Knowledge Check: Swine Production Systems

The difference between indoor and outdoor swine production systems is:

• Indoor systems house pigs in controlled environments, while outdoor systems allow pigs to roam in open areas.

• Indoor systems require more land than outdoor systems.

• Outdoor systems use more advanced technology than indoor systems.

• Indoor systems are always more environmentally friendly than outdoor systems.

According to the information about Stage 1: Farrow, pigs are in this stage from birth until approximately how old or how much do they weigh?

• 1 week old or 5-8 lbs

• 3 weeks old or 10-15 lbs

• 6 weeks old or 20-25 lbs

• 2 months old or 30-40 lbs

In Stage 1: Farrow, sows are placed in individual farrowing pens or stalls. What is one reason for this practice?

• To allow sows to roam freely

• To protect piglets from getting crushed by the mama

• To increase the number of piglets

• To reduce feeding costs

Fill in the blank: In Stage 1: Farrow, sows are placed in individual farrowing pens or stalls to protect the piglets and workers from the sow’s ________ nature.

• protective

• aggressive

• timid

• playful

According to the passage, what is one of the protective measures taken to protect piglets after birth?

• The navel is disinfected

• Piglets are given milk

• Piglets are separated from their mother

• Piglets are given water

What type of flooring is used in the nursery stage to keep pigs clean?

• Solid floors

• Slatted floors

• Dirt floors

• Carpeted floors

How many different diets can pigs be fed during the nursery stage? Fill in the blank: Pigs are fed as many as ___ different diets that are changed to meet the needs of the growing pig.

• 5

• 2

• 3

• 7

At what age and weight range are pigs considered to be in the Grower-Finish stage?

• 1-3 weeks old (10-20 lbs)

• 9 weeks old (40-60 lbs) until 265-275 lbs

• 20 weeks old (100-150 lbs)

• 30 weeks old (200-250 lbs)

What is the main focus for pigs during the Grower-Finish stage?

• Reproduction

• Growth and development

• Training

• Transportation

Pigs are kept as clean and comfortable as possible during the Grower-Finish stage to ensure high rates of gain.

• True

• False