[hot hog]

if you use them are they accuret?

[GOS]

Hi,
There was a previous post a few days ago about weighing pigs.  It gives you the measuring technique if you wish to use that, be we have always used the weighband method.  It's not 100% accurate, but then only scales will do that, but we have found they are easy to use and will give you a good idea as to what the end weight will be.

[chickenfeed]

 :pig:we used to use the weigh band my parents had for their commercial pigs the trouble is they are made for commercial pig and traditional pigs vary breed to breed so you will only get a rough guide, when you have done a few pigs you will soon get a eye for their weight and not need to worry about weigh bands.

[oaklandspigs]

Weigh bands will give you a rough estimate, just as if you measure someone’s height and their waist you would get a rough approximation as to their weight.  A tape measure is just as easy, and calculations are available on line or in previous posts.
However just as important is whether this weight is made up of meat or fat!
As C says, get used to looking at your pigs, look at you pig as it moves, is it moving fat or muscle?  Feel down its backbone and see how easily you can feel the bones.  Hardly at all - too fat, very easily - too thin.  You want to feel the bones  without effort but also feel a covering above them.
Ultimately unless you are doing commercial pigs to a weight, then size and amount of fat is up to you. Take them off too early and you pay a fixed abattoir and butchering fee to process less meat.  Meat will still be good.  Take off too late and you’re likely to have more fat than you need.  Neither is a problem, too much fat – just makes me more popular with the dogs who get the leftovers!