The following questions MUST be answered before you begin shopping for your pig.  It will help you and the breeder select the right sized pig for the show.  Refer to Article “Feeding Basics” for more information.

Show Date – How many days it is to the show?

Weight Range – What is the required weight range for the show?   This range can change from year to year, so be sure to read the exhibitor handbook for the specified range. Record the bottom & top weight range.

Ideal Weight – What is your ideal weight for the show? Do you want to be in the heavy weight class or?

Calculate – Perform the calculation using the information to determine a good starting weight. The basic rule of thumb is that pigs grow at a rate of 1.5 lbs. of Average Daily Gain (ADG) using a well-balanced market swine feed.

Weight can be increased or decreased by:

• Changing the daily feed amounts
• Changing the protein or fat percentages of the feed
• Changing the supplements and other strategies discussed in the Feed Section.

Here is an example of starting off with a small pig. The numbers tell the story.  For novice to intermediate showmen, it’s an important lesson as it can help to avoid not making weight.

There are 105 days until your show, the Required Weight Range is 225 lbs. to 270 lbs. We know that pigs gain on average 1.5 pounds of weight per day.  In the chart below, see how a light pig will grow at two different rates.  How does it work out?  Will your light pig make weight?

Light Weight Pig Summary – What we learned is that using both the average and aggressive feeding schedules, the light weight pig will not make the fair weight minimum of 225 lbs.!  This will equal a lot of time, money and energy wasted and the frustration and emotions of not getting to participate and show. Don’t let your experience be frustrated by a light pig.  Hold out for a heavier pig.  Keep in mind, a 50 lb. pig can only consume 3.5 lbs. of feed per day as compared to a 75 lb. pig consuming 4.5 lbs. of daily feed. An old saying is that a bigger bucket will always hold more than a smaller bucket!  In the beginning of a feeding program, young pigs will need about 30 days to get big enough to eat enough to start gaining good weight.

Moderate Weight Pig – Using the same example, here is the same pig purchased at a beginning weight of 75 lbs.   How does this work out?

Moderate Weight Pig Summary – Using the same example, here is the same pig purchased at a beginning weight of 75 lbs.  What we see is whether the daily rate of gain is 1.5 or 1.8 lbs. per day, this pig will definitely make weight. The daily rate can be increased by increasing feed and other strategies discussed in Pig Feeding Basics. Note: I kept the first 30 days at 1.5 lbs. ADG because pigs at first do not eat the quantity of feed to gain 1.8 lbs. ADG.

Heavy Weight Pig – Using the same example, here is the same pig purchased at a beginning weight of 95 lbs.   How does this work out?

Heavy Weight Pig Summary – Using the same example, here is the same pig purchased at a beginning weight of 95 lbs. What we see is whether the daily rate of gain is 1.5 or 1.8 lbs. per day, this pig will definitely make weight and may need to be held if not. The daily rate can be increased by increasing feed and other strategies discussed in Pig Feeding Basics. Note: I kept the first 30 days at 1.5 lbs. ADG because pigs at first do not eat the quantity of feed to gain 1.8 lbs. ADG.

Use these tips to select the right sized pig for your show.  It will help your management of weight!  There are ways to get your pig gaining 2 lbs. per day, but this requires more information and experience.  The key here is to purchase a pig with some size to ensure that you can make weight without trouble.