The Fastest Way to Put Fat on a Show Hog

A show hog's genetics, daily nutrition, environment and overall health ultimately determine how quickly it can gain weight. There is no quick trick for making a hog rapidly gain weight before a show, but with careful planning and maintenance on your part, you can make it easier for your hog to gain its weight and fat quickly and in a healthy way so that it looks its best for the big event.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Feed
  • Self-feeder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the correct type of show hog. Determine when show dates are so that you can plan what size hog to purchase and how long that hog will need to gain weight. For example, if your hog must be shown at 250 pounds, a 60-pound hog will need three to four months to gain that weight.

    • 2

      Give your hog access to fresh, clean water at all times.

    • 3

      Feed the hog only enough feed to last it two to three days during its first week with you; this will ensure that the hog is eating clean, fresh feed, which is important to its overall health. A healthy hog will gain weight more quickly than an ill hog.

    • 4

      Set up a self-feeder for the hog after the first week, allowing it to eat as much and as often as it wants. Keep the feed clean and fresh.

    • 5

      Minimize heat stress on the hog by giving it access to a dry, cool area at all times.