090 Swine
In the swine project, members learn about the selection, production, breeding and management of swine.
Focus:
- Selection, production, breeding, management, and health of swine
- Financing, purchasing and marketing swine
- Live animal evaluation, carcass merit and performance data
- Exhibiting barrows and gilts
- Establishing a breeding herd and maintaining records
- Exploring career opportunities and developing leadership abilities
What members can do: (Beginner level)
- Identify the swine breeds
- Identify the major parts of a pig and pork carcass
- Care for pigs and exhibit barrows and gilt's
- Become familiar with desirable production goals and carcass traits
What members can do: (Intermediate level)
- Maintain production, performance and financial records
- Select and develop a gilt for the breeding herd
- Develop management techniques to use in caring for baby pigs
- Develop and implement a good herd health program
What members can do: (Advanced level)
- Establish and manage a breeding herd
- Feed, manage and market pens of slaughter hogs
- Learn the general principles, advantages and disadvantages of artificial insemination
- Formulate rations for some classes of swine
- Study current marketing techniques and systems
- Serve as a teen leader and teach younger members
- Explore career opportunities in the swine industry
Depending on interests, experience and abilities of a 4 H member, skills and literature can apply across levels.
