Question

What is the correct sequence of various classes in pig husbandry?

• A. Weaner – starter – grower – finisher
• B. Finisher – grower – weaner – starter
• C. Starter – grower – weaner – finisher
• D. Starter – weaner – grower – finisher

Hint:

Think of the growth process:
Wean (stop nursing) $\rightarrow$ Start (begin solid food) $\rightarrow$ Grow (build frame) $\rightarrow$ Finish (reach market weight).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Commercial swine production is structured around distinct developmental stages.
This categorization allows producers to formulate specific diets and design housing that meet the changing nutritional and environmental needs of the pigs as they grow.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The lifecycle of a market pig follows a specific chronological sequence from weaning to market weight:
Weaner: Piglets are weaned from the sow's milk at 3 to 4 weeks of age. They are placed in nursery pens as "weaners."
Starter: This phase covers early post-weaning growth (typically from 10 kg to 20 kg body weight), where pigs transition to solid, cereal-based diets.
Grower: This intermediate growth phase (from roughly 20 kg to 50 kg body weight) focus on skeletal and muscle development.
Finisher: This is the final phase of production (from 50 kg to market weight of over 100 kg), where feed intake is managed to optimize fat deposition and lean muscle yield before slaughter.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct chronological growth sequence in pig production is: Weaner $\rightarrow$ Starter $\rightarrow$ Grower $\rightarrow$ Finisher.