When it comes to raising a show pig for a 4-H project or competition, selection is very important. Here is some general guidance for selecting and purchasing a pig as described in the book Doc Sanders Goes Whole Hog.

A Strong Foundation

The first thing to look at is the structure of a pig. Look at it’s skeletal frame and overall build.

Like a house, start at the foundation. Check the toes, making sure they’re square and even. Moving your way up, make sure the legs line square with the shoulders and the rear legs have some angularity in the area of the stifle. When the rear legs are nearly straight from hock to the hip joint, a pig will have difficulty walking as it matures and gets near market weight of 260-280 lb. This is especially noticeable if a pig is walking on concrete. A show ring judge will be very critical of straight rear legs because these pigs get to the point of just laying around rather than being active by going to the feeder.

Next, examine the spine. You want a little bit of an arch in the back, but not too curved and not too flat. Note the photos in Doc’s book

Undesirable Traits to Watch Out for in 4-H Pigs

Examine the pigs posture and stability. If it’s too upright on the toes, the knees are a little too forward, or the spine is too curved, the pig’s body will be thrown out of balance.  When the pig’s rear legs are nearly straight from hock to the hip joint, it will have difficulty walking as it matures and gest near a market weight of 260-280 lb. This is especially noticeable if a pig is walking on concrete. A show ring judge will be very critical of straight rear legs because these pigs get to the point of just laying around  rather than being active and going to the feeder.

You can especially see this when the pig walks.

Structure and Stature are More Important Than Strength and Size

When you’re selecting 4-H pigs, especially ones that are a smaller weight, don’t worry too much about muscle. If you have a well-balanced pig, the muscle can be developed later. A poorly shaped pig, however, is limited in its growth potential.

What Type of Show are You Competing In?

The type of show will determine what type of pig you’re looking to purchase.

If you’re selecting a gilt (a virgin female pig), you want to look for more feminine traits. You want your pig to be neat, clean, and maternal. She should have at least seven nipples on each side of her underline. Check vulva size as well. A small vulva indicates a gilt that likely has an immature reproductive tract and either doesn’t show heat or get pregnant.

If you’re selecting a boar, and you want it to get thick and muscular, you’ll want to put more emphasis on the overall stature. The same structural concepts described for a market pig is also important for boar selection. You may ask if the seller has scan data on the loin area.

Otherwise, check from the top of the boar and get a good look at the loin width yourself comparing it to other boars available for purchase.

Where to Buy

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to buy your 4-H pig. There are generally four ways to buy your pig: an on farm purchase, an auction, or through a website online private sale or on-line auction.

On-site, farm purchases tend to be the best and safest method of buying your pig. It allows for an up-close, hands-on inspection. You can see how the pig moves and behaves in its natural environment. You can discuss health history directly from the owner as well.

You may even be allowed to see the sow that farrowed it.

However, the seller may have specific biosecurity rules when it comes to being on the farm and seeing the pig. Be sure to check with the seller beforehand on proper protocol so you can ensure a successful visit.

Auctions can make for a more exciting and dramatic buying experience. An individual auction round usually goes for only about 30-40 seconds, at which time you have to decide if you’re going to buy. It can be a lot of pressure, especially if you’re new to the experience.

The best thing to do is to visit an auction or two without purchasing anything so that you can better understand how things play out.

With both live and on-line auctions, you have the potential to get a great pig for a great price.

Once again, you should be cautious of biosecurity. If you purchase a pig and you bring it home to other pigs, follow proper health protocols. Keep it isolated for a minimum of 21 days necessary.

Lastly, there’s online auctions and pig purchase websites. This method has become very popular over the past few years due to significant concerns with biosecurity plus convenience and time saving nature. Generally, you’ll bid on a pig just like you would at a traditional auction.

However, you’ll most likely be basing your judgements solely off of live streaming video, pictures and text descriptions. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder. Check reviews, customer feedback, and general online reputation.

If you’re careful, you can have a great pig buying experience with any of these purchasing methods.

To learn more about selecting, purchasing, raising, and breeding pigs, make sure to get a copy of the book Doc Sanders Goes Whole Hog, available now!