Pig terminology and numbers

Terminology in Pig Production

• Female pigs that have not had a litter are called gilts.
• Female pigs that have had at least one litter are referred to as sows.
• Uncastrated male pigs are known as boars.
• Farrowing is the process of giving birth in pigs.

Reproductive and Growth Phases

• The term parity one gilt indicates a gilt that has had one litter.
• Weaning is the process of removing piglets from their mothers, usually to start independent feeding.

Farm Management Dynamics

• A barrow is a castrated male pig.
• A fully integrated company in pig farming is called a vertically integrated operation.
• Vets cannot visit pig farms with High Health Status within 72 hours after visiting another farm to prevent disease transmission.
• A conventional pig farm operates with standard biosecurity measures.

Breeding and Production Systems

• Approximately 60% of breeding sows are part of the outdoor system in the UK.
• The UK pig industry heavily relies on artificial insemination for breeding pig stock.
• Only genetic nucleus farms produce the semen used for artificial insemination.

Production Systems Comparison

• Key difference between free range and organic systems lies in the feed - organic systems use certified feed, while free range does not have such restrictions.
• Risks associated with outdoor systems include exposure to wildlife and diseases.

Life Cycle and Breeding Details

• The average gestation period for pigs is approximately 114 days.
• Pigs have an oestrous cycle that occurs every 21 days year-round.
• For piglets, the viable birth weight is around 1.1 kg, while the optimal birth weight is about 1.5 kg.
• Commercial pigs in the UK are weaned around 28 days, while organic piglets may be weaned later.
• The purpose of weaning is to transition piglets to solid food and reduce reliance on the sow.

Breeding Practices and Lifespan

• Gilts are commonly bred at a weight of 120-130 kg and at around 210 days of age.
• Sows typically return to oestrus 7 days after weaning and are bred 2 days after that.
• Sows are usually culled after parity seven.
• Sows lactate for an average of 21 to 28 days.