How to Judge a Pig Class

FFA (Future Farmers of America), 4-H, colleges and other youth organizations host livestock judging contests. Pig classes are an integral part of a livestock judging competition. Four pigs of similar age, breed and sex usually make up a pig class. The pigs are numbered 1 to 4 with a paint brand and run loose in a pen during the judging. The judges compare the pigs, determining the individuals with the most ideal body conformation. Judges record the placings for the class and in some cases give explanations of the placings.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand some distance from the pen of pigs and observe the animals from three angles: front, side and rear. Watch the animals move. Look for the major differences between the four pigs in the class. Determine the pigs that have the most ideal combination of desirable traits.

    • 2

      Evaluate the muscling of each pig. Ideal muscles are large, bulging and roundish. Look at the muscling in the shoulder, forearm, down the top (loin) and in the rear (ham). Avoid thinly muscled pigs.

    • 3

      Observe the leanness of each pig. An ideal pig is lean throughout the body. Check the jowl (chin) and the lower one-third of the body cavity for fat deposits.

    • 4

      Evaluate the growth and volume of each pig. Ideal pigs should be big framed and fast growing. Look at the width to the chest, the body depth and the spring of the ribs. Ideal market hogs reach 240 pounds at 5 months of age.

    • 5

      Watch the pigs walk to observe structural soundness. They should move freely with a slope to the shoulder, looseness in the hip and a flex in the rear hocks. Avoid lame or stiff-walking pigs.

    • 6

      Evaluate the underline of breeding gilts (young females). Each gilt must have at least six functional teats on either side of the underline. Read the performance data, if possible, about each gilt. Sometimes the expected progeny difference (EPD) for important traits are available. An EPD is a mathematical calculation of the gilt's expected performance using data from the parents and siblings.

    • 7

      Fill out or mark a judging card with the placings. Indicate the first, second, third and fourth place pigs in the class. If preparing reasons, take careful notes about the class. Awards are given to judges who evaluate the pigs similarly to the official judge for the class.