Swine Unit: Vocabulary

What is a Barrow?

• A castrated male pig typically raised for meat

• A type of wheelbarrow used in construction

• A small hill or mound

• A breed of domestic pig

What is a Boar?

• An uncastrated male pig

• A type of wild cat

• A species of bird

• A breed of dog

What does Conformation refer to?

• The physical formation especially pertaining to the shape and structure of an animal

• A type of formal agreement or contract

• The process of confirming something

• A religious ceremony or rite

What does it mean to Farrow?

• To give birth to piglets

• To plant seeds

• To harvest crops

• To shear sheep

What is Gestation?

• Length of pregnancy

• Type of animal

• Stage of development

• Medical condition

What is a Gilt?

• A young female pig who has not had young

• A type of currency

• A breed of horse

• A type of fabric

What is Heterosis?

• The result of a mating where the offspring shows qualities superior to those of both parents

• A genetic disorder caused by inbreeding

• The process of natural selection in evolution

• A method of cloning organisms

What is a Jowl?

• The lower portion of a pig’s cheek

• A type of bird

• A musical instrument

• A type of dance

What is a Rotational Crossbreeding System?

• A program where the sire of a terminal cross is changed each year to ensure heterosis is maintained

• A breeding system where animals are rotated between different farms

• A method of breeding that involves rotating sires among different herds

• A crossbreeding strategy that involves changing the breed of the dam each year

What is a Sow?

• A female pig that has had a litter

• A type of bird

• A male horse

• A young sheep