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.
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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.
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 pigs 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.
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Conformation
check sheet for Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs
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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 |
Pigs name:
Date of examination:
Location of pigs body condition score: (place
a X)
1 2 3 4 5
Actual Weight:
Weight and condition score goal:
Signature of owner/parent:
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Weight
estimation
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
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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.