Suggested Feeding Instructions for Hogs for Bowie Austin FFA
Pricing & Breeds
Hogs can range anywhere from $250 on up into the thousands.
Breeds to obtain for stock show are:
Duroc (red colored)
Hampshire (black with a white belt)
Spot (spotted looking of different colors)
Cross
Yorkshire (white but is not recommended due to sun burning)
Landrace (also white)
Items needed
< Metal Self feeder at first depending on the hogs size when bought.
< Handing Feeder
< Feed such as Showmaster, etc.
< Water Bucket in case the water system at the school farm goes down.
< Muck bucket to keep the pen clean
< Mucking Scoop
< Light bulbs
< Cleaning Supplies, SOS Pads, etc.
< Towels or shimmies work good to dry the pig off after bathing
< Small towel for the show ring
< Note pad or book to write weights & feed amounts down in – log book
< Heat lamps only when it is really cold
< Coastal Hay for cold nights
< Some type of 1 lb. scoop or can to measure feed with.
< Trash Can to keep feed in and mice out
< Rubber boots are always a good idea
< Whip / show stick
< Show Shine or show shine, or other type of conditioner. It cannot be used the day of the show, only water on the day of. This is good though to condition the hogs skin.
< Hog Brush
< Spray Bottle for at shows
< Shampoo
< Conditioners
< Shavings for at shows
< Fencing for feeders at shows
< Pliers for at shows
< Wire for at shows
< Duct tape to put on rough cut edges for at shows
< Short 10 ft. water hose to bathe hog with at shows
< Spray nosal for bathing
Raising the Hogs
Before Hogs Arrive
1. Gather feeders and other equipment that you have or need. All feed and equipment should be clean and rinsed with a (1-10) chlorine bleach/water mixture.
2. Purchase feed and any other equipment that is needed.
Feeding
3. Hogs must have access to clean fresh water at all times.
4. You will need to measure out how much feed you are giving your hog in the am and pm. This is to be kept in your log book. Feed will be adjusted to the animals’ weight.
Feed for at the Shows:
Filler (brand), Oat Groates, Oatmeal, etc.
4-Sure (electrolytes and vitamins)
Jell-O is good to use to get the animal to eat
Paline is to blow the top out but it must be given with glucosomine and Easy Stride or Byatine.
Can give a sugar water; dextrose.
Weighing
5. Your hog will need to be weighed once a week. Within a few days of the show, you will need to weigh your hog every day.
It is good to weigh in order to adjust the feed. The weights are to be kept in your log book.
Exercise
6. A hog will need to be walked for 15 to 30 minutes everyday in order to gain muscling. This also helps to adjust the hog to steering with using the whip. The whip is to be used right by their ears or cheek not hitting hard in order to have the hog respond to the pressure or tap.
Stock Show Days
It is always a great idea to have everything ready to go the night before.
You will need to give the hog water when you arrive at the show barn and are given a pen.
The 4-sure will need to be given before your leave that night and again as so as you get there in the morning.
If the hog might not drink it if he has water overnight, limit the amount of water for that night.
The hog will also need to be given 4-Sure 1 hour before you show.
It is good to get your hog up and walk him around every 2 to 3 hours so that the hog can stretch. You do not want your hog to become to stiff jointed, especially right before the show because a smooth walking hog is wanted. Also, you will need to weigh him at this time also because you only have so many pounds to play with as to what you put on the weight card that you turned in.
It is good to give the hog fresh clean water ever 2 to 3 hours that you are at the show barns.
You will need to keep the animal full when it is at the show grounds in order to keep the digestive track full.
You will need to bathe your hog about 2 hours before you show so that the hog will look clean. It is also good to spray water on him before heading into the show ring.
You can take a small spray bottle and the hog brush in the ring with you in your pockets in order to brush and sand off when showing.
If you are pulled to be penned, you will need to brush and spray your hog.
The biggest thing is to not let your hog lay down in the sand and become dirty.
You may take a small towel too in order to wipe poop off.
Of course, you will have your show stick/whip with you in the ring to steer your hog.
Wear nice clean clothes. Button up shirts and clean jeans are a good idea. Lastly, smile and keep your eye on the judge at all times. The idea is to try to walk your hog within three feet of the judge and to keep your hog in between him and you so that he can see your hog better.