Welcome to the Pig Farming Glossary. As a pig farmer, having a comprehensive understanding of the terminologies and jargon used in the industry is crucial for success. This comprehensive glossary will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of pig farming with confidence and expertise.

The Importance of Knowing Pig Farming Terminologies

By familiarizing yourself with these essential terms, you will be better equipped to communicate effectively with fellow farmers, veterinarians, and industry experts and do more meaningful research that can help you grow in the industry. Moreover, understanding these terminologies will aid you in making informed decisions about breeding, nutrition, health, and overall management of your pig herd. These terms will be grouped into sections according to their area of use.

Section 1: Pig Breeds and Genetics

Purebred: This belongs to a specific breed and has ancestors with a consistent pedigree. Breeding purebred pigs ensures predictable traits in offspring, which can be advantageous for specialized markets.

Crossbreed: This involves mating pigs of different breeds to leverage the strengths of each parent breed and achieve desirable qualities in the offspring.

Line breeding: This is a selective breeding technique that involves mating pigs within the same genetic line to reinforce specific traits.

Hybrid vigor: It is also known as heterosis, and refers to the increased performance and fitness seen in the offspring of genetically diverse parents.

Section 2: Pig Husbandry and Management

Farrowing: Farrowing refers to the process of giving birth to piglets by a sow.

Weaning: Weaning is the practice of separating piglets from the mother sow to transition them to solid food and encourage independent growth.

Lactating: This is the process of breastfeeding piglets

Section 3: Pig Diseases and Veterinary Care

Swine fever: Swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease that can devastate pig populations and requires strict biosecurity measures for prevention.

PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome)
PRRS is a viral disease that affects the reproductive and respiratory systems of pigs, leading to decreased fertility and growth.

Scours: Scours, or diarrhea, is a common issue in piglets caused by various pathogens and management factors.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a respiratory disease that can affect pigs of all ages, leading to reduced performance and increased mortality.

Mastitis: This is an inflammatory condition of the mammary glands in lactating sows, which can result in decreased milk production and compromised piglet health.

Veterinary Vocabulary Every Pig Farmer Should Understand

Vaccination: Vaccination is the administration of vaccines to protect pigs from various diseases.

Parasite control: Parasite control involves the use of measures to prevent or treat internal and external parasites in pigs.

Antimicrobials: Antimicrobials are medications used to treat bacterial infections in pigs, with responsible usage to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Quarantine: Quarantine is the isolation of new or sick pigs to prevent the spread of diseases to the rest of the herd.

Section 4: Pig Reproduction and Reproductive Terminology

Estrus: Estrus, or heat, is the period when female pigs are sexually receptive and can be bred.

Gestation: Gestation is the duration of pregnancy in pigs, which lasts approximately 114 days.

Parturition: Parturition, or farrowing, is the process of giving birth to piglets.

Lactation: Lactation is the period during which the sow produces milk to nourish her piglets.

Artificial Insemination: Key Concepts and Processes

Semen: Semen is the male reproductive fluid containing sperm, used in artificial insemination to impregnate sows.

Sow heat detection: Sow heat detection involves identifying signs of estrus to ensure accurate insemination timing.

Section 5: Pig Farm Economics

Feed conversion ratio (FCR):

FCR is a metric that measures the efficiency of feed utilization by pigs, crucial for managing production costs.

Average daily gain (ADG)
ADG represents the daily weight gain of pigs and is a key indicator of their health and productivity.

Return on investment (ROI)
ROI assesses the profitability of pig farming investments and helps in making informed financial decisions.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By delving into this extensive glossary of pig farming terminologies, you've taken a significant step towards mastering the art of pig farming. Armed with this knowledge, you'll not only communicate effectively within the industry but also make informed decisions that will positively impact the health, welfare, and profitability of your pig farming venture.
 Remember, continuous learning and application of this newfound expertise will set you apart as a successful and conscientious pig farmer. Keep striving for excellence, and your dedication to understanding pig farming lingo will pave the way for a prosperous and fulfilling journey in this rewarding industry. Happy pig farming!