Selecting the right market hog

One of the most popular 4-H livestock projects throughout the state of Colorado continues to be the market swine project. During the 2014-15 4-H year, there were 2,218 market swine members statewide. Enrollment just ended for the 2016-17 4-H year in Phillips County. There are 39 Phillips County 4-H/FFA members enrolled in the market swine project.

Now that members have enrolled in the market swine project, many are starting to think about where they are going to purchase their pigs and the traits and characteristics of good market hogs. Phillips County requires that market hogs weigh 230-300 pounds to make the weight requirements to show at county fair. Market hogs below or above this weight can still show but are unable to sell in the Junior Livestock Sale.

One lesson that market swine exhibitors need to understand from the beginning of their project is acceptable market weight ranges for animals that will be immediately entering the food chain. Packing plants want animals in the optimal weight ranges so they can effectively process the animal and sell the meat.

After determining the size of pig to purchase, there are numerous other physical traits that members will need to look for to select their market hog. For today’s market hog show, one of the single most important factors to consider when evaluating a pig is muscle shape and design. The best place to view muscling in a market hog is by looking at the ham, followed by the loin. Market hogs should also be long-bodied and well-balanced.
 

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