Raising Pigs: A Comprehensive Guide
Pigs Snoozing on a Straw Bed
Raising pigs can be rewarding, whether you're aiming for self-sufficiency, hobby farming or commercial production. Pigs are intelligent animals known for their adaptability and efficiency in converting feed into meat. In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about raising pigs, from selecting breeds to housing, feeding, health care and more. BBQ Beautiful raised 12 in our last batch here on the farm. Keep reading for some of the tips and tricks we recommend!
1. Choosing the Right Breed
Selecting the appropriate breed of pig is crucial and depends largely on your goals:
Heritage Breeds: Known for their hardiness and flavour, heritage breeds like Berkshire, or Tamworth are popular choices for small-scale farming.
Commercial Breeds: Breeds such as Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc are bred for rapid growth and efficient meat production, making them ideal for larger-scale operations.
We have tried raising multiple breeds here on the farm but have always enjoyed the Berkshire, make sure you also consider factors such as climate, available space and what your goal is for the pigs; food for your family, food for markets or breeding.
2. Housing and Infrastructure
Proper housing is essential for the health and well-being of your pigs:
Pig Housing
Shelter: Provide a sturdy shelter that protects pigs from the elements. Options include simple three-sided shelters or more complex barn setups. We have had success converting old horse shelters into pig barns by closing the front, insulating and providing a fenced area with a gate to access indoor feeders. We also add a hinged door for them to go in and out.
Bedding: Use materials like straw, wood shavings or sawdust for bedding. Regularly clean and replace bedding to maintain cleanliness and reduce odors.
Fencing: Secure fencing is necessary to contain pigs. Metal fence panels, sturdy wooden fences and electric fencing are common choices. Whatever you do! Don’t skimp here! We had pigs get out one time and that was the last time.
3. Feeding and Nutrition
Understanding pig nutrition is key to raising healthy animals:
Piglets Eating Nutritious Food
Basic Diet: Pigs are omnivores and thrive on a balanced diet of grains, vegetables and protein sources. Pigs are natures garburator! They love table scraps perfect for easy cleanup after meals.
Supplements: Depending on your pigs' age and specific needs, supplements such as minerals or vitamins may be required. We always butcher our pigs once they reach market weight so have not added any supplements to their diet.
Water: Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water, especially during hot weather or lactation. Rain barrels with the pig water nipples installed have always worked for us.
Finishing: We love to finish our pigs on apples due to the abundance we have on and near the farm. We boil huge batches in large stainless steel pots at night and feed throughout the day. The pigs love it and it imparts a sweet flavour into the meat.
4. Health Care and Disease Management
Maintaining good health is critical when raising pigs:
Vaccinations: Consult with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule against common diseases like swine fever or respiratory infections.
Parasite Control: Regularly deworm pigs and monitor for signs of parasites. There are lots of options on the market and can be as easy as adding the prescribed amount into their feed.
General Health Checks: Perform routine health checks to catch any issues early. Start this process when the pigs are just weaners so they get used to you handling them. Trust us! You will want them to trust you when they get bigger.
5. Breeding and Reproduction
If breeding pigs, consider the following:
Breeding Age: Sows (female pigs) can start breeding as early as 6-8 months old.
Gestation: The gestation period for pigs is around 114 days, after which a sow can give birth to a litter of piglets. If you plan on selling pigs, in our area the general price for a weaner pig is roughly $100
Farrowing: Prepare a clean and quiet farrowing area for sows to give birth comfortably. Consider the space and setup within your shelter and make the area safe for piglets.
6. Handling and Behavior
Understanding pig behavior helps in handling them effectively:
Socializing Pigs with Kids
Social Animals: Pigs are social and thrive in groups. They are well known as being curious animals that love to root around in the dirt and mud with their snouts to find food such as roots and insects. They can definitely rip up an area with their snouts so we recommend rotating batches of pigs between two different areas if space allows. This way you can fill in holes and seed the area not being used to get ready for the next batch.
Socializing pigs: Socializing pigs with people, kids and pets is beneficial for their well-being and behavior. Pigs are intelligent and can form strong bonds with humans through positive interactions. Gentle handling, feeding treats, and spending time near them can help build trust and reduce fearfulness. Pigs may enjoy belly rubs or scratches behind the ears, which they find comforting. Regular interaction with people also helps pigs become more comfortable with human presence, making it easier for farmers and caretakers to handle them for health checks and other necessary tasks. Overall, socializing pigs with people creates a positive relationship that enhances their quality of life and makes them more responsive and cooperative. Remember when I said we have had pigs get out of their enclosure? Believe me you want them to trust you when trying to get them back in!
7. Market and Selling
Decide on your market strategy:
Local Markets: Sell directly to consumers or local markets for fresh pork products depending on the rules in your region.
Home Use: Never once have we thought that we have to much pork in the freezer not to mention the cost savings of not having to buy it at the store is very evident. It doesn’t hurt having freezers full for BBQ Beautiful social media videos either.
8. Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Be aware of local regulations:
Zoning Laws: Check zoning laws regarding livestock on your property and understand the rules before purchase.
Permits: Obtain necessary permits for selling pork products if applicable to your region.
9. Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Consider sustainable practices:
Waste Management: Properly manage manure to minimize environmental impact. We collect and compost the manure here on the farm and have had success using small amounts mixed into the garden each fall.
Feed Sourcing: Choose locally sourced or sustainable feed options. Ideally a percentage you can grow yourself to offset the cost of good feed.
10. Challenges and Considerations
Be prepared for challenges:
Costs: Initial setup costs and ongoing feed expenses can be significant. Our experience is that pigs arne’t experts on interior design so complete any work you can yourself to save on cost.
Weather: Extreme weather conditions can affect pigs' health and well-being. Insulting our pig shelter when we had to keep pigs longer than expected due to schedule in the winter months was a life saver. Don’t cut corners on shelter and fencing it will save you a ton of headache later on.
Conclusion
If your still reading we highly recommend the challenge of raising pigs and when we talk about it we find ourselves always saying “the pigs are easy” If it’s a challenge your after try raising turkeys! Read the “100 Turkeys” blog article to gain some insights on that. If you do decide to give it a try post some pictures and comments below. Thanks
BBQ Beautiful.
Bone in Pork Loin on the Smoker Recipe
Smoked Pork Loin with Mashed Garden Potatoes and Cabbage
Prep time 20 min
Dry brine time 4-24 hrs
Cook time 3.5-6 hrs
Selecting the perfect bone-in pork loin involves considering several factors. Look for a cut with marbling throughout, as this will aid in tenderness and juiciness when cooked on a smoker. Ask the butcher to French the bones or give it a shot yourself. There are lots of videos on google if you need a guide. The bone should be firm and slightly pinkish, ensuring freshness. Choose a cut with a reasonable amount of fat around the edges and top, which enhances flavor and juiciness during cooking. Additionally, choose a size that suits your cooking needs. If possible source one from a local farmer or better yet one you have raised and butchered yourself!
Ingredients
Bone in Pork Loin (size based on your needs)
Bone-In Pork Loin
Rub - Recommend generous coating of BBQ Beautiful Base Layer and BBQ Beautiful Honey Heat
Spritz
Apple Juice - 1 cup
Favorite Vinegar - 1/2 cup
Hot sauce - 2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce - 2 tablespoons
Maple Syrup - 1 tablespoon
Honey - 1 tablespoon
Directions
Step 1. Remove the pork loin from it’s packaging, dry thoroughly with paper towels, trim the pork loin of excess fat being sure to leave 1/4” - 1/2” of fat on the top side.
Step 2. Using your favourite rub (recommended BBQ Beautiful Base Layer and BBQ Beautiful Honey Heat), apply a thin coating of BBQ Beautiful Base Layer to the pork loin then add a generous coating of BBQ Beautiful Honey Heat
Bone in Pork Loin Seasoned with BBQ Beautiful Base Layer and BBQ Beautiful Honey Heat
Step 3. Place in the fridge uncovered 4-24 hours to dry brine.
Step 4. Set up your smoker for a low and slow cook 250-275F, fill the water pan. If your smoker doesn’t have a water pan use an aluminum foil pan.
Step 5. Place the pork loin on the pit with the fat cap facing up and the bones facing the fire box.
Step 6. Cook for 3 hours without opening the lid while maintaining the temp between 250-275F.
Step 7. Mix the spritz ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
Step 8. After 3 hours, open the lid and spritz the meat. Make sure to refill the water pan if running low; this will ensure a humid cooker helping keep the pork loin moist and provide a convection type cooking environment. Begin checking the internal temp of the pork loin every 20 minutes until it registers an internal temp of 155F.
Step 9. Remove from smoker and loosely tent with aluminum foil and let rest until the internal temp climbs to 160F.
Smoked Bone in Pork Loin
Step 10. Slice and enjoy! Recommend eating with BBQ Beautiful Spicy Chimi.
Drink Pairing
Mangolorian Mango Ale from Alley Kat Brewing Co.
Alley Kat Brewing Co.'s MangoLorain Mango Ale offers a unique twist on traditional ales with its infusion of tropical fruit flavors. Known for their craftmanship in Edmonton, Canada, Alley Kat has crafted a beer that balances the crispness of a classic ale with the sweet tang of ripe mangoes.
MangoLorain pours a golden hue with a slight haze, reflecting its unfiltered nature and natural mango infusion. The aroma is inviting, bursting with fresh mango notes alongside hints of citrus and a subtle malt backbone. Upon tasting, the ale delivers a refreshing experience, where the mango flavors shine through without overpowering the beer's overall profile. It strikes a balance between sweetness and the crisp, slightly bitter finish typical of a well-crafted ale.
This ale is perfect for those looking to explore fruit-infused beers without sacrificing the complexity and craftsmanship of traditional ales. It pairs excellent with pork loin and BBQ Beautiful Honey Heat rub due to the sweet, spicy profile enhancing the dining experience with its refreshing and flavorful character.
Overall, MangoLorain Mango Ale by Alley Kat Brewing Co. is a stand out craft beer enthusiasts will love. Its smooth texture and distinctive mango taste make it a memorable addition to any barbecue this summer!
The Cigar
Casa Turrent 1880
The Turrent 1880 line is characterized by its robust flavor profile and meticulous construction. Each cigar is expertly handcrafted using select tobaccos, offering a complex and satisfying smoking experience. The blend typically includes aged Mexican San Andrés wrapper leaves known for their dark, oily appearance and bold flavors, complemented by well-aged Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. This combination results in a smoke that is both spicy and earthy, with hints of cocoa and espresso, pairing well with smoked meats and craft beers.
One of the standout features of Turrent 1880 cigars is their consistency. Whether you opt for the Toro, Robusto, or Churchill sizes, you can expect a well-constructed cigar with a smooth draw and even burn. This consistency is a testament to the Turrent family's commitment to quality and their mastery of cigar-making techniques passed down through generations.
Overall, Turrent 1880 cigars are highly recommended for enthusiasts and beginners alike who appreciate full-bodied cigars with complex flavors and a touch of Mexican flair. They embody a blend of tradition and innovation that continues to resonate with cigar aficionados worldwide.
Add these to your list and try one at your next Barbecue party.
Click Here to check out the BBQ Beautiful shop! Branded t-shirts, hats, gift cards and specialty line up of BBQ Beautiful spice rubs and more.
Get all four BBQ Beautiful products — Honey Heat, Base Layer, Brisket Rub and Spicy Chimi — for a great deal. Every recipe is made with all natural ingredients, no MSG, and no artificial colours or flavours.
BBQ Beautiful Honey Heat amps up your favourite barbeque creations. The flavour profile stands up great to long slow cooks on the pit or a hot blast in a cast iron pan. The recipe uses both fine powders and coarse herbs and spices. After seasoning and dry brining foods in the fridge, the fine powders absorb in the food and the coarse herbs and spices remain on top. Made with all natural ingredients, no MSG, low sodium, and no artificial colours or flavours. Pair with your favourite recipes — beef, pork, fish, lamb, poultry, wild game, salads, soups and more!
BBQ Beautiful Base Layer is a unique, universal seasoning blend featuring fresh flavours of onion, garlic and spices — a perfect addition to all of your favourite foods. Base Layer is a tried-and-true recipe. It’s a stand-alone spice that can easily sit next to the salt and pepper in your cupboard and be used as is to season every piece of food that comes through your kitchen. Shake BBQ Beautiful Base Layer on beef, pork, fish, lamb, poultry, wild game, salads, soups and more! Made with all natural ingredients, no MSG, and no artificial colours or flavours.
BBQ Beautiful Brisket Rub elevates the beef flavour profile — which should always be the star in a good brisket. The recipe is kept simple in order to highlight the beef flavour. Years of tweaking and perfecting went into this recipe. Prepare brisket. Shake spice well. Apply a generous coating of BBQ Beautiful Brisket Rub on meat. Add smoke and time on the pit. You can use it alongside your binder of choice and cook sooner, or let it dry brine in the fridge for 4 to 24 hours uncovered and cook as preferred.
BBQ Beautiful Spicy Chimi is a chimichurri dry spice that turns into a spicy chimi sauce — adding both flavour and heat to your favourite dishes! Spicy Chimi is great on beef, pork, turkey, chicken, fish and wild game meat. It’s a perfect addition to hamburgers, sandwiches and pasta dishes too. BBQ Beautiful Spicy Chimi is made with all natural ingredients, no MSG, low sodium, and no artificial colours or flavours. You may even be tempted to mix a batch and eat it with a spoon. Quick method to make delicious chimichurri sauce.
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