Albemarle/Charlottesville 4-H Livestock

Below you will find resources for your swine project:

• Space
• 100 sq. ft. enclosed housing area
• 12-14 sows/ acre/ rotational pasture
• Enclosed barn, huts, shed, hutches, or lean-to set back 50 ft. 
• Electric plank rail fencing
• Nutrition
• Pelleted feeds, specialized creep feed, grind-and-mix feeds, grain
• Health
• Maintenance of pen and living environment to remove manure regularly to prevent disease
• Vaccinations
• Internal parasite prevention 
• Injectable drugs can control both types of parasites

• If you choose to show a market hog:
• Check show rules to determine when your hog should be born
• The hog must weigh at least 200 lbs. by the date of the show
• Hogs of any breed or cross breeding can be sold as market hogs for meat
• Common Market Hog Breeds:

• Be aware of how big/small the hog is and keep in mind what age the hog needs to be for showing
• Consider these factors when selecting a hog:
• Structural Correctness
• The neck should extend out of the shoulders, and the hogs's head should be erect
• The hog should stand wide and straight on both front and back legs with the legs placed squarely under the body
• The hog's top-line should appear strong and level
• The hog should have a long rump with a slight slope (not to steep)
• The hog should have strong pasterns 
• Muscle
• When viewed from behind the widest part of the legs should be the stifle area
• A broad thick back is good
• Volume and Capacity
• Hogs should be long bodied and have good depth around the ribs
• Style and Balance
• When viewed form the side, the hog should have a smooth shoulder, level top, and straight legs
• Look for a hog with overall balanced proportions
• Growth and Production Potential
• Larger framed hogs will generally grow faster to a larger size 

• Registration with the breed association
• Registration may need to be transferred to the exhibitor's name
• Eligible animals may need initial registration
• If you don't own the animal:
• You may need to complete a lease application through 4-H or the breed association
• It may be a good idea to join the respective breed's junior association
• Accurate Health Records
• Vaccination dates, application of parasite control
• Keep a record of growth
• Ensure the animal meets benchmarks for growth
• Make a budget and document expenses

• Feeding recommended and adjusted amount for animal
• Keep access to clean water at all times
• Walking for exercise
• Brush the hair to train it to be smooth with no strays

• Wash pigs prior to coming to the show
• Use a light detergent and brush, ensure the pig has been rinsed well to avoid skin irritation
• Avoid getting water in the pig's ears
• Organize and prepare equipment to bring to the show
• Pigs do NOT need to be clipped

• Begin training your animal  to move: turns, no rooting
• Keep the head up by using whip under the chin
• To get your pig to move tap on the shoulders, not the side or ham
• To turn pig tap the shoulder of the opposite side in which you want to go
• Practice walking for about 20 minutes daily

• Showmanship can play a major role in show ring success when showing a hog
• Showmanship involves how well you and your animal work together and how well you are able to present your animal
• Always keep your hog between you and the judge
• Keep your eyes on the judge at all times and enter the ring with a pleasant expression so as to appear confident in the ring
• Be cautious to letting your hog go to corners and staying against the gates, keep the hog close to the judge for them to see
• Walk at a calm and steady speed
• General knowledge to know:
• Sire and dam of your animal
• Birth date, weight, and nutritional information about your animal
• Good and bad physical attributes of your animal
• Parts of the animal
• General information about the pork industry
• Current issues in the pork industry
• How to show to minimize the flaws of your animal when showing
• Things to void when showing the hog in the Ring:
• Allowing the hog to lay down
• Showing a dirty hog
• Poor sportsmanship
• Avoid chewing gum 
• Avoid wearing excessive makeup or jewelry that could detract from the appearance of the animal
• Do not give up even after you have been placed because the judge may re-place the class