Ideal Weight

[Lynndb]

I have two kunekunes, one of each and recently weighed them using the LG/ method. I know it's not very accurate but wondered if they would still nevertheless be considered overweight. They are two years old; the female weighs 16st 9lbs and the male (castrate) 15st 1lbs.
Grateful for any comments/feeback. Thank you.

[The Rushbury Pig]

It is very difficult to use the weight of a pig to tell whether or not a pig is fat as they vary in size greatly.

I would recommend you look at condition scoring your pigs using the link below:

http://www.thepigsite.com/stockstds/23/ ... on-scoring

There are many other similar scoring charts so google if you need to get a consensus of opinion!! kunekune do tend to be on the rounder side but they should still conform to the chart, it is just the proportions will not be quite the same as in the photos. Use the written information as the real test as this should be the same for all pigs.

You could also post a photo for us to look at. One from right above the pig looking down at its back and a photo from the side and a photo of its back end like the photos on the chart enables a judgement to be passed

[Lynndb]

Thank you very much for the advice. I shall try the 'feeling' test at the weekend but suspect that they're probably in good condition which is great. Is it normal for the female to be heavier than the male?

[The Rushbury Pig]

I do find it harder to manage the weight of gilts and sows compared to castrates but this is affected hugely by them being in pig, lactating and weaning. I am guessing the hormonal cycles in a gilt and sow may make them prone to weight gain but then perhaps castration might do the same as it significantly alters the hormones too. Sloth like castrates could pile on the pounds We need someone with veterinary knowledge to advise here, I wonder if Claire might read this?!

[claire86]

Hi all!

I'm afraid I might not be much help on this topic, I'm sure there's much more pig-experienced people on here that would be more knowledgeable on ideal pig-weights!

However...

I am guessing the hormonal cycles in a gilt and sow may make them prone to weight gain but then perhaps castration might do the same as it significantly alters the hormones too

on this point, certainly in small animals (dogs/cats), neutered animals are more prone to put on weight. This is thought to be due to a change in metabolism once the reproductive organs are removed. So the same may well be true for pigs.

Also...

I would recommend you look at condition scoring your pigs

this is always a better way of judging if an animal is over or under weight than just weighing them. Getting your hands on and feeling is the best way.