Weight problems

Overweight

This is probably the number one problem. Unfortunately the majority of owners do not appreciate that their pig is overweight. A Pot Bellied pig should not have a pot belly that rubs on the ground. The pig should be able to run faster than you can and be willing to walk around its exercise area rooting the ground for up to 60% of the day. A pig should have a shapely waist. In overweight pig you will not be able to feel the ribs nor the back-bone.

Overweight pig	Under weight pig

Obesity problems can result in sores on pressure points, self inflicted scratches, skin fold infections, other illnesses associated with being overweight, locomotion problems – including more severe arthritis and increased snoring when sleeping.

Underweight

Pigs that live in poor conditions and receive an incorrect diet may become very underweight. This can lead to damage to the liver and kidneys. As pigs get older the pig can loose significant amounts of weight.

Normal weight/body condition

There is no normal weight, however, a pet pig should be maintained from 9 months to 8 years at a condition score of 2-2.5, from 8 years onwards a condition score of 2.5-3 can be considered acceptable.

Body Condition Score in the Pet Pig

To maintain a healthy pet pig it is essential to manage the pig’s weight. A body condition score of 2 – 2.5 for pigs up to 8 years old should be maintained. After 8 years of age a body condition of 2.5 to 3 should be achieved.

It should be remembered that the pig is an athlete, which can run and see easily. Overweight pigs are extremely common and results in serious welfare problems ranging from fat blind to increased rates of arthritis.

If your pig is overweight a balanced weight loss program should be designed. Excessively overweight pigs may require skin resection to reduce skin folds. Note pigs loose weight from the butt forward.

1	2	3	4	5

Conformation check sheet for Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs

1	2	3	4	5
Shape – Diary goat Ribs can be seen Back bone obvious Tail head higher than backbone from the side Eyes clearly seen	Flat/Slab sided Ribs can be felt Backbone can be felt Tail head level with backbone Eyes clearly seen	Tube Ribs felt with difficulty Backbone rounded Dip appearing in middle of back the side Tail head below backbone from rear	Bulbous Ribs cannot be felt Backbone very rounded Prominent dip in middle of back. Head rounded Ears separating, suck into head Eyes seen with difficulty Tail head recessed into rump. Sagging perineal area	Bloated Tick Distinct double hump to crown and tail head Tail head inverted in folds Folds of flesh hang from head. Fat head folds push ears forward May be “fat blind” Stomach may touch the ground Legs held further apart

Pig’s name: Date of examination:

Location of pig’s body condition score: (place a X)

1 2 3 4 5

Actual Weight:

Weight and condition score goal:

Signature of owner/parent:……………………………………….

Weight estimation

The weight of your pig can be calculated directly by weighing yourself and the holding the pig in your arms weighing both of you. Alternatively a weigh band method can be used:

Head/tail and girth method:

1. Measure the heart/girth in inches

2. Multiply this measure by itself

3. Then multiply that times the length of your pig (ears to beginning of tail)

4. Divide by 400 and you will have the approximate weight of the pig

Summary imperial weight (lbs) = [(girth)² x length] / 400

This is accurate to within 3% of actual weight

Quick calculator

Girth Only – metric - quick calculator

If we just do the girth measurement 1 (above) in cm the weight can be calculated by:

Weight (kg) = 4.07 x (girth) - 333

To convert 1 pound = 453.59g 1 inch is 2.54 centimetres.