Meishan Hogs: Breed Profile
A wrinkled Chinese breed famous for huge litters.
Meishan hogs come from China and are known for early maturity and large litters. They are black with wrinkled faces and drooping ears.
Purpose
They are raised for research and crossbreeding.
Where the breed stands today
The breed is rare in North America.
What to look for in a Meishan project animal
Look for a wrinkled face, a black coat and a compact body. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Meishan at 4-H and FFA
Swine are judged as market hogs, as breeding gilts and boars, and in showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- Prolific
- Unusual look
- Calm
- Swine projects are short, usually a few months, which suits students who want a quick, complete project.
- Pigs gain weight efficiently and teach feeding, handling and market judging.
Cons
- Few classes
- Few breeders
- Fat carcass
- Show pigs overheat easily and need shade, water and careful handling in warm weather.
- Many market classes favor lean-type animals, so breed fit matters.
Caring for your project
Plan for daily feeding, walking, washing and keeping the pig cool. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Meishan. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
- How old is she, and what has she been fed?
- How has she been handled, walked and washed?
- What are the expected finishing weight and age?
- Does my show accept her in showmanship, a breeding class or a market class?
Bottom line
Meishans are a specialty breed for education.
To see how the contests work, read Premium Sale Basics. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Tornado Hits the Pig Pageant, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.