Average weight of a pig at slaughter. How to correctly and quickly determine the weight of a pig at home. By fatness category

There are few specialists who could determine the weight of a wild boar or pig “by eye”. However, there is a very simple way that allows you to determine the weight of a pig without using special equipment– table of pig weights by size. You can find out how to do this correctly by studying the information below.

Why do you need to know this?

Cases often arise when it is necessary to find out the weight of a pig without special scales. First of all, this will be required when calculating the amount of feed, because complete and sufficient nutrition of the animal is the main secret to the success of raising pigs. That is why it is advisable to calculate the weight of the pig in advance.

Weight gain in piglets is important indicator, over which every farmer must exercise control. If the piglet lags behind in weight gain, then you can make some adjustments in nutrition and include additional vitamins and feed in the diet.

Of course, before handing over an animal for slaughter, it is best to use electronic equipment. There is also a way to find out approximate pig weight at home without special devices.

How to find out the weight of a pig based on its size?

How can you find out how much a pig weighs on average if you don’t have special equipment at hand? For such a calculation you will need to know two indicators:

Body length;
Chest volume, measured under the shoulder blades.

To make measuring indicators more convenient, you can use a long measuring tape. The table below for determining the average weight of a pig has an error of 4% to 11%.

Live weight determination table

Determination of live weight by the size of the animal should occur strictly before feeding it. In this case, the boar should stand straight with its head slightly raised. The obtained indicators are combined at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical values, after which the approximate live weight is obtained.

Determination of live weight using coefficients

This method of calculating the mass of a boar is considered the most approximate. It is recommended to use it if you do not have the above table at hand. The boar measurements are carried out according to the same scheme as for the table.

To calculate mass the following algorithm of actions must be followed:

All obtained values must be multiplied among themselves.
Determine the degree of fatness of the boar by eye. There are three coefficients for the stage of fatness: weak fatness – 162, average fatness – 156, good fatness – 142.
The resulting value after multiplying the volume of the boar must be divided by a suitable coefficient.

This method can be used to determine the weight of both adult pigs and small piglets.

Pig weight by month

Using the example of the Vietnamese breed of pigs, Let's look at the average weight by month.

The weight of a newborn Vietnamese piglet ranges from 400 to 600 grams. After two weeks, the weight crosses the 1 kg mark. The weight of piglets at the age of one month is on average 3 kg, however, you can find larger piglets whose weight reaches 6 kg.

At the age of 3 months, the weight of a Vietnamese pig is about 25 kg. At 4 months this figure reaches 40 kg. If Vietnamese piglets are bred for slaughter, then keeping them for more than 4 months is unprofitable. After 40 kg, piglets begin to accumulate fat.

The weight of a Vietnamese pig at the age of 7 months reaches 60 kg. The weight of a piglet at the age of 10 months is about 80 kg. At one year of age, a Vietnamese breed pig can weigh 110 kg.

Description and size of wild boar

The wild boar belongs to the order of artiodactyl animals and forms a separate genus in the family. It is also often called the boar. This animal is the direct ancestor of the current domestic pig. Regarding appearance, then it is not at all difficult to distinguish it from a modern domestic boar.

Wild boar has thicker build and longer legs. The head shape of a wild boar is elongated. The ears on the head are long and erect. Males differ from females in having more developed upper and lower canines. The boar's body is covered with coarse long hair. There is a mane on the head and back. In winter, the fur becomes denser, and in summer it thins out. Hair color can be grey, dark or brown.

As for the size of the wild boar, it may vary depending on the habitat of the animal. The further north a wild boar lives, the larger it will be. The smallest individuals can be found in southeast Asia and southern India. The weight of such boars reaches only 45 kg. But in the Carpathians, wild boars can weigh about 200 kg. The largest individuals live in the regions of the Urals in Russia. Their weight reaches as much as 300 kg. The maximum weight that was recorded was 320 kg. Large wild boars weighing 150 kg can also be found in Italy. In France, the weight of boars can reach 230 kg.

In the article we will look at the meat yield of pigs and how this indicator depends on their live weight. The percentage of bones, entrails, fat and pure meat in the carcass is directly related to the breed of piglet and its age. The amount of product obtained is also affected by the gender of the individual. Carcass weight is very important in calculating farm profit. The information obtained will allow you to assess the profitability of the farm and determine the animal’s nutritional standards.

Average weight of an animal at slaughter

The weight of a grown animal is directly dependent on the selected variety and proper diet. One of the heaviest animals is the large white breed. For example, the weight of sows reaches 320-340 kg. They are not inferior to wild boars, giving figures of 320-350 kg. The normal average weight of a pig is 210-260 kg.

Increasing the weight of a piglet most of all depends on the organization of competent feeding. On average, at 3-4 months, representatives of any breed reach 55-65 kg, and if fed ad libitum, the animal will reach 100 kg at 3 months.

The weight of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs can be 150 kg. But usually they are slaughtered early at 6-7 months, weighing 70-80 kg.

It is not difficult to determine how much a pig weighs on average. You can use scales or other methods that we talked about in the article.

Pork meat yield from live weight

Above we talked about live weight; slaughter weight is a different concept. This refers to the yield of a pure product after cutting the animal. These indicators do not include internal organs, skin and legs (lower part). Accordingly, the figure is always smaller. Let's take a closer look at this and other concepts.

Pigs are one of the most profitable animals in terms of obtaining meat product. When cutting a pig, the least amount of waste is produced. So, slaughter weight means a carcass with the skin removed, the head, lower parts of the limbs, and internal organs removed.

Boning involves separating bones from muscle tissue. The slaughter yield is considered to be the percentage of the mass obtained after slaughter of the carcass to the live mass.

After slaughtering an animal weighing 100 kg, clean meat comes out to be from 63 to 72 kg. At the same time, lard accounts for 14-24 kg. The deboning yield rates show that the amount of product in percentage terms is 63-72%. All these are average statistical indicators.

If the pig moves a lot, then the sebaceous layer will be small, and if the animal has a passive lifestyle, there will be less pure pork - all the nutrition is used to accumulate fat.

How much meat and other products, as a percentage, will be obtained when slaughtering an individual weighing 100 kg is shown in the table of meat (pork) yield based on live weight:

Keep in mind that the table shows average data. Figures may vary depending on the breed of pigs, their age, and individual characteristics.

Weight of carcass, half carcass and various parts of the animal

The live weight of an animal is the weight before slaughter. After slaughter, cutting and processing, it is divided into parts. Most often, a pig carcass weighing 110 kg has 74 kg of meat product, 22 kg of lard, as well as 11 kg of bones and about 3 kg of various waste.

The weight of a half carcass after removing the bones and fat is on average 35-40 kg. In a meat breed pig, the amount of bacon will be 13%, and in an individual with a high fat content factor - 25%. About 12% of the total weight of the side carcass is on the bone. Losses during cutting are approximately 1%.

Regardless of the breed of young animals, the yield of pork in comparison with the amount of fat obtained is greater than that of adult animals that are fattened.

The head of an animal weighing 120 kg weighs about 10 kg, and the hind leg weighs about 8-9 kg. The average weight of a month-old pig is 7-9 kg. At 5 months it reaches 85-90 kg. The yield of pure meat from this individual is within 40 kg without bones and offal.

Pork categories

Pork after slaughter is used as a table product and for the production of sausages, canned food and various smoked products. The selection of products is carried out according to the category of meat, which, depending on the heat treatment used, can be cooled, chilled or frozen.

Unlike beef, pork is dense, soft and tender meat, which at different ages of individuals has a different color - from light pink (in young) to red (in more mature ones).

The classification of pork depends on the degree of fatness of the animal. The resulting product is divided into:

pig carcass;
fatty;
bacon;
meat;
industrial.

Ripening of pork meat after slaughter

After the slaughter of an individual, various processes occur in the meat that determine its quality properties. A distinction is made between rigor rigor and softening (ripening of meat).

After several days in the refrigerator at a temperature of 5-10 degrees above zero, the pork will become flavorful. The product acquires excellent taste characteristics, juice comes out of it - an indicator that the meat is ripening.

A characteristic feature is the appearance of a “dry crust” on the carcass, elasticity and a specific smell. To determine the degree of ripening of pork, histological and chemical studies are used.

Long-term storage of this product without freezing leads to a change in its consistency, color, release of watery juice and the appearance of a musty odor. As a result, putrefactive microflora develops, and the pork begins to deteriorate instantly.

Pig meat yield

The size of the slaughter yield is influenced by many reasons. One of the most important factors are the physique of the animal and the meat properties of the breed being raised. Compact pigs often have a higher percentage of meat yield compared to long, tall pigs.

Increased fatness of the animal intended for slaughter has a positive effect on the amount of product. Its value increases with the same weight of offal and bones.

As the animal gains weight, the slaughter yield also increases, because the amount of offal does not increase much after a certain age. The influence of the animal's sex is also important: for example, a castrated boar has 1.5% less meat than a pig with the same pre-slaughter weight.

The slaughter weight will be higher for individuals that were fed with special feed or other components with useful elements.

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For any pig farmer, the issue of health and, of course, the maximum weight of piglets and adult pigs is relevant. To do this, it is necessary, firstly, to correctly calculate the feeding rate, and secondly, to provide the pigs with decent living conditions. In this case, the average weight of the pig will be maximum, and this is the goal of any owner. The success of home farming is based precisely on the overall yield of average slaughter weight of pigs.

breeds;
age;
conditions of detention;
gender

The largest pig in the world, which weighed more than 900 kilograms, lived in China.

The pig named Hun-chun weighed about a ton with a body length of only one and a half meters! The animal coped well with the amount of food required by 10 pigs.

Another weight record holder is an American boar named Big Norma. Its weight was more than 1200 kilograms, its body length was 2 meters 74 centimeters. Modern domestic pigs, of course, do not gain such weight, but with proper feeding and taking into account the characteristics of the breed, the average weight can be more than 300 kilograms. And the maximum weight of a pig is even greater!

Average weight of boar

The largest number of heavyweight pigs belong to the Great White breed. So, for example, a boar of this popular breed at the age of one and a half years weighs 300-320 kilograms. At the age of 2 years - 350 or more. A female of the Great White breed weighs less than the weight of a boar, by about a hundredweight.

Average pig weight

Considering the Great White breed as the most popular in private households, based on the experience of keeping these animals, we can say that the average weight of a pig is at least 200 kilograms at the age of one and a half years. Another popular breed on farms, the Vietnamese, is characterized by representatives with a small average weight. Rarely, the weight of a pot-bellied pig by month corresponds to the weight by month of representatives of ordinary breeds (Landrace, Great White, Pietrain and others). The average weight of “pot bellies” is no more than 120 kilograms.

Average weight of a pig

The average weight of a piglet largely depends on well-organized feeding. Fattening age starts at three months. At this time, the weight of the young animals begins to increase rapidly. For example, the average weight of a piglet at 4 months can reach 60 kilograms, and already at six months - more than 90. By choosing an ad libitum feeding regimen, this figure can be achieved within 2 months of feeding. That is, starting to feed a piglet using the free feeding method from 4 months, already at 6 months the average weight can be at the level of 95-100 kilograms. Next, consider the average weight of pigs by month.

Average weight of a newborn piglet

When determining the average weight of a newborn piglet, it is important to understand that the main role here is played by heredity, the baby’s genetic predisposition to the rate of weight gain. Only strong, healthy pigs can produce offspring that will be different:

Good appetite.
Good health.
Subsequent high productivity.

The average weight of a newborn piglet is almost 60% dependent on adequate feeding of the sow during pregnancy (40% on genetics).

If feeding was balanced and correct, then:

ordinary piglets are born weighing at least 1 kilogram;
Vietnamese piglets - at least 600 grams.

It is the birth weight that will have the maximum impact on the formation of the animal and its productivity. Properly organized feeding is the next most important factor in weight gain. Read about what to feed a piglet at home.

Average weight of a month old piglet

Feeding a piglet in the first month of life is based exclusively on mother's milk, so weight gain occurs rapidly. The average weight on the 30th day from birth is at least 8 kilograms. In any case, the table will tell you the pig’s weight by month quite accurately.

Average weight at 2-3 months

At 2 months, piglets begin to receive balanced additional feed and vitamin premixes. The weight of piglets at 2 months should be at the level of 12-15 kilograms, at 3 months the weight should be at least 22-25 kilograms.

Average weight at 4-6 months

From the age of three months, piglets begin to be intensively fattened. By four months, the average weight of a piglet should be at least 50-55 kilograms, the weight of a Vietnamese pig at 4 months is 40% less. During the fattening period, the main emphasis is on feed with high energy value. During this period, maximum weight is achieved with a diet that includes:

Grains (barley, wheat, corn).
Meat and bone meal.
Fish meal.
Soybean meal.
Vitamin premixes.
Mineral supplements.
Table waste.
Green mass.
Vegetables and fruits.

With proper, balanced nutrition, the weight of a pig at 6 months will be at least 90 kilograms.

Average weight of 6 months or more

At 6 months, piglets reach sexual maturity and are classified as gilts. The rate of weight gain does not stop, but the diet that provides maximum weight gain changes slightly. The changes mostly concern the type of premixes and mineral additives. At 9 months, the average weight of a gilt is about 130 kilograms. Read about how to quickly raise a piglet

We measure the average weight

There are three main ways to measure the average weight of a pig:

pig weight according to the table;
using the body condition factor;
by weighing. To do this, you can make your own pig scales.

The first method is based on accurate measurement of the pig's body parameters. To do this, measure the length of the torso and the circumference of the chest behind the shoulder blades. The data obtained must be analyzed using a special table for the correspondence of body size and weight.

The method that takes into account the influence of the body condition coefficient is based on the formula by which live weight is measured. In fact, this is the measured weight of the pig. To do this, you need to know the body length and chest girth of the animal, that is, the initial data is the same as in the first case, only a table is not needed. So, for example, for pigs of normal fatness a coefficient of 156 is used. For thin pigs - 162, for pigs that are obese - 142. The assessment is made visually.

Average weight at slaughter

The yield at slaughter, that is, the average weight of a pig carcass, depends on the age of the pig, breed, degree of fatness and gender. For example, average weight meat products from a pig of 120 kilograms will be about 90 kilograms. As you can see, the average weight of a live pig and the average slaughter weight differ by about 20%. Next, consider the average weight of individual parts of the pig:

The weight of the head is at least 8 kilograms.
Heart - about 320 grams.
Lightweight - at least 0.7 kg.
Liver - one and a half kilograms.
Kidneys 300 grams.
Bones 11 kilograms.

These values are the average weight of individual parts of the body of a pig with a live weight of 120-130 kilograms. The weight of Vietnamese pigs varies by month and at slaughter by approximately 50-60%. According to scientific research domestic and foreign pig breeders, it is noted that with an increase in the average weight of a pig, losses during slaughter are significantly minimized. For example, the useful yield is at least 80% when slaughtering 130 kilogram pigs and no more than 70% when slaughtering 90 kilogram pigs. This is due to a slight increase in the weight of blood, intestines and waste products as the animal grows. That is, the yield of offal and bones decreases with increasing weight of the pig.

How to increase the average weight of a pig

To increase the average weight of a pig, an integrated approach is required. The weight of a pig largely depends on:

conditions of detention;
genetic predisposition to weight gain;
properly organized feeding diet;
duration of daylight hours;
walking opportunities.

How to ensure maximum average growth? Maximizing the weight of pigs is achieved through balanced feeding - first and foremost. Piglets fed with mother's milk until one month of age have strong immunity and excellent weight gain.

It should be understood that the best option To achieve optimal weight, it is precisely ad libitum feeding, that is, it is necessary to provide as much food to piglets, and then to adult animals, as the pig can eat at one time. It is important to remember not only the quantity, but also the quality of feed.

It is imperative to provide fresh, clean water and free access to water. The water temperature must be at least 15 degrees. If debris gets into the water, it needs to be changed promptly. Up to three months, it is advisable to add copper sulfate at the rate of 1 gram per liter of water to prevent anemia.

In many subsidiary farms, various growth stimulants, that is, special stimulating additives, are widely used to achieve maximum weight. When using such additives, more enhanced growth of young animals and adults is observed compared to other animals that did not receive such substances in the diet. The mechanism of action of premixes is quite complex. It is based on neuro-reflex reactions that change the animal’s metabolism and the energy value of feed.

Such supplements ensure maximum digestion of food, maximum absorption useful substances and effective improvement of digestive processes. Stimulants are unique catalysts for protein metabolism. First of all, stimulants include antibiotics, vitamins, organic substances, and mineral supplements. Comparing the weight of the animal that received the supplements with the one that did not receive them, the weight of the pig, chart and tables - everything speaks about the advisability of using stimulants within reasonable limits.

In any case, with or without stimulants, pig feeding should be:

Sufficient.
Regular.
Complex.
Nutritious.
Fresh.
Balanced.

To obtain maximum weight gain, pigs should be fed several times a day (3-4 times). If animals are fed ad libitum, the nutritional value of the feed should be at the level of one and a half feed units per kilogram of feed, and there must be a sufficient amount of vegetable protein (peas, lentils, beans) and animal protein (meat and bone or fish meal).

It is possible to use inexpensive feed for pigs, but in this case it is advisable to use the method of rationed feeding or ad libitum feeding (but not limited!). The average weight gain of pigs weighing up to 120 kilograms can range from 800 grams to one and a half kilograms per day, even when fed with cheap feed (bran, roughage, meal). Thus, the low energy content of the feed is a limitation. If the feeding method is rationed or ad libitum, it is worth noting that per kilogram of dry food, two and a half liters of water are needed in the pig’s diet - water is one of the nutrients for animals.

Thus, the average weight of an animal is an indicator that depends on many factors. Care, a balanced diet, compliance with sanitary standards, good health - all this may well lead to the fact that in a few months the fattest pig will be on your farm!

Kira Stoletova

An experienced farmer knows how important it is to monitor weight gain in pigs. A special table or formula into which the main parameters of the animal are entered will help you figure out how much a pig weighs. A chart of pig weights by size is a diagram that both a novice and an experienced farmer should have. Measuring the weight of piglets by month and taking correct measurements of the animal is important for breeding sows and pigs for meat and lard. How to measure the weight of a piglet or adult?

The weight of a pig is the main parameter indicating the health of the animal. How to measure the weight of pigs? To measure the exact weight of a pig, the farmer needs to use a special device or a formula with an average value.

Measurements should be taken at least once a month, especially in young animals that have begun active growth. All obtained parameters are checked against the growth table and only after simple steps can a person assess the condition of the pig.

Why do you need to measure the weight of a pig?

Measuring the weight of gilts seems like a simple procedure. Weight gain according to the table helps to keep track of a large farm. If the pigs successfully gained weight, and then the weight gain decreased, based on the discrepancies in the weight in the table and the parameters of the pig, the farmer will be able to react in time. The average weight of a pig is a conditional indicator with minor errors.

Pigs gain weight at any time of the year, so the schedule for measuring basic parameters does not change throughout the year. It’s easy even for a beginner to understand the pig weight table. The parameters are calculated based on two indicators: body length and chest circumference.

How to estimate the weight of a pig at home without scales? A special formula for measuring the weight of an animal will help in cases where there is no place to measure the live weight of a pig. The average live weight of a pig (the weight of the pig, which is indicated in the table) is different for growing young animals and adults. For different breeds, the values from the tables may also change, therefore the average weight of a pig in the absence of a table must be entered in a separate chart. This is the only way to find out about the pig’s weight gain.

Average weights

How much does an average pig weigh? There are pigs with record weights of up to a ton. Average figures for an adult animal, depending on the breed, range from 200 to 300 kg. The average weight of a pig increases in the warm season, when the animal switches to healthy green food. The parameters of a pig's live weight differ from those shown by weighing devices. Only a formula or table shows the required numbers.

One of the largest breeds, characterized by high growth, is white. Boars of this species weigh on average up to 400 kg. In pigs of the Mirgorod breed, the figure reaches 250 kg. 240 kg for pigs is an average figure. Pigs weigh even more if the farmer does not skimp on nutritious feed. For good quality pork rapid growth of pigs is a negative phenomenon. Due to the increase in weight, the layer of lard, not meat, thickens in pigs. A half carcass for sale should not have a large number of greasy streaks.

How to measure parameters correctly

To enter values into the table, the farmer needs to take additional measurements from the pig. In order to weigh pigs, the farmer should know that:

It is impossible to calculate the average weight gain of a pig overnight. It is better to carry out the procedure early in the morning, while the animal is sleepy and not too active.
It is not advisable to feed a boar or sow before the measurement procedure: it will be very difficult to calculate their weight gain.
With the help of food, the animal can be interested in the measurement process. By luring a wild boar, the farmer saves both his time and the effort of his assistant.
There is no point in scaring the wild boar or using force against the animal. Such actions will lead to counterproductive results.

You can measure the parameters of an animal with a regular tape measure at home without the involvement of strangers. Using measurements it is easier to find out how much animals weigh at different age periods. For large farms, several tables are created at once, depending on the breed of pigs.

Half carcasses (one-month, three-month or one-year-old) weigh less in winter, when the animal’s strength and energy are spent on heating. The average weight of a pig aged one year and above changes regularly every month. Such an increase indicates proper maintenance of pets.

The schemes consist of two columns: average indicators and real numbers. Thanks to comparative characteristics It’s easier to understand how far behind the norm a two-month or one-year-old piglet is. The weight of the carcass determines its price only in cases where the pig has managed to gain not only fat, but also the meat layer (meat from the back is cheaper, and fillet is more expensive). The farmer should separate in advance the animals that are bred for meat or for raising offspring. At home, you can organize the proper operation of a farm and determine the parameters of all animals.

Gain table

How to determine the weight of a pig? Pigs are recruited in different ways, depending on the time of year, breed and diet. An important factor is the health of the animal: if pigs are born weak, one cannot expect rapid growth from them. Only greasy breeds can gain slaughter weight. The mass indicator is determined by two parameters, which are measured several times a year. There is no point in measuring the legs of pot-bellied breeds, but for dwarf breeds this indicator is just as important.

For measurements use a regular tape measure. First of all, the farmer measures the length of the pig’s body, and then the circumference of its chest. After measurements, the parameters are entered into a table and the average animal indicator is calculated. The breed determines the growth rate of young animals.

For the calculation, use a table that can be found on the Internet or in specialized literature. So the weight of a pig is determined by age and body parameters:

Body length (m)	Torso circumference	72 cm	84 cm	96 cm	124 cm	144 cm
0,38	11
0,50	15	21
0,58	17	25	34
0,78		34	46	59
0,86			52	67	112
1,14					146	211

Body measurements begin from the head (from the part where the back of the animal’s head is located). You need to measure the entire body to the tail. With age, the length of the body changes, so measurements are taken every month until the animal turns one year old. All measurements are taken from the head. The girth of the torso follows the line of the heart. In a home farm, weight gain occurs more slowly. The optimal meat yield per individual is calculated based on the size of the piglet.

Table for young animals

The purchase of young animals also cannot be done without taking into account weight gain; the weight of a piglet relative to its age can be calculated, how well it was fed and what kind of care was provided to it. This accounting will help you avoid fraud. For young animals at 4, 6 or 7 months, special calculations are made that take into account slight growth. But you need to remember that the weight of a farm pig according to the table may vary, depending on the breed, and the calculations will be slightly inaccurate.

A small pig gains every kg over a long period. For further calculations, the small boar must stand still and move less during measurements.

Recruitment by age helps to keep track of a large farm with a lot of young animals.

Formula for measuring weight

How to find out the weight of a pig without scales? If on farming There is no weighing unit designed for the large mass of the animal; the main parameters are measured according to the formula. Finding out the weight of a pig without scales using a calculation formula is easy even for a beginner. Thanks to simple calculations, the piglet weight table will show the exact increase.

To determine the weight of a pig (average weight of piglets), various methods are used based on calculating the basic parameters of the pig’s body. How to measure the weight of a pig using the formula? The weight of an adult pig according to the formula is calculated by the length and girth of the body.

The simplest formula for measuring the growth rate of a boar without special devices (live growth rate) consists of 2 parts. In the first, chest circumference is multiplied by a coefficient that is 1.54. Chest measurement should be as accurate as possible. The length of the body, multiplied by 0.99, will help determine the second component of the formula. Determining body weight (the simplest task for a farmer) occurs by summing the 2 obtained indicators. Then you should subtract 150 from the number you get.

Formula for boar

The weight of an adult pig or a well-fed boar is calculated using a more complex formula. The weight of pigs fed for lard differs significantly from that of a sow or active young stock. The body weight of a pig without scales must be as accurate as possible, therefore all pigs are not measured using a single formula.

For meat-fat breeds, it is necessary to multiply the length of the body by the girth of the chest. The result obtained is divided by a constant coefficient. For boars of simple breeds it is 142, and for greasy ones - 156. The yield of the formula is equal to the average mass. Measuring the parameters will not be difficult. Methods without weights are the most accurate. They allow the farmer to save money on the purchase of weighing devices.

Growth rate for a piglet

How much growth should a newborn or one-month-old piglet have and how much does the piglet weigh at different times? The weight of a piglet is measured in the first days of its life. It's easier to weigh a piglet. Detailed video will tell the beginner how to distract the animal while the assistant calmly takes the piglet’s measurements.

The yield of one-month-old piglets (milk boars) differs from the weight of three-month-old pigs. From the fourth month, the little piglet switches to a special diet. The general table is calculated by age, so separate schemes are created for young animals.

The average weight (a general table by age is not suitable) of piglets depends on the diet and the selected breed. Month-old boars weigh up to 10 kg. At 3 months the boar's weight is up to 25 kg. At 6 months of age, the pig weighs up to 80 kg.

If Vietnamese piglets have become the farmer’s choice for home breeding, weight by month, or more precisely, its increase, is the main issue of interest to the livestock breeder. This breed has won many fans in the CIS countries, and therefore it is worth finding out how quickly piglets grow and when they are sent for slaughter.

Features of the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig breed

Russian farmers have long paid attention to a breed of pig called the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. She comes from Southeast Asia. Its characteristics are black skin color, flattened muzzle, wide back and chest and saggy belly. In adult individuals, it often reaches the ground.

The pig breed under discussion has a number of features, which are also its advantages:

early maturation - four-month-old animals are already able to reproduce;
pigs have strong immunity;
the meat has a pleasant taste and delicate texture;
pot-bellied females bear numerous offspring and have excellent maternal qualities;
Greens predominate in the diet of Asian pigs;
animals are clean.

Buying a piglet: what to look for?

Success in breeding pot-bellied pigs directly depends on the quality of the young stock purchased. When purchasing piglets for fattening or breeding, you should make sure that they come from different litters. It is advisable to look at the female who gave birth to the baby and ask the seller about the animal’s weight at birth and the dynamics of its growth by week.

Signs of a healthy piglet:

well developed muscles;
strong limbs;
wide skull;
elastic body, shiny stubble;
dry and clean cereals;
eyes sparkling.

Attention! A healthy piglet is active and has an excellent appetite.

What to feed Vietnamese pigs to gain weight quickly?

The digestive system of pot-bellied pigs has a unique structure. Their stomach is smaller than that of other breeds, and their intestines are thinner. They cannot digest foods high in fiber. What animals are fed:

mixed feed;
grains and legumes;
fresh herbs;
bean hay;
pumpkin;
zucchini;
apples.

Attention! Vietnamese piglets are given grain only in steamed form, otherwise it is not digested.

Weight of Vietnamese piglets by month

Newborn babies weigh about 500 grams. If the body weight is much less than this, the chances of survival are low. Pigs are completely devoid of fat, so they are kept in a warm room.

In the first days of their life, they feed only on their mother's milk. With proper feeding, pigs of this breed quickly gain weight. Peak growth muscle mass falls on the period from 2 to 4 months.

1 month

From the 10th day after birth, complementary foods in the form of soft milk porridges, eggs, and hay are introduced into the babies’ diet. In order to prevent the development of anemia, pigs are given iron injections, since they receive a small portion of this substance from their mother's milk.

The piglets' menu becomes varied, vegetables, grains and beans are added, thanks to which they quickly gain weight. They still receive mother's milk. At one month of age, the body weight of babies increases almost 8–10 times and reaches 4–5 kg.

2 months

When piglets are one month old, their growth slows down a bit. During this period, most farmers are in no hurry to take babies away from their mother, because her milk helps strengthen the immune system. Now the animals' menu includes the same food that adults eat.

The weight of a Vietnamese pig at 2 months is 10 kg. This is the norm that should be followed, although there are deviations in one direction or another. If they are small, there is no cause for concern.

3 months

At the age of 3 months, babies grow rapidly. At this time, hormonal changes occur and puberty begins. It is considered normal if the average daily weight gain during this period is 450–500 g. A three-month-old Vietnamese piglet weighs 15–20 kg.

Attention! When fattening young animals for meat, mineral and vitamin supplements are introduced into the diet to keep the animals healthy.

From 4 to 7 months

At 4 months the rate of weight gain is maximum. It is at this age that most farmers send young Vietnamese breeds for slaughter. The average weight of animals during this period is 32–35 kg. From a profitability point of view, further keeping pigs does not make sense.

Attention! After slaughtering a four-month-old pig, the net meat yield is 75–80%.

Young meat contains a small amount of fat, and there is almost no greasy layer in it. The product has a pleasant taste and a delicate consistency. If the farmer's goal is to produce bacon, then the piglet continues to be fattened for some time.

By 6 months, with intensive fattening, Vietnamese breed piglets accumulate a delicate fat layer. The weight of the animals by this time reaches 50 kg.

From 7 months to a year

The body weight of a pot-bellied pig at 7 months approaches 60–70 kg. After six months of intensive fattening, animals accumulate a sebaceous layer. It is important to feed the piglet correctly, reducing the proportion of corn in the diet to 10%.

From the age of seven months, the weight of the pig increases gradually, on average by 10 kg per 30 days. The average daily weight gain is 300–350 g. The body weight of a one-year-old boar is usually 100–120 kg. Females are slightly smaller and weigh 90–100 kg.

Attention! Walking is very important for Vietnamese pigs. The more time they spend outdoors and move, the better their metabolism is.

Adult weight

At 1.5–2 years, weight gain in a Vietnamese pig stops. Individuals left for breeding have a good appetite and consume 700 g of porridge per day. The average body weight at this age is close to 125 kg.

Attention! Sows lose weight after farrowing, but then quickly recover.

When is a Vietnamese pig slaughtered?

Owners of small private farms prefer to slaughter piglets of this breed when they enter the active growth phase, at 4 months. At this point, the pure yield of tender pulp is 75–80%, and the product itself has excellent taste.

In industrial pig farming, the optimal time for slaughtering a pot-bellied pig is considered to be 7 months of age, when the piglet weighs 70–80 kg, and more with intensive fattening. Experienced farmers know that there is no point in feeding the animal longer - in the future the pig will accumulate fat, and the quality of the meat will decrease.

Fattening Vietnamese piglets for meat is a profitable undertaking. These animals grow quickly and become sexually mature early. Another advantage of the breed is its high fertility. The female is capable of producing a litter of 10–16 cubs. Within 4–5 months, each piglet will reach slaughter condition.