How to Raise Acorn Finished Pigs

Acorn-finished pork is a highly prized delicacy, coveted by gourmet chefs and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If you have access to a woodlot with oak trees, raising acorn-finished pigs can be a lucrative backyard livestock project. Pigs allowed to forage freely are generally healthier and better-tempered than those raised in confinement. Even the area where they are grazed will benefit, since pigs consume the invasive species that can harm a forest.

Things You'll Need

  • Shed
  • Electric fencing
  • Swine feed
  • Straw or other bedding
  • Basic veterinary supplies
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check with your local government to see if there are any restrictions on keeping pigs on your property. Check with your state's department of agriculture to find out what regulations will apply to the eventual sale of your product.

    • 2

      Prepare your pig-raising area. Keep in mind that it is advisable to rotate the feeding ground to prevent overgrazing. Pigs need a simple shelter against the elements, and bedding for warmth. Make sure the pigs will have access to fresh water and ample shade at all times; a woodlot with a pond or stream on it is ideal. Electric fencing is a good choice; pigs are strong and smart, and will quickly learn to avoid it.

    • 3

      Contact your nearest cooperative extension or farm bureau. They will provide valuable insight about pig "dos and dont's" specific to your area. They may be able to suggest good sources from which to purchase healthy swine. Locate the nearest large-animal veterinarian.

    • 4

      Research local livestock auctions, farmers and available pig breeds before you buy. It is best to start small and purchase one or two pigs, either young females or castrated males. Make sure your pigs have been vaccinated, and choose a breed that will do well outdoors in your climate.

    • 5

      Feed your pigs swine feed containing at least 14-percent protein for the first several weeks.This can be supplemented with table scraps. Restaurant waste is not recommended. As pigs grow, their digestive systems adapt to forage.

    • 6

      Feed acorns during the "finishing" stage, from 17 weeks onward.

    • 7

      Butcher your pigs when they reach about 200-to-250 lb., at about 24 weeks. If you do not intend to do this yourself, find the nearest slaughterhouse. Locate a professional meat cutter and a smokehouse for the curing of bacon and ham.