Pigs SAQ's Q&A.docx

Name the two main breeds of pigs used in commercial production in Ireland. ANSWER: Landrace and Large White. What is the duration of the oestrus cycle in pigs? ANSWER: 21 days. How long is the gestation period for pigs? ANSWER: 115 days. What is the duration of oestrus in pigs? ANSWER: 2-3 da...

Name the two main breeds of pigs used in commercial production in Ireland. ANSWER: Landrace and Large White. What is the duration of the oestrus cycle in pigs? ANSWER: 21 days. How long is the gestation period for pigs? ANSWER: 115 days. What is the duration of oestrus in pigs? ANSWER: 2-3 days. In pig production, what type of pigs are commonly used to produce crossbred sows? ANSWER: Purebred pigs. What is the significance of criss-cross breeding in pig production? ANSWER: It enhances genetic diversity and productivity. How do you calculate the number of days it takes for a pig to reach finishing weight? ANSWER: By tracking weight gain per day and dividing the desired finishing weight by the average daily gain. What does FCR stand for in pig farming, and how is it calculated? ANSWER: FCR stands for Feed Conversion Ratio and is calculated by dividing the feed intake (in kg) by the weight gain (in kg). What factors might affect the daily feed intake of pigs on a farm? ANSWER: Factors include age, weight, breed, and overall health of the pigs. Why is it important to differentiate between various nutrition rations for pigs? ANSWER: Different growth stages have unique nutritional needs that affect overall health and productivity. How could breed variety impact the amount of feed required for finishing weight? ANSWER: Different breeds have varying growth rates and weight goals, impacting overall feed needs. What role does the lactating sow ration play in pig production? ANSWER: It provides adequate nutrition to support milk production and the growth of piglets. What is the main goal of improving FCR in animal production? ANSWER: To increase output while maintaining or reducing production costs. How does management influence FCR according to the text? ANSWER: Health and disease-free animals improve FCR. What is the purpose of \'rescue decks\' in pig management? ANSWER: They are used for pigs weaned onto artificial milk replacer. Why is temperature control important in pig housing? ANSWER: It prevents pigs from using energy from feed to stay warm. What is one consequence of overcrowding in pig housing? ANSWER: It results in stress or bullying among the pigs. What accreditation scheme is mentioned in the context of pig housing and management? ANSWER: Bord Bia accredited scheme. What is the main purpose of providing environmental enrichment materials to pigs in commercial production? ANSWER: To encourage their natural rooting instinct and prevent unnatural behaviours such as tail biting. What is the significance of export markets in the context of sustainable and environmentally friendly pig production systems? ANSWER: Export markets play a crucial role in ensuring the economic viability of pig production systems, which in turn enables farmers to invest in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. What are some of the potential consequences of not providing adequate environmental enrichment for pigs in commercial production? ANSWER: Pigs may exhibit unnatural behaviours such as tail biting, and may also experience increased stress and reduced welfare. How do disease and health issues in pig production impact farm economics and the adoption of sustainable practices? ANSWER: Disease and health issues can have significant economic impacts on pig farms, and may also influence the adoption of sustainable practices such as improved biosecurity and health monitoring. What role do crossbred sows play in commercial pig production, and why are they commonly used? ANSWER: Crossbred sows are used to combine the benefits of different breeds, such as improved fertility and growth rate, and are commonly used in commercial production due to their hybrid vigour. How do consumer demand and export markets influence the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in pig production? ANSWER: Consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly pork products can drive the adoption of these practices in pig production, particularly in export markets where these standards are more commonly required.