The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Rosemary on July 10, 2008, 06:08:20 pm

Title: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Rosemary on July 10, 2008, 06:08:20 pm

We were told how to do this when we went along to Pig Paradise. Remember, the measurements are imperial.

1. Measure the length of your pig from between the ears to the root of tail
2. Measure the girth of the pig around the shoulders, tight to the pigs front legs
3. Multiply the length in inches by the girth in inches, then divide this by 12 if it is a lean pig, 11 if it is a medium pig and 10 if it is a fat pig. The answer is the weight in pounds.

Remember, this is a guide only.

At 160lb, a pig is ready for slaughter as a porker. Carcase weight is about 66% of liveweight; so a 160lb live weight will be 105lb deadweight, of which about 20-25lb will be head, trotters, tail and "unuseable" pieces (I accept that all part are useable for something but probably not in a "mainstream" market). Expect pigs kept extensively to reach this weigh about 30 weeks

For bacon, deadweight would be 140 - 170lb, 210 - 250lb liveweight.

Hope this is helpful.

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Farmer Giles on July 11, 2008, 09:00:03 am

Cor blimey guv, been an age since I've been on here. Where does the time go  ::) ::)

Wow what a cool way to find out the weight of a pig. Gonna have go at Bubbles later as she is now the size of a small skiing chalet in the French Alps!!!!!

She must weigh in at goodness knows what, but will post the results as soon as.

Hope each & everyone is 'en forme' and tickety boo???

All the best
F.G.

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Hilarysmum on July 11, 2008, 09:12:28 am

Using this method Hilary weighs in at 360 kilos PLEASE tell me this is wrong.

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Rosemary on July 11, 2008, 01:58:25 pm

Remember that the method is in imperial - measure in inches and weight in pounds...

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Hilarysmum on July 12, 2008, 08:48:23 am

Yes divided by 2.2  Must do it again, its possible the measurements were wrong.  Otherwise Hilary on permanent regime.

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Malc on July 13, 2008, 09:27:36 am

360 kilos! Pictures please!

This a pretty reliable method. You can use a tape measure from the sewing box when your spouse isn't looking. Remember to clean off evidence and replace later on.

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Hilarysmum on July 13, 2008, 06:28:29 pm

Malc the tape measure is sadly far too short.  Hilary takes after me, we both like our food and are well just a little vertically challenged.  I shall try to take photos tomorrow if some kind soul can explain how I post them.  Dan???????????   

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Dan on July 13, 2008, 08:10:48 pm

Email them to me and I'll get them on for you.  :)

Title: Re: Weighing your pig using a piece of string
Post by: Hilarysmum on July 14, 2008, 09:04:10 am

Thanks Dan will try today.