2 pigs only 1 can show

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mjw1980
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2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by mjw1980 » Fri Mar 17, 2017 10:54 am

We have 2 pigs tagged in for our Co. Fair. We can only show 1. We always try and buy 2 to have as a backup incase we have an injury or death. Both pigs weigh 216lbs and our fair is about 33 days out. We have one pig that is bigger framed and longer bodied. We are going to shoot for 265-270lbs on her.

The other pig has more muscle but not as much frame length and height. She has a white stripe on her face and we are going to try and hit 250-255lbs on her. I have videos posted of both Pigs and our most recent are from yesterday 3/16/17. Sadie is the bigger pig and LJ is the heavier muscled. I would appreciate any input on which pig would be our best option. I know that things can change over the next few weeks but just want some constructive opinions. Just copy the link below.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!ArqZ-Fb9YQ8bhS2Tm53BFu1R3Pc8

We have the smaller heavier muscled pig on 809, PowerFill and Power Fuel.
We have the larger pig on 709, PowerFill and Power Fuel. We are in a holding pattern on both pigs until we get into next week and then will start making our final push. I have my own ideas of which I think would do better but not sure what the judges this year have been leaning towards. I know that it is all subjective though.

gobigorgohome
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by gobigorgohome » Mon Mar 20, 2017 1:14 pm

Just my opinion - for what it's worth......
Initially I liked LJ better; more depth of body, but in watching her walk from the side - she walks a little funky - her back dips. May be due to her big hip and booty.
Sadie - I like her length of body, but she needs more depth and softening. Both could use their ribs expanded more.
I would like to see them both the week of the show to decide. I would hit Sadie hard with depth charge and heavy weight. Maybe even some oat groats. LJ needs some depth charge or Ultra full.
Again, just my opinion - I'm sure you will get many!!
Good luck!

mjw1980
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by mjw1980 » Mon Apr 03, 2017 2:46 pm

I have uploaded some new videos. The smaller pig (LJ) is about 243 and the larger pig (Sadie) is about 245. I shooting for a goal of 260 for the smaller pig and about 272 or 273 for Sadie. We are 16 days away from the show so we are getting down to it. About 5 days before the show I will clip them and have them spit shined for the big day. I am prepping both pigs for the show because you never know what can happen the day of the weigh ins.

Any input is appreciated.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!ArqZ-Fb9YQ8bhVf7egF1hGygKH-j

gobigorgohome
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by gobigorgohome » Wed Apr 05, 2017 12:23 pm

I still like LJ's depth and width thru the middle, but his walking still bothers me. He breaks at the loin when he walks. You need to get some more guts on Sadie - feed depth charge or moorbody to get her middle to expand and her belly to drop some. Good luck!

mjw1980
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by mjw1980 » Wed Apr 05, 2017 12:49 pm

With 2 weeks left is that enough time for it to work. what would be recommended amount to feed, 1lb a day.

gobigorgohome
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by gobigorgohome » Mon Apr 10, 2017 12:15 pm

The bag should have recommended feeding. I would start at 1/2 lb. per feeding for 2-3 feeding and then increase to 1 lb. per feeding. You are right - you don't have much time, but any improvement is better than none! If I remember, you are holding one anyway - he/she will appreciate the extra filler too!
Good luck and let us know how you do.

mjw1980
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by mjw1980 » Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:59 am

Weigh in is on Wednesday and we can only take 1 pig. The smaller Pig LJ weighed 255 yesterday and Sadie weighed 267. I think that LJ has more of a showpig look and looks the part and I am kind of leaning that way. I would appreciate anyone's input on what they think would perform the best. I only got 2 videos of the smaller pig LJ. They were tired from being worked, weighed and clipped yesterday. It was also 84 degrees in East Tx.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!ArqZ-Fb9YQ8bhS39TnFt19LroTYw

eucathepig
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by eucathepig » Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:36 am

I would personally go for LJ. The theme at my fair is broad and heavy muscled (it's been like that for a few years!) If it was my choice I would definitely go for LJ, but all in all go with your instincts.

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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by eucathepig » Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:45 am

I'm posting again to give you more input. I agree that LJ have a funky walk, but Sadie needs more fat and needs to be broader. In two weeks I don't know if you can fix it, but take a look at different feeds that might help her. In my opinion, pigs should not be docked for how they walk, because at the end they will be eaten (unless breeding) In my experience last year, the judge said I had a stand out pig. The problems were he was not broad enough and he kind of kicked out when he walked. If your pig is broad, well muscled, and filled out, her gait should not be much of a problem. I still think you should go with LJ despite her walk. The more I study the pictures and videos I think they are both nice looking, and you could do good with both. In the past what did judges seem to favor? You might want to go along those lines.
Last edited by eucathepig on Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:29 am, edited 1 time in total.

eucathepig
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Re: 2 pigs only 1 can show

Post by eucathepig » Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:17 am

I am kind of embarrassed I'm posting again, but here it goes: Other people are talking about LJ has a dip in her back, and I agree, but here are some tips. If you decide you want to show this pig try to keep her head up or level in the show ring. This might make it less noticeable. A way you can do this is by raising the water and feeders. This will make it more comfortable to have her head up, and can make more muscle. You should also do this with Sadie if you decide to show her. Having a pigs head up or level will make it look a lot better anyway. The next tip (I have not used, but read about it) is baiting the whip. I guess people do use this a lot, but if you don't want to I understand.) You can bait the show stick by vanilla or peanut butter. (I would go with vanilla so people would not see it.) I'm not sure if this is against the rules, but I just don't do it because I like to show my pig more naturally. Try to update us when you chose your pig you will use etc.

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