your pig will ensure that he walks the way you want him to.
What do pigs like to eat as a treat?
Most pigs love: cooked broccoli, pitted apricots, cucumbers, dark green lettuce, cooked potatoes, beets, grapes, pumpkins, all squashes, zucchini, snow peas, spinach, yams, kale, tomatoes, chard, carrots, pears, apples, berries, oranges, grapefruit, melons, pitted cherries, pitted peaches.