Found a good "Pig Farming" link? Let Us Know!
Steve Young's Pig Farm
Sort of a pictorial odyssey - wait until you see the bottom line...
Pork, slaughtering, cutting, preserving and cooking on the Farm
(USDA) [PDF FILE] This is a MUST HAVE manual for home processors!
Right click on the link above, select "Save target as..." and save it to
your computer.
Swine Information Feeding one or more pigs to sell as market animals
is probably one of the most common 4-H livestock projects. It doesn't
require a large amount of money or expensive buildings and equipment and it
can be completed in about four months. The words "swine," "hogs," and "pigs"
refer to animals of the porcine family or pig family. The term swine can
also refer to the pig family in a general way, and "pig" can be used in
referencing young animals. "Hog" will generally refer to animals at or
nearing market weight or finished for market. The term "barrow" means a
neutered male, and "gilt" means a young female. Pigs are also referred to as
growing pigs (40 - 125 pounds), and finishing pigs, weighting from 125
pounds to market weight--usually about 230 pounds.
Raising pigs for profit
Raising pigs on your farm requires time and a large investment. There are
several things needed when you begin to raise pigs. It is profitable if you
do it the right way. I would suggest to anyone that wants to get started
raising pigs start on a small scale basis. Also make sure you have all the
needed accessories before you start.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Rabbis back Israeli
'guard pigs' An organization in
Israel has gained rabbinical approval to train pigs to guard Jewish
settlements in the West Bank. "Pigs' sense of smell is far more developed
than that of dogs".
Hoop Shelters for Housing Pigs in the Upper
Midwest Hoop or greenhouse type
shelters have been used as livestock facilities in the upper midwest and
Canada for several years by a small number of producers. These structures
have been borrowed from the greenhouse industry. Semi-circular tubular steel
provides structural support to either a covering of polyethylene or fabric.
The obvious appeal of hoop shelters to livestock producers is the low cost
of materials and construction compared to more traditional post-frame
facilities. In the spring issue of Engineering Notes, Dave Kammel,
University of Wisconsin, made such a comparison (hoop vs. post-frame) for a
free-stall dairy unit. He showed that hoop shelters were not really any
cheaper than post-frame buildings if dairy farmers included all costs
(initial plus operating and maintenance).
History of Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy Virginia hams or
Smithfield hams are universally recognized to be the country's finest, and
serving these hams with red eye gravy is a regional specialty. Red eye gravy
is well known in the South, but little known in the rest of the United
States. The gravy is also called bird-eye gravy, poor man's gravy, red ham
gravy, and muddy gravy. These hams are very salty and the gravy, made from
drippings and black coffee, packs a punch. It is continually debated as to
whether the best red eye gravy is made with water or black coffee.
STRAW SYSTEMS FOR FEEDER PIGS Raising pigs on straw has
attracted interest for a variety of reasons. Primarily it offers a low cost
alternative to conventional housing, however some view it as a way to
provide a higher level of welfare for pigs.
Swine System Options for Iowa: Outdoor pig
production: an approach that works
[PDF FILE] (Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture)
Swine Production on a Small Scale (University of Florida) This
publication is designed for the small producer. It contains general
information on care, feeding and marketing of feeder pigs, sows and litters.
Answers to specific questions can be obtained from your county agent.
Group Marketing of Hogs: Organization, Successes and Guidelines
[PDF FILE](Kansas State University)
Swine Breeds (Oklahoma State University) It is believed that the
majority of the breeds we now know are descended from the Eurasian Wild Boar
(Sus scrofa). Archaeological evidence from the Middle East indicates
domestication of the pig occurs as early as 9,000 years ago, with some
evidence for domestication even earlier in China. Figurines, as well as
bones, dating to the sixth and seventh millennia BC have been found at sites
in the Middle East. Pigs were also a popular subject for statuettes in
ancient Persia...
Hoop Structures for Missouri Swine Finishing Facilities
(University of Missouri) Many Missouri pork producers are looking for
lower-cost structures in which to raise pigs. The search for low-cost animal
housing has created a great interest in so-called hoop structures, or hoop
shelters, as facilities in which to grow pigs from about 60 pounds to market
weight. Hoop structures can be used successfully in such grow-finish
operations, but producers need to be aware of the advantages and
disadvantages of this type of housing. For detailed information about the
construction and management of hoop structures, see the Midwest Plan Service
publication entitled Hoop Structures for Grow-Finish Swine
(Agricultural Engineers Digest - AED 41).
Swine Production [PDF FILE] (Penn State University)
Conducting Pig Feed Trials on the Farm (University of Nebraska)
We suggest that pork producers adopt a "best cost" feeding program tailored
to the operation and based on sound nutritional principles. Feed cost per
pound of gain is a major item separating high and low profit pork producers.
University and feed industry personnel provide information to help producers
develop an appropriate feeding program; however, sometimes that information
is deemed inadequate. Often a feed trial is conducted on the farm to
determine which feed is "best."
Adding Value to Pork Production (Iowa State University) The
purpose of this study is to assist you, those planning on beginning a value
added agriculture business venture, in doing those things necessary for any
business venture to be successful. While there are no guarantees, there are
tried-and-true methods and steps to business success.
Hogs Your Way Choosing a Hog Production System in the Upper Midwest
[PDF FILE] (University of Minnesota)
Pork, slaughtering, cutting, preserving and cooking on the Farm
(USDA) [PDF FILE]
Hooped Shelters For Hogs (ATTRA) Producing hogs is tougher and
more complex today than it once was. The emergence of large confinement
operations and other economic factors have contributed to a marketplace
where it is difficult for family-scale operations to remain viable. In
response to this competitive environment, hooped shelters have evolved as an
alternative hog-finishing and/or gestating sow housing option that family
producers should consider.
Alternative Marketing Of Pork
(ATTRA) This publication explains why sustainable hog producers need to
consider alternative marketing of their pork. Sustainable hog producers are
creating product that many consumers can't find in their grocery store, but
want to buy. Consumers perceive sustainably raised pork to be healthier to
eat and are willing to pay hog producers more for raising pigs in a manner
that is humane, helps sustain family farms, and is more environmentally
friendly than conventional production methods. Direct marketing and niche
markets are some alternative marketing strategies discussed. Legal
considerations, trademarks, and processing regulations are explained.
Sources of additional information are also provided.
Sustainable Hog Production Overview (ATTRA) This publication
discusses various aspects of sustainable hog production, including breed
selection, feed alternatives, odor and dust problems, waste and crop
nutrient management, health, humane concerns, vertical integration, and
identifying an alternative marketing niche. Information on hooped shelters
for finishing hogs and gestating sows; pasture production and farrowing;
Swedish deep-bedded group nursing system; and alternative marketing of pork
is available in other ATTRA materials. Sources of additional information are
also provided.
Hog heaven:
Farmers are raising pigs in ways that produce more flavorful meat and
are better for the pigs and the environment.
Raising
Pigs A sort of online manual
which may or may not have been culled from various other sources on the
internet.
Memories - Raising Pigs in the House
We kept 6 sows on our farm and raised the piglets until they were about 240
lbs. each and then sold them to Hygrade in Tacoma WA. Thats the good news,
the bad news was, a total of 3 sows wouldnt care for their piglets the first
year and we had to hand raise them in the house...
Keeping Pigs
Raising pigs in a barn has some advantages. You are able to collect more
fertilizer. You can control what they eat. It is easier to keep them
clean(er). There is little to no problem with disease. They don't tear up
your yard or smell as bad. It doesn't take much space to raise pigs.
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Pig
This article provides information on the comparative anatomy and physiology
of the porcine cardiovascular, digestive, dermal and urinary system.
Differences between farm and miniature breeds are discussed. Comparisons and
similarities between swine and human anatomy and physiology are also
reviewed. The article is followed by a list of reference citations.
Is Outdoor Housing an Enriched Environment for
Pigs? Studies of environmental
enrichment are really a derivative of several studies conducted by
psychologists 20-30 years ago (Chamove 1989). These studies looked at the
effects of sensory (visual, tactile, social) deprivation versus an enriched
environment (providing other animals or toys) and the effect that these
environments have on brain development and learning.
Handling Pigs for Optimum Performance
Observations at packing plants indicate that some lines of hybrid pigs have
a very nervous temperament and others are calm. Some pigs are easy to drive
up chutes and others are nervous and constantly balk and back up. Certain
lines of lean pigs, which contain the stress gene, tend to be more nervous
and excitable than lean lines without the stress gene.
Cardiac arrest stunning of livestock and
poultry A stunning method that
will reliably render an animal insensible to pain and sensation prior to
hoisting and bleeding is essential to prevent suffering. Cardiac arrest
stunning is more effective than conventional electric stunning. In cardiac
arrest stunning, an electric current is passed through both the brain and
the heart to produce permanent insensibility. Since the animal is killed by
the electricity it cannot revive during hoisting, bleeding, or slaughtering
procedures. In contrast, conventional electrical stunning induces reversible
insensibility for a short period of time.
Effect of genetics on handling and CO2 stunning
of pigs There are increasing
problems in the U.S. with very excitable pigs which are difficult to handle
at the slaughter plant. These pigs have been bred for rapid weight gain and
leanness, but they often have very high levels of PSE. Quiet, gentle
handling in a high speed pork slaughter plant is almost impossible...
Boar presence reduces fighting in mixed
slaughter-weight pigs
Methods to reduce PSE and bloodsplash
PSE can be reduced by fasting pigs 12 to 24 hours prior to slaughter (Warris
and Bevis, 1987; Eikelenboom et al.,1990). Pigs should have access to water
at all times. To reduce the possibility of carcass weight loss, a shorter
fasting period of 12 hours prior to stunning and slaughter is recommended (Grandin,
1993).
Environmental Enrichment for Confinement Hogs
Producers have been giving pigs toys for many years to prevent boredom,
reduce vices such as tail biting, and help prevent aggression when pigs are
mixed. Providing pigs with additional stimulation will make them calmer and
less excitable. Pigs raised in a barn with a radio playing are less likely
to startle when they hear a sound such as a door slamming. Calmer pigs are
more likely to have better meat quality because they will be less likely to
become excited on a high speed slaughter line. A series of experiments were
conducted at the University of Illinois by the author, Stan Curtis, and Ian
Taylor to learn more about the effects of environmental stimulation on pig
behavior.
Toys, mingling and driving reduce excitability
in pigs Data results of experiments
Richness of pig's environment affects handling
in chute The purpose of this
experiment was to determine if environmental enrichment would improve the
ease of handling pigs.
Effects of rearing environment on the behavior
of young pigs Twenty-four 4 and
1/2 week old Hampshire-sired crossbred pigs from five litters were placed in
either a "stimulating" of a "nonstimulating" environment...
Thinking the Way Animals Do
Interesting article.
Bleeding and Intravenous Techniques in Pigs Teaching materials from
the Norwegian Reference Center for Laboratory Animal Science & Alternatives.
Swine Manure as a Fertilizer Source
Swine manure can be an excellent source of nutrients for crop production.
The key to proper management is determining the nutrient content of the
manure, the percentages of those nutrients that are available to the plant,
and the nutrient requirements of the plant. Considered together, these three
factors will help you apply the proper amount. Also available
HERE and
HERE and also available in
PDF/Adobe Acrobat
Format
"Swine Resources" Virtual library of
links re: Swine with extensive article links. Too many to weed out myself –
HELP!!!
Effect of Dietary Enzyme on Performance of
Weanling Pigs E. van Heugten and
B. Frederick
Effects of Fat Encapsulation and Pelleting on Weanling Pig Performance
and Fat Digestibility J.J. Xing, E. van Heugten, D.F. Li, K.J.
Touchette, J.A. Coalson, and J. Odle
Pigs Weaned at 10 d Age Respond to Energy Density of Manufactured Liquid
Diets W.T. Oliver, K.J. Touchette, J.A. Coalson, C.S. Whisnant, J.A.
Brown, S.A. Mathews-Oliver, J. Odle, and R.J. Harrell
Milk Flavor Alone but not in Combination With Sweeteners Improves
Preference at a Dietary Change from Piglet Prestarter to Starter Feeds
E. van Heugten, E. Roura, and M. Gibson
Palatability and Flavors in Swine Nutrition B. Frederick and E.
van Heugten
Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Milk
Composition and Baby Pig Growth in Lactating Sows
R.J. Harrell, O. Phillips, R.D. Boyd, D.A. Dwyer, and D.E. Bauman
Effects of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation on Weanling Pig
Performance P. Lyvers-Peffer and J. Odle
Effect of Feeding High or Low Fat Manufactured Liquid Diets to Pigs
Weaned From the Sow at 10 Days of Age W.T. Oliver, K.J. Touchette,
J.A. Brown, S.A. Matthews, J. Odle, and R.J. Harrell
Effect of L-Carnitine and Medium-Chain Triglyceride on Plasma and Urinary
Carnitine in Newborn Piglets K. Heo, J. Odle, X. Lin, T. van Kempen
and I.K. Han
Kinetics of Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase-1 in Liver and Skeletal Muscle
of Young Pigs K. Heo, X. Lin, J. Odle and I.K. Han
Influence of Whey Protein Concentrate on IgG Uptake, Intestinal DNA and
Enzyme Activity L.F. Sutton and B. Alston-Mills
Effects of Live Yeast Supplementation on Weanling Pig Performance
E. van Heugten and K.L. Dorton
Effect of Dietary Zinc Source and Level on
Performance, Zinc Status, and Immune Response of Nursery Pigs
J.W. Spears, J.T. Blackwelder, T.A. Armstrong and E. van Heugten
Effects of Dietary L-Carnitine and Ideal Protein Levels on Carnitine
Biosynthesis, Nitrogen Balance and Body Composition of 20 kg Pigs
K.N. Heo, J. Odle, In K. Han, W.T. Cho, S.W. Seo, E. van Heugten and D.H.
Pilkington
Effects of Milk Replacer and Different Ambient Temperatures on Growth
Performance of 14-Day-Old, Early-Weaned Pigs K.N. Heo, J. Odle, In
K. Han, W. Oliver and E. Jones
Evaluation of Lysolecithin as an Emulsifier for Weanling Pigs E.
van Heugten and J. Odle
Feeding the Early Weaned Pig
E. van Heugten
The Utility of Lightweight Pigs
J. Deen and R. Desrosiers
Target Feeding Nursery Pigs J.A. Hansen
What About Bovine Plasma in Starter Pig Diets? J.A. Hansen
Pigs - UNDERSTANDING SWINE PRODUCTION By Vernon M. Meyer
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