How to Condition a Show Pig

Conditioning your show pig begins even before you purchase your pig. Picking out a sound and healthy pig that is well on its way to becoming a show pig increases your chances of owning a prize pig. Conditioning is also called fitting a pig. According to the University of Missouri, fitting, or conditioning, a pig encompasses everything from proper feeding to careful grooming. Conditioning isn't just about training the pig to walk properly in the show ring, but it is also about giving the pig the best possible care.

Things You'll Need

  • Pig feed
  • Pig treat
  • Cane
  • Pig shampoo
  • Clippers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Research the show or shows in which you want to enter your pig. Find out the requirements of the show and what the show will look for in your pig. This will give you an idea of the ideal pig you want to raise.

    • 2

      Choose a pig based on the research you have done. Look at the pig's body composition and structural soundness to see if it is growing into the right proportions for the show you want to enter. Body composition involves how well the muscles grow and look. Structural soundness involves how the pig's bone structure supports it as the animal stands and walks.

    • 3

      Feed the pig the appropriate feed based on its age. Younger pigs require more protein as they are growing faster. Lower the protein amount as the pig ages. Feed high-quality feeds so that the pig gets all the necessary nutrients it needs to grow into a prize pig.

    • 4

      Exercise the pig on a regular basis by encouraging it to walk to various places. Encourage the pig to walk wherever you direct it to. Give it a treat whenever it responds to a touch from your cane and walks in the right direction. Regular exercise builds muscle tissue, reduces fat and builds endurance so that the pig does not tire out in the show ring.

    • 5

      Maintain a stable indoor temperature for the pigs of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit while they are growing. Just like people, pigs have a temperature at which they are the most comfortable and will grow the best.

    • 6

      Bathe and clip your pig on a regular basis. You can practice once a week so that you become proficient at clipping your pig to show off its best assets before show day. There is no rule on how you should clip a pig, but you want to clip the pig so that it looks its best.

    • 7

      Practice walking the pig in circles around a tree as well as having it do figure eights in your yard. This will help make the pig more comfortable on show day as it will be familiar with the steps.