Is the production of pigs more efficient with indoor or outdoor farming?
Indoor
- lower mortality
- larger litters
- lower feed consumption
Which part of the pig will be sold for the highest value?
Loin
What traits may be selected for in pigs?
- DLWG
- Back fat
- Muscle depth
- lean meat content
What is the gestation period for a sow?
115 days
What is the benefit of a farrowing (crate) system for sows following birth?
- allows access to sows
- prevents mother crushing piglets
How long is the lactation period?
21-28 days
- indoors kept in farrowing crate
What are the birth and weaning weights of average piglets?
birth = 1.5kg weaning = 7-8Kg
How many days are there between weaning a sow and her next pregnancy?
6 days
How many litters will the average sow have each year?
2.4 is aim (149 day cycle between start of pregnancy)
What is the minimum number of piglets a sow should produce?
11 - will be culled if producing less than this
What is the target weight for a 70 day old weaner?
30Kg
At what weight are pigs slaughtered for meat?
100-110Kg (145 days)
