Author Topic: Pig weight and how to weigh (Read 3598 times)

sarha · « **on:** June 24, 2010, 08:21:40 am »

Morning!

This is going to sound daft, but how do you know when your pigs reach the correct weight for slaughter? Does everyone have access to weighing crush? I know you can get a weigh tape for horses, but what about pigs?

Probably a post already about this, but i cant find it if there is so would be grateful for any replies

JulieS · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2010, 08:56:12 am »

There is a calculation on here to work this out. Girth x length x something else......I'm sure someone will know it and let you know.

To gauge whether mine are ready I measure their girth (around their body just behind their front legs) at around 38" - 40" mine go.

There is a weigh tape available for pigs.

Hilarysmum · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2010, 09:57:55 am »

Measure from between ears to tail base (inches, length) around the shoulders and wrap underneath them (girth).

girth x girth x length divide by 400 = weight in LBs (if you want Kilos divide again by 2.2).

deduct a third to give you the carcass weight.

JulieS · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2010, 10:49:32 am »

Excellent....I guessed you would know

Hilarysmum · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2010, 07:19:10 pm »

Ow, now I cant get my swollen head through the door

GOS · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2010, 09:07:27 pm »

Hi,
We use what they call a 'weighband' which is obtained from smallholdersupplies.co.uk. It only costs about £9 and gives you a reading which we have found pretty accurate. It's also easy to use and read from.

Hilarysmum · « **Reply #6 on:** June 25, 2010, 08:10:12 am »

GOS thanks for the info - I am still using my MIL's ancient imperial tape measure, which is falling apart and doesnt stretch around Hilary any more, so perhaps I shall invest in one.

sarha · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2010, 08:20:16 am »

Thankyou!! Knew I would get good info here!

WinslowPorker · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2010, 09:23:57 am »

girth x girth x length x 69.4 = KG weight. make sure you measure your pigs with a seamstresses type of type and use the measurments in metres. ie 90 cm girth & 110 cm length = .9 x .9 x 1.1 x 69.4 = 61 kg, when mine went for slaughter they were approx 110kg, and the kill weight which came back was 84kg, they carried about an inch & half of back fat, so not too bad