How to Figure Out the Age of a Pig

Although it's difficult to calculate the exact age of farm animals -- including pigs -- with precision, farmers, veterinarians and biology students are able to provide a reasonable estimate by following general guidelines related to length and weight of an animal. These estimates help farmers know a fair price to offer for livestock based on how long it takes the pig to reach maturity for breeding or slaughter and pork processing; assist high school or college students to obtain data during dissection labs; or help veterinarians who need to determine the cause of a sow's spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Length/age chart
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Calculator
Show More

Instructions

  1. Fetal Pig Age

    • 1

      Measure the length of the pig from snout to rump, and record it.

    • 2

      Download the length/age chart from http://www.ideas4ag-ed.com/uploads/3/7/0/4/3704787/fetal_pig_dissection_guide_day_1.pdf.

    • 3

      Consult the length/age chart to determine the appropriate number of days into gestation the pig was at the point of pregnancy termination.

    Adult Pig Age

    • 4

      Examine the pig's mouth. Determine how many teeth are present.

    • 5

      Identify whether the teeth are incisors, canines or pre-molars and where they're located along the upper or lower jawline.

    • 6

      Consult your veterinarian or the dental X-rays displayed at http://www.portec.com.au/thepig/disorders/head/anatomy/agingpigsteeth.htm to determine your pig's approximate age.

    • 7

      Measure the length of teeth in a pig whose teeth are all in. Determine the average incisor, canine and molar lengths. Consult your veterinarian to get a reasonable age estimate based on tooth size.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved