This curriculum is designed as a guide for the project facilitator. The activities and background information in this curriculum will help youth develop the requisite knowledge and skills associated with raising and showing swine. Activities are youth centered and include opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills at three different levels of experience: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Youth learn many things, including:
- bio-security risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- budgeting decisions associated with raising and housing swine.
- dietary needs of pigs at different life stages.
- pre-show preparation; showmanship; and judging.
- ethical decision making in caring for and showing swine.
Activity 3
Crossbreeding Systems
Swine Crossbreeding Systems
UC Davis, Veterinary Medicine
Activity 4
4‑H Swine Project Guide
Desirable Traits of a Hog
Parts of a Pig
Viewing Swine Conformation
Activity 8
Learn to take a pig’s heart rate
Learn proper techniques to take a pig’s body temperature using a rectal thermometer
Activity 12
Bio-Security and Your Pig Project
Risk Management for Livestock Enterprises
Information Sheets
Fitting and Showing Your 4‑H Pig
The Basics of Swine Showmanship
Raising a Hog for Showmanship
The Basics of Swine Showmanship
Iowa State University Guide to Livestock Judging
Missouri 4‑H Guide to Livestock Judging
Types of Swine Diets
Swine Nutrition Guide
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