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easy going show pig?

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 1:55 pm
by freckles
I am in awe of how some show hogs are so easy going in the show ring. Perfect speed, all of the time. I work with my show stock for a few hours a day and some are great, as others have a mind of their own. When I sit and watch one showman consistently show 5 pigs at one show and all pigs act the same, I'm curious...is there something they could be possibly giving their animals to help them ease out there in the ring? I see things on the internet to purchase and have no idea which to try out, if someone has a "go to" product or suggestion, I'd be forever grateful for your input! Thanks

Re: easy going show pig?

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:26 pm
by kat3311
I have never heard of giving your hog something to calm them down, so I'm just as curious as you. All I can say is practice makes perfect and good luck.

Re: easy going show pig?

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:38 pm
by Pac
I don;t have a product suggestion, but I do know that taking your stock to multiple show makes them easier to work. We usually see them a little bit easier at each new show.

Re: easy going show pig?

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 2:22 pm
by gobigorgohome
Sullivans makes a show pig paste - but I've never tried it.

Melatonin - over the counter for people, buy it at walmart. All natural. Have used it on a heifer before and it worked. You need to start several days or a week before the show. Dose it like you would for a person - may want to double up as you are talking about a 250 - 300 lb pig.

Whatever you try - try it at home before the show. Every animal reacts differently and for some it could have the opposite effect. This happened to my son's hog one year. The breeder gave him something before he entered the ring and the pig ran and squealed the whole time. It was quite frustrating and embarrassing for my son. :o

Re: easy going show pig?

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 9:25 am
by hogger39
Sullivan's also has a calming liquid. I have been curious about calming products for pigs but at my county fair, no one uses them. If it is Sullivan's it will be good, how good will depend on the product.