Essential Equipment A well‑stocked medicine cabinet keeps you prepared for common show pig health challenges. Keep nylon syringes in 3–5 cc sizes and detectible needles in appropriate lengths for intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. A digital thermometer allows you to monitor body temperature—normal for pigs is about 102.5°F. Durable sorting panels make restraining pigs easier and…
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Why you should feed TrueTrac starting the first day you put a show pig prospect on feed. In 2015, a group of researchers from both private companies and Texas A&M University performed a study. They looked at the effects of chelated trace minerals as an intervention and prevention of degenerative joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis.…
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One of the topics that always come up are ulcers in show pigs. There are some infectious diseases that cause vomiting along with scours and certain mycotoxins can cause vomiting. With those exceptions when you see a show pig vomiting they almost certainly have a gastric ulcer. So what are the causes of gastric ulcers? …
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This time of year the question “We are getting ready to farrow. What do we need to have and know to farrow our first gilt?” shows up in our inbox and on social media a bunch. Facilities We aren’t going to go into facilities except to say you need somewhere that you can keep 70…
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Whether you call it bloody back or cracked back or dippity pig this syndrome is a common problem in show pigs and something we get asked about almost daily. WHAT IS IT: Pigs that develop painful bloody sores on the back, hind end weakness, and fever. It tends to be sudden onset so your pig may be fine…
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It doesn’t matter what species you show inflammation in growing livestock can wreak havoc. Hidden inflammation is the root cause of movement issues in show livestock. You have a really nice barrow then one day all of a sudden, he’s shifting back and forth at the feeder. Or a steer with less and less flex…
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I watched a steer show not that long ago. The heavier the cattle got the more it sounded like someone poured milk on some rice krispies. There was a lot of popping going on as those heavier steers walked in. It prompted me to rethink a project we started a few years ago and just didn’t finish.…
Read MoreThe TruePurple and Provilli protocol is a game changer for receiving show pigs. It improves hydration, appetite, gut health , and the gut microbiome We’ve recommended an electrolyte like TruePurple when receiving show pigs for a very long time. There is nothing like it to drive water consumption. TruePurple hydrates pigs quickly and the added…
Read MoreWhy Skin and Hair Matter A soft, hydrated hide and a shiny coat are more than cosmetic—judges equate healthy skin with overall animal wellness. Routine care also keeps pigs comfortable and reduces irritation. Daily Cleaning Keep pens clean and dry. Remove bedding often and spray down surfaces to minimise bacteria. Brush your pig several times…
Read MoreWe get at least one message a day about fat and feed intake where the conversation goes something like this. CUSTOMER: I need some help getting some pigs to eat. They just aren’t cleaning up their feed. ME: Tell me what they weigh and what you’re feeding them. CUSTOMER: They are about 55# and I’m…
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