The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: JedM on April 11, 2016, 11:15:07 am

Title: Culling a Sow
Post by: JedM on April 11, 2016, 11:15:07 am

You may have noticed I am trying to find a new home for my sow in the market place, but if I don't have any luck, I will need to cull her.

Should I send her to slaughter straight from weaning her litter, or should I give her a few weeks break?

When weaning in the past she is very thin, but if I leave her a few weeks, I was wondering if the weight she does put on will just be fat?
I'd be glad of your views.

Title: Re: Culling a Sow
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 11, 2016, 12:05:07 pm

I personally would be inclined to get the knackerman to come in, shuffle the weaners aside and do the deed immediately, to minimise her stress.  If you want to sell her at market as a cull sow I'd let her dry off for a week.  Feeding her up to improve her weight is unlikely to yield a better return.