How do I know when to butcher?

Ron Bequeath

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Heritage breeds don't mean small hogs.

We have had Hereford hogs, Red Wattle and Large black/Berkshire. If you want a BIG hog and lard, look for Large Blacks.
I understand, my boar is a hampshire and gilts are berkshire/yorkshire cross and over 300 lbs they start layering the lard thats when i just feed corn and weeds through the fall. Have considered the large black how are they for taste that big.
 

Ron Bequeath

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I feed mine dry, trying to buy non gmo from amish in the area, got to be careful though you can be told anything for a sale sometimes. I'm looking to the future for spring stock need 3 new zealand white does breeding age, 1 hampshire boar 3 mos, 2 large black gilts 3 mos, 3 dorset ewes, 4 Dec or Jan alpine does to graze and then breed in fall, willing to trade 5 year jersey cow 2nd lactation and/or 5 mo jersey heifer. Around Mercer PA 80 miles.
 

Baymule

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I feed my pigs free feed pellets and soured corn. About 4-6 weeks before slaughter, I stop the pellets and feed the soured corn. I also give them boiled eggs. A day before we load them up, I don't feed them. We back up the trailer, open the gate. I smush a couple of boiled eggs for them to get the scent and toss them in the trailer. Pigs hop in to eat the eggs, shut gate.
 

Healthy Skeptic

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Finally here is a picture of my pigs.
 

Baymule

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They sure look nice! You want to shoot for 250-280 pounds.

Will you keep the offal, heart, liver, kidneys? I can it in quart jars with a cup of COOKED rice for the dogs. They love it mixed with their kibble.

You can also keep the fat and render it. Lard is great for cooking.
 

Baymule

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I made lard, it wasn't hard to do. Here is a link to the thread I posted on SS. Do you do any canning? Have a pressure canner or water bath canner? I will be glad to answer any questions you have and help you. I use the lard in place of shortening for pastry, dinner rolls or today I made muffins and the recipe called for shortening. I also use it for frying food or for stir fry. There is no piggy taste.

https://www.sufficientself.com/threads/lard.15789/
 

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