The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: irenemcc on January 04, 2015, 08:00:49 pm

Title: When to put in pig?
Post by: irenemcc on January 04, 2015, 08:00:49 pm

We have a gilt about 10 months, saddleback/pietran.  When would be best to try and put her in pig? Know plenty about other livestock but novice pig keeper.

Title: Re: When to put in pig?
Post by: shygirl on January 04, 2015, 08:27:21 pm

now. 10 mths is ideal. and perfect timing for the weaner market.

Title: Re: When to put in pig?
Post by: Azzdodd on January 06, 2015, 08:12:40 am

I would try her with the boar now if well grown just be sure to use a young boar as a mature one could do danage

Title: Re: When to put in pig?
Post by: Marches Farmer on January 06, 2015, 10:47:44 am

When do you want pork, bearing in mind she'll be producing two litters a year.  I put my GOS to the boar at 12 months as their frame is well grown by then and I expect them to farrow until they're at least seven years old.

Title: Re: When to put in pig?
Post by: Waterside on January 06, 2015, 12:35:42 pm

We raise Cornish Large Blacks.  Our gilts are put to a boar at 15months.  This may vary with smaller breeds but we have not, to date, had any problems here.  An associate once had a boar get to a gilt at 8 months, she stopped growing and produces of litters of 6-7 instead of the 12-14 with average 9.6 surviving weaning as is usual in this breed.