PULLMAN, Wash. — 4-H and FFA youth from Washington and Idaho will learn how to do a better job of raising project pigs at Washington State University’s Swine Information Day on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Quality Inn, 1400 S. E. Bishop Blvd.
Their parents, 4-H club leaders and small producers who supply pigs to youth also are invited, according to John Froseth, WSU animal scientist.
Topics:
- The National Pork Producers Council’s Youth Pork Quality Assurance Program
- Influence of fitting and showing procedures on marketability of show pigs
- Proper use of a new FDA-approved compound to increase leanness and muscling
- Health programs for project pigs
- Feeding programs and their effects of these programs on growth and leanness and muscling
- The stress gene and it’s influence on animal health and marketability of show animals.
“Animals selected for the stress gene are much more heavily muscled and they look better in the show ring,” Froseth said, “but they are not any good for the market. “When they are stressed, they either die or produce poor quality pork.”
The program starts at 8:45 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m.
Registration is $10 at the door or call Marlene Myers at (509) 335-5521. The fee includes the cost of a lunch and coffee break.
For more information on the event, contact John Froseth at (509) 335-4124 or by e-mail jfroseth@wsu.edu.
The event is sponsored by WSU Cooperative Extension and the Washington Pork Producers.
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