Questions and Answers
Underline or mammary development is not important in judging a boar.
False
The kind of environment and health management techniques also influence efficiency and growth in market hogs.
True
Uniformity refers to size, age, and condition as well as type and is desirable in a group of pigs.
True
Finish refers to the amount and condition of the hair on a hog.
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When judging hogs, it is now common practice to include information from performance records as well as visual appraisals to place the class.
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The number of traits that may be visually evaluated when judging hogs includes conformation, size, muscling, finish, and reproductive soundness.
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When performance data is used in judging a class of pigs, the contestants are given printed information about the class.
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Types refer to the soundness and genetic makeup of the hogs.
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The ____ system is now used to produce the majority of market hogs in the United States.
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Boars should be a minimum of _____ months of age before they are used for breeding purposes.
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The gene, Rendement Napole, for acidic meat was first observed in _____ hogs.
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Central boar testing stations have been used in the United States since _____ to evaluate boars.
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When judging hogs, look at them from a distance of _____ feet.
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A visual evaluation of the amount of muscle on a hog is best seen by looking at the _______ view of the hog.
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_________ refers to the degree of refinement of head, hair, hide, and bone of the live hog.
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Securing breeding stock from seed stock producers improves ________.
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In hogs, the underline should have a minimum of ________ nipples per side.
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Contrast consumer demand today as compared with the typical market hog of the 1980s.
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List four primary cuts of the hog carcass.
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List important aspects of performance records.
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How are ultrasound machines used when evaluating hog carcasses?
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List three considerations in selecting breeding animals.
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Study Notes
Swine Judging Key Concepts
- Importance of underline or mammary development in boar judging is essential for reproductive soundness.
- Environmental factors and health management significantly impact the efficiency and growth of market hogs.
- Uniformity in size, age, and condition, along with type, is a desirable characteristic in pig groups.
- Finish pertains to body condition and fat cover, not to the hair condition on the hog.
- Modern hog judging incorporates performance records and visual assessments for class placement.
- Visually assess hogs based on traits such as conformation, size, muscling, finish, and reproductive soundness.
- Performance data is provided to contestants, ensuring informed judgments of a pig class.
- Types do not refer to soundness or genetic makeup but rather to other classifications.
Breeding and Genetic Insights
- Terminal crossbreeding is the predominant system for producing market hogs in the United States.
- Boars should be at least 7.5 months old before being used for breeding to ensure maturity.
- The Rendement Napole gene, linked to meat quality, was first identified in Hampshire hogs.
- Central boar testing stations have evaluated boars in the U.S. since 1954, aiding in genetic improvement.
Judging Techniques and Evaluation
- Judges should observe hogs from a distance of 15 feet for a comprehensive view.
- The rear view is most effective for visually assessing muscle development in hogs.
- Quality encompasses head refinement, hair, hide condition, and bone structure.
Breeding Stock and Consumer Trends
- Obtaining breeding stock from reputable seed stock producers enhances genetics and economic value.
- Hogs should exhibit at least six nipples per side in the underline for optimal reproductive performance.
- Modern consumer preferences favor leaner meat with reduced fat compared to market hogs from the 1980s.
Hog Carcass and Performance Metrics
- The four primary cuts of the hog carcass include ham, loin, Boston butt, and picnic shoulder.
- Important performance record aspects comprise carcass traits like loin eye area, muscling score, litter size, weight, milking ability, and time to market.
- Ultrasound technology is employed to gauge fat-free lean pork content in live hogs, facilitating producer decision-making.
- Key considerations in selecting breeding animals are soundness, overall health, and compliance with minimum breeding age requirements.
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Description
Test your understanding of essential swine judging concepts, including the significance of mammary development and environmental factors on market hog efficiency. This quiz covers visual assessments, performance records, and the characteristics of desirable pig groups. Enhance your knowledge of breeding systems and genetic insights in hog production.
