The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: hot hog on June 29, 2010, 10:54:36 pm

Title: how old or at what size do pigs go for processing?
Post by: hot hog on June 29, 2010, 10:54:36 pm

i could do with knowing asap please

Title: Re: how old or at what size do pigs go for processing?
Post by: GOS on June 30, 2010, 07:19:37 am

Hi,
A lot depends on whether you want them for pork or bacon.  Obviously if you want bacon then you grow them on to quite a big size (over 75kgs dead weight) but ours generally go for pork and our butcher likes a dead weight between 55-65kgs.  Our pure pedigree old spots normally reach this weight around 26 weeks of age, but your question obviously depends on the breed of pig and what type of feed you give them (i.e the protein levels etc)

Title: Re: how old or at what size do pigs go for processing?
Post by: Fowgill Farm on June 30, 2010, 09:40:07 am

We have GOS too and our porkers go at 24wks or when a tape measure around the chest reads 40" (i'm too old to do metric!) baconers go much later approx 8 - 9 mths old and 45"+ around the chest.
Not very scientific i know but it works for us.
You can read more about this part of pig keeping by checking out the GOS website 'getting started section'
www.oldspots.org.uk
HTH
Mandy

Title: Re: how old or at what size do pigs go for processing?
Post by: HappyHippy on June 30, 2010, 10:14:05 am

I'd also check with the abbetior where they'll be going. Ours isn't happy with 'big' pigs  ::) only taking baconers !