The First 30 Days After Show Pig Purchase
Purchased show pigs typically experience numerous stress-related factors, such as clipping, washing, travel, and co-mingling. Once purchased and delivered, show pigs should be placed in isolation for 3-4 weeks. This also helps pigs acclimate to the new environment. The stress-challenged pig is not fully capable of defending against many health challenges. Thus, it is important to minimize stress in order to get 4-H or FFA project pigs off to a quick, healthy start. During the isolation period, it is extremely important to observe pigs for signs of health challenges brought on by stress. Consult with your veterinarian if visual signs of enteric or respiratory disease or other health challenges persist.

What product sequence should be used when starting/receiving new pigs?

• Starter Options (15-75 lb body weight)
  Full feed No. 292 MoorMan’s® ShowTec Starter WDC at 3-4weeks of age (approximately 1/2 bag/pig). Then, full feed No. 12006 MoorMan’s ShowTec Sale Prep Starter ASP (approximately 2 bags/pig) in the late nursery phase of production. Remember to observe pigs daily for health challenges.
   

• Grower/Finisher Options (75 lb to show weight)
  Feed No. 11273 MoorMan’s ShowTec Starter/Grower TY or No. 261 MoorMan’s ShowTec Show Pig Formula CTC (4-6 lb per head/day) until the pig reaches show weight. The grower/finisher phase is critical for muscle growth.
   

• Developer Options (75 lb to show weight)
  During the developer phase use No. 11278 MoorMan’s ShowTec Developer TY, No. 277 MoorMan’s ShowTec Developer CTC, or No. 10194 MoorMan’s ShowTec Developer LN as the final developer of choice.
   

• Paylean®* Option:
  When complete feed is preferred, utilize No. 11256 ShowTec Developer TY/Paylean 21 days prior to target show date. When on restricted non-medicated feed intake, utilize No. 11102 ShowTec Lean Maximizer at 2-4 oz/hd/day to achieve the desired grams/ton level of Paylean. Lean Maximizer can be utilized in conjunction with ShowTec Pig Navigator. Paylean can be fed to finishing swine weighing not less than 150 lb, fed a complete ration containing at least 16% crude protein for the last 45 to 90 lb of gain prior to slaughter.
   

• ShowTec Pig Navigator
   
  Top-Dress Option:
  When on limit feed, utilize No. 10200 MoorMan’s ShowTec Pig Navigator. This product is designed to be top-dressed at 4-8 oz/hd/day as a replacement for 1-2 pounds of
  complete feed. Navigator will enable exhibitors to manage pig growth, maintain shape, and “burn” fat for that “Champion” look.
   
  Stress Periods:
  No. 10200 MoorMan’s ShowTec Pig Navigator should be fed for three days prior to travel and 14 days post-shipment during the show pig sale season. It can also be fed throughout the last 60 days prior to show target dates at 4-8 oz/hd/day in addition to any ShowTec ration.
   

• Controlling Rate of Gain
  In some situations, exhibitors may need to limit a show pig’s feed intake to avoid exceeding the desired show weight. When a show pig has reached its target weight, it is important to restrict feed intake to maintain weight. No. 11403 MoorMan’s ShowTec Lean Stabilizer is designed to limit or maintain weight gain prior to exhibition. This pelleted feed is a holding ration specifically formulated for maintenance of weight and muscle tone in show pigs ready for exhibition. It may be fed as the sole ration or mixed with other ShowTec products to achieve the desired effect.

 

Q. Where can ShowTec products be obtained?
A. Products are available from Alliance Nutrition™ Sales Representatives and Dealers. Products can also be ordered by calling the Order Entry department at 888-800-2777 or products can be purchased on-line  (due to UPS restrictions, individual orders cannot exceed 150 lb).

Q. Does Alliance Nutrition, provide customer service?
A. Yes, call the toll-free ShowTec number (866-666-7626) for assistance.

Q. Does Alliance Nutrition have Show Pig Specialists available for consultation?
A. Yes, the following individuals provide show pig technical support:

• Tadd Knight, Plains, TX;   217-653-0528 (cell)

• Al Schminke, VanHorne, IA 217-257-3513 (cell)

• 1-800 Help Line 866-666-7626

• Laura Meyer, Quincy, IL; 800-292-3333 (ext 2749)

• Nathan Copp, Los Banos, CA (West Coast Contact) 559-280-0119 

Common Management Practices

Deworming — Deworm pigs every 30-45 days until pigs reach 200 lb. Products Nos. 292 MoorMan’s ShowTec Starter WDC, No. 272 MoorMan’s ShowTec Starter/Grower WDC, or No. 11148 MoorMan’s ShowTec Starter/Grower LN/FBZ can be used for the initial deworming. For the second deworming, use the one-day Ivomec®* treatment or injectable Ivomec for Swine. From 75 lb to show weight, alternate dewormings as needed between Safe-Guard and Ivomec to prevent parasitic resistance to a particular dewormer. Ivomec also controls external parasites.

Self-feeders and Waterers — When using a self-feeder, raise the feeder with concrete blocks so the pig is not eating at ground level. Pigs need to eat with their heads slightly elevated to strengthen neck muscles. Periodically elevate feeder and waterer as the pig grows. Once hand-feeding is initiated, hang the feeder on the fence and keep it elevated.

Medication — Refer to product labels for drug claims; contact your local veterinarian for recommendations.

Hair and Skin Care —
        White pigs need to be washed weekly and kept out of the sun. Thirty days before the show
        date begin washing pigs daily. DO NOT PUT OIL ON WHITE HOGS.

        Dark pigs need to be washed weekly. Keep oil or conditioner on their skin to prevent
        drying and cracking.

        Brush the pig daily with a coarse brush in the same direction the hair grows.

Exercise — Walking the pig frequently will help you gain control and train it not to run. The exercise area needs to be a wide open, dirt space to simulate a show ring. It takes time to train a pig to walk. Do not run with a pig. Try to get in front of the pig to turn it before it runs. Thirty days before show time walk the pig daily.

Show Preparation
Clipping Suggestions — Wait until two or three days prior to the show or sale before clipping the pig. A fresh haircut always looks best. Clip the pig’s face, underneath the neck, and the belly with a #00 guard. Use a #1 guard on the rest of the pig’s body. Clip the tail with a #00 guard down to the tip. Lastly, blend all the different lengths of hair together.

Feeding at the Show — Keep the pig on the same ration if it looks fresh and is at desired show weight. Monitor feed and water intake (most market pig shows have a 10-lb weigh-back rule). Since water contributes to the largest percentage of muscle tissue weight, do not restrict water intake.

Youth Awards ADM Alliance Nutrition sponsors a Youth Livestock Awards program for FFA and 4-H exhibitors. (click here for Youth Award Program & Application)

 *Not trademarks of ADM.