JUDGING OF SWINE ROLAND DANIEL ARETA

BREEDERS (SOW
AARON BOMEDIANO
JUSTIN NIELSON MAGAN
FRANCIS OWEN WINFOTTER

SCORING) MARTIN ZACHARY

 WHAT ARE THE
PARAMETERS WE
CONSIDER IN JUDGING
SOWS?
STRUCTURE AND CONFORMATION

The overall body structure and

conformation of the sow are assessed,
including the length, depth, and width of
the body, straightness of the back, and the
correctness of the legs and feet.
BODY CONDITION

The body condition of the sow is

evaluated, considering factors such as
muscle tone, fat cover, and overall health.
Sows that are in optimal body condition
are typically preferred.
REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS

The reproductive traits of the sow play a

significant role, especially in breeding stock
evaluation. Factors such as age, fertility,
breeding history, and litter size are considered
to assess the sow's reproductive performance.
MAMMARY SYSTEM

The mammary system of the sow is examined,

focusing on the number and placement of
functional teats, as well as the overall
development and capacity for milk production.
TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIOR

The sow's temperament and behavior are

observed to ensure that she exhibits good
maternal instincts, ease of handling, and docility,
which are desirable qualities, particularly in
breeding and production settings.
GENETIC TRAITS

Some judging criteria may consider genetic

traits, especially in specialized breeding
programs. These traits may include specific
breed standards, genetic potential for growth,
feed efficiency, or carcass quality.
OVERALL BALANCE AND STYLE

Judges often assess the overall balance and style

of the sow, considering how the different body
parts and features come together harmoniously.
Sows that demonstrate balance, symmetry, and
aesthetic appeal tend to receive higher scores.
 
 ARE THERE TOOLS OR
TECHNOLOGY USED TO DO
THIS?
EYE, FINGERS

Common practice in sow scoring methods,

is imprecise and inaccurate but experienced,
skilled examiners can gather useful data and
make sufficiently productive decisions
 
CALIPERS

Both manual and digital are often used to

measure specific parts such as vulva width
(for reproductive traits) and last back rib
(for body condition scoring)
 
 
 
TAPE MEASURE

Used for various body condition

scoring measures such as heart girth,
flank-to-flank
 
ULTRASOUND

Used for various body condition

scoring measures such as last rib
back fat and loin eye area
 
 
 
DIGITAL HIGH-RESOLUTION
CAMERAS
These can capture detailed images of
pigs, allowing for closer examination of
body condition, skin lesions, or
conformation.
 
INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

Infrared cameras can be used to assess

surface temperature variations, which may
provide insights into inflammation or injury.

 
 
 
ACCELEROMETERS

These can be attached to pigs to measure and

analyze their movements, providing
quantitative data for locomotion scoring and
gait analysis.
 
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Statistical analysis such as regression analysis is

often used as a means to evaluate the
correlation of the various data taken with
measurements for productivity

 
 
 
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF
KNOWING HOW TO JUDGE A
SOW?
BREEDING SELECTION
Sow judging plays a vital role in the selection process for breeding stock.
By evaluating the qualities and traits of a sow, breeders can make informed
decisions about which sows to use for reproduction. Judging helps identify
sows with desirable traits such as good conformation, reproductive
performance, and genetic potential, which are essential for improving the
overall quality of the herd.

 
 
 
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

Effective sow judging contributes to the genetic improvement of pig

populations. By recognizing superior sows and selecting them for
breeding, breeders can pass on desirable traits to future generations.
Over time, this can lead to improvements in traits such as growth
rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and maternal abilities.

 
SHOW COMPETITIONS

Sow judging is an integral part of pig shows and competitions. Judges assess
sows based on specific criteria, comparing them to breed standards and evaluating
their overall quality. These competitions provide an opportunity to showcase the
best sows and promote the breed. Additionally, participating in shows can help
breeders gain recognition, establish connections, and market their breeding stock.

 
 
 
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

The ability to judge sows accurately can have economic implications for
pig farmers and breeders. Selecting high-quality sows for reproduction
increases the chances of producing healthier, more productive piglets.
Sows with excellent reproductive traits, good structure, and desirable
genetic characteristics can contribute to improved litter sizes, higher

growth rates, better feed conversion, and enhanced profitability.  

HERD MANAGEMENT

Understanding how to judge a sow allows pig farmers and producers to assess
the overall health, condition, and suitability of their sows. It helps in making
informed decisions regarding culling, selecting replacement gilts, and
managing the breeding program effectively. Accurate sow evaluation
contributes to maintaining a healthy and productive sow herd, which is
essential for the long-term success of a pig farming operation.

 
 
 
REFERENCES:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/industry-leadership/4h/pubs/judge-
swine.pdf