Glossary

The process of introducing semen into the female’s reproductive tract through a specially designed catheter instead of by natural mating.

A male pig who has been castrated.

All procedures such as cleaning, disinfection, and movement restrictions that reduce the risk of spreading diseases that cause significant impacts on animal health and food safety.

A male pig who has not been castrated and is therefore suitable for breeding.

The farm that houses boars whose semen is collected and then used to artificially inseminate gilts and sows.

The surgical process of removing a male animal’s testicles before he reaches sexual maturity which reduces aggression later in life and improves pork quality.

The process of giving birth, in pigs.

A measure of how well a pigs converts feed into muscle.  Feed efficiency is reported as how many pounds of feed are required to produce one pound of muscle.

The term for a pig at the end of the nursery period – approximately 8 weeks post weaning or 11 weeks of age.

The 113 to 116 day period between breeding and farrowing during which the sow is pregnant.

A young female pig who has not yet given birth.

The period of time during which a female pig is receptive to a mate, ovulates, and can become pregnant if bred.

A male or female animal whose reproductive organs have not been surgically removed.

The male parent of an animal.

A female pig who has farrowed at least one litter of pigs.

A farm that houses female adult pigs and their litters.

The surgical procedure of shortening an animal’s tail.  It is performed in pig production to prevent injury and infection later in life as a result of being chewed on by other pigs.

A farm where weaned pigs eat and grow until they reach market weight.