Examine a pig

Examining a pig is the process of thoroughly inspecting the pig in order to determine their nature or condition.

Examining a pig is important because poor health and management of pigs may lead to a run in with animal welfare issues, losses in the productivity of the farm and overall disadvantages.

Different ways of examining a pig include body scoring sows and examining the behaviour of piglets.

Body Scoring of Sows
Body scores are similar to BMI's in humans. Body score means applying a scale that ranges from "underweight (1)" to "obese (5)" to a pig based a number of visual and physical factors.

To body score a pig involves three steps: Whilst 3.5 is considered the ideal body score, sometimes a deviation from that score can be natural. For example during pregnancy a pig might achieve a body score slightly higher, and during lactation a little bit lower because a lot of the sow's resources go into milk production.
 * 1) Looking at the pig from behind: As indicated in the illustration below, the rear will range from no fat  (a protuding pelvis; 1) to a lot of fat (double the size of a 3) and is the easiest visual indicator of the three categories.
 * 2) Feeling the hip bones: A healthy pig will not have protuding bones, and only be felt with firm pressure.
 * 3) Feeling the spine area: Running an open palm across the spine of the pig, the spine should only be felt when firm pressure is applied.

This table lists the criteria for the various body scores:



Piglet Examination
A number of things can be examined in piglets, to determine their health status:
 * Posture: A piglet will have legs spread, whereas a cold piglet will typically have its legs tucked underneath, attempting to minimise contact with the cold floor.


 * Nutritional Status: Determining the health of a piglet should be done in comparison to the rest of the litter. Visual cues of poor health include visible backbone, ribs or pelvis.


 * Behaviour: Normal behaviour consists of sleeping most of the time, and the remainder of the time nursing and standing.

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