Mid-Season Check-In: Planning Your Show Pigs' Finish Strategies

Mid to Late July Growth Plan for Show Pigs

Mid July Weight Targets:

• Pigs should be in the range of 150-185 lbs.

Late July to Early August Weight Targets:

• Pigs should be in the range of 120-150 lbs.

Feeding and Growth Strategy

Hand Feeding:

• At this stage, pigs should be 100% hand-fed to ensure precise control over their diet and growth.

Weight Management:

• Assess whether to hold or push the pigs to meet the weight goals set for the fair date.

  • Holding: Implement strategies to maintain current weight if pigs are growing too quickly.

  • Pushing: Adjust feeding to accelerate weight gain if pigs are not on track to meet target weights.

Diet Adjustments:

• Evaluate the need to change the protein percentage in the feed.

  • Higher Protein: To support muscle development and overall growth.

  • Lower Protein: To help soften the pigs' body composition and prepare them for the fair.

Final Considerations

• Regularly monitor the pigs' weight and adjust the feeding plan as necessary to ensure they meet the desired targets.

• Observe the pigs' overall condition and make dietary changes to achieve the optimal firmness or softness for the fair.