Beef, Swine, Goat, and Sheep

Training and Fitting Your Swine

Training During the Feeding Program

A pig can not be controlled through fear - you must win his confidence. Kind treatment during the hand-feeding period provides an excellent opportunity to gain his trust. Gently scratch or brush him at each feeding period, but do not make a pet of him. A “pet pig” is difficult to show. There are at least three signals that you need to teach your pig:

1. Tapping him firmly on the side means for him to move forward.
2. A gentle pressure with your stick, on the right side of the head indicates a left turn.
3. The same slight pressure against the left cheek indicates a turn to the right.

Do not be disappointed if you are ignored at first. Results come with training. Drive the pig often. A pig should be driven at least once a day the last 15 to 20 days of the feeding period. Let someone serve as judges while you practice moving the animal around as you would in the show ring. Study each pig from many angles to see how he should be shown to make his most favorable appearance. Usually, your pig looks best to a judge when he is 10 to 15 feet away moving at a slow walk.

Good pigs are born; champions are made. Good Luck!

Documents

These are the id papers you will need to register your project animals in the 4-H office:

• beef
• beef non-owner
• goat
• sheep non-owner
• sheep
• swine

Market sale:

• sponsor form

Chemung County
4-H Livestock Record Book for Beef, Swine, Goat and Sheep
Click Here