How to Raise a Piglet for 4H

For more than 100 years 4-H has been a leading youth development program designed to help young people reach their full potential. Raising a show hog is one of the most common 4-H projects.According to their website, "the goal of the 4-H market hog project is to encourage integrity, sportsmanship, cooperation and an ability to communicate through activities such as demonstrations, talks, judging events, tours and exhibits." In addition to the specific swine related knowledge the young person will acquire the life skills of communication, adaptation, respect and decision-making.

Things You'll Need

  • Pig pen
  • Straw or wood chips
  • Feeding and watering equipment
  • Feed
  • Scale
  • Thermometer
  • Watch
  • Grooming items
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn everything you can about raising pigs through a swine-rearing class offered by your local 4-H club.

    • 2

      Choose one of eight breeds of pig to raise. 4-H offers three "white" breeds, the Landrace, Yorkshire and Chester, each known for their mothering skills. Alternately, 4-H offers five "dark" breeds, the Hampshire, Duroc, Poland China, Berkshire and Spot, each of which are durable and have lean muscle tone.

    • 3

      Build a pigpen approximately 6 feet by 12 feet. On one end provide a small covered area with straw or wood chips for bedding; in the middle place a feeder; and on the remaining end position a watering/dunging area with a large water container.

    • 4

      Buy a piglet. Choose a healthy pig from a reliable source. The pig should have good leg structure, a muscular back and large hams.

    • 5

      Purchase sufficient nutritious feed. It should contain primarily concentrates like corn or oats and be at least 16 percent protein. If you purchase a pig that is still eating a "starter" ration, slowly transition it to a grower ration by mixing the two feeds and increasing the grower portion each day.

    • 6

      Allow the pig to "self-feed," meaning allow it to eat as much as it wants. A 50-pound feed bag should last one pig about two weeks.

    • 7

      Maintain a healthy temperature, heart rate and respiration rate in your pig. These measures are related directly to the amount of stress the pig endures. Treat the pig well and he'll grow faster while staying healthy during the process. Stressed pigs eat less than happy pigs. Maintain a temperature of between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a heart rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute and a respiration rate of 30 to 40 breaths per minute. To measure temperature, a baby's ear thermometer in the ear of the pig will give you an accurate reading. As far as heart rate, place your hand over their heart while and counting the beats for 30 seconds. Double the number to find the beats per minute. Pigs don't have pulse points like humans do, so this is the only way without using additional equipment. After keeping pigs you'll be able to notice when they start to breathe heavy by sight or sound, but you can always measure breath the same way you measure heart beats. Instead of using the hand over the heart, place your hand a few inches in front of their snout and count each time you feel them breathe. Time it for 30 seconds, and then double the number

    • 8

      Keep accurate records. A successful 4-H project includes extensive documentation. When raising swine, keep track of your expenses, practices, growth of the pig and your goals. Check with your local 4-H branch for a list of required records.

    • 9

      Weigh the pig regularly. A 1 1/2- to 1 4/5-pound weight gain per day is normal. By the time of showing, the pig should weigh 200 to 250 pounds.

    • 10

      Employ the services of a veterinarian. Your pig will need vaccinations, a worming and treatment for possible parasites.

    • 11

      Prepare the pig for show. Before showing your pig thoroughly, clean it, clip its nails and brush its hair in the direction in which it naturally lays down.