What do I look for when buying show pigs

[jk47]

Im not new to showing pigs but having other people help so I want to try and pick out a pigs that is going to look good to the judge is when the pigs are young what should I look for that I didnt look for last time

 

[jk47]

Those were my hogs

 

[jk47]

That was the grandchamp hog

 

[mysunwolf]

I don't know much about showing pigs, but from what I've heard from others the important qualities are good muscle definition (without too much added fat), very flat backs (meaning sturdier frame to carry weight better), and long bodies (for lots of bacon!).

 

[M.L. McKnight]

Straight front legs, wide chest (3-4 fingers width for a weaned pig), straight back, easy gate, proportionate ham for their size. This will give you a good idea about what they will grow into.

 

[jk47]

thanks for the tips so I normally look for a pig that has a deep loin and ham and a structure that looks solid but I normally forget and overlook the chest and straightness of the legs . I think I do okay picking pigs for meat but picking show pigs now that is a competitive game

 

[M.L. McKnight]

This is a personal opinion of mine, but- don't get one whose legs are too short or has a short legged sire or dam. I will go to a hog show just to see what the kids are raising and a lot of them bring these short legged hogs to the ring. The shank might not be a 'money cut' but when your stock is too short they can't breed as well naturally and I think A.I. should be more of an option as opposed to the only choice for breeding your hogs.

 

[jk47]

You know what I dont think I have ever put thought into a show pig being used for breeding but come to think of it people do sometimes buy them like my ffa chapter's sow was a show pig and just the other day my
AG. Teachers neighbor wanted us to breed a gilt he bought at auction