Pig Gender Showdown: Male vs. Female – Which Wins?

The world of pig farming, often perceived as a simple agricultural pursuit, is in reality a complex interplay of biology, economics, and strategic decision-making. One of the fundamental questions at the heart of this industry revolves around a seemingly straightforward choice: Is it more advantageous to raise male or female pigs?

This question, however, unlocks a Pandora’s Box of considerations. It requires delving into the nuanced differences between the sexes, from growth rates and feed efficiency to meat quality and behavioral traits. The answer, as we will explore, is far from simple and is heavily contingent on the specific objectives of the farming operation.

Unveiling the Dichotomy: Male vs. Female Pigs

At a glance, pigs might appear homogenous, yet profound differences exist between males and females, influencing their suitability for various purposes.

• Growth Dynamics: Males, particularly when left intact as boars, often exhibit faster growth rates and leaner muscle mass.

• Reproductive Roles: Females, or sows, are the linchpins of reproduction, essential for expanding herd sizes and ensuring a continuous supply of piglets.

• Meat Quality & Behavior: Gender significantly influences meat quality characteristics, while behavioral differences impact housing and management strategies.

These differences form the basis of a multifaceted comparison, each aspect playing a crucial role in the overall profitability and sustainability of a pig farming enterprise.

Purpose of This Article: A Comprehensive Comparison

This article aims to dissect the intricacies of pig gender differences, offering a comprehensive comparison of male and female pigs.

We aim to provide farmers, agricultural students, and anyone with a keen interest in pig farming, the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

By examining the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each gender, we seek to empower our readers to optimize their farming practices and achieve their desired outcomes.

This involves a deep dive into the terminology, growth efficiency, meat quality, temperament, reproductive capabilities, and economic implications associated with raising male and female pigs.

Who Should Read This? Defining Our Audience

This article is designed for a diverse audience:

• Farmers and Producers: Those directly involved in pig farming will gain practical insights to refine their breeding and management strategies.

• Agricultural Students: Students studying animal science or agriculture will find a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of pig production.

• Industry Stakeholders: Professionals in the food industry, researchers, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture will benefit from this comprehensive overview.

Whether you are an experienced farmer or simply curious about the world of pig farming, this article will equip you with a deeper understanding of the pivotal role gender plays in this vital industry.

The question of whether to raise male or female pigs is a complex one, demanding careful consideration of various factors. Before diving into the intricacies of growth rates, meat quality, and behavioral differences, it’s essential to establish a clear understanding of the terminology used in the pig farming industry. Accurate and consistent language is paramount when discussing the characteristics and roles of male and female pigs at different stages of their lives.

Decoding Pig Terminology: A Gender-Specific Glossary

The world of pig farming utilizes specific terms to differentiate between male and female pigs.

These terms also specify the stages of their lives and their roles within the farming operation.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for interpreting research, communicating effectively with other professionals, and making informed decisions about herd management.

Male Pig Terminology

Let’s begin with the male side of the equation.

The terms used for male pigs are largely dependent on whether they have been castrated and their maturity.

• Boars (Male Pigs): This term refers to intact, adult males used specifically for breeding purposes. These animals possess fully developed reproductive organs and are selected for desirable genetic traits that they will pass on to their offspring. Boars play a vital role in maintaining and improving the genetic quality of the herd.

• Barrows (Castrated Male Pigs): Barrows are male pigs that have been castrated, typically at a young age.

  Castration is performed to prevent unwanted breeding, reduce aggression, and improve meat quality by eliminating "boar taint," a strong, unpleasant odor and flavor that can occur in the meat of intact males. Barrows are primarily raised for meat production.

Female Pig Terminology

The nomenclature for female pigs revolves primarily around their reproductive status.

• Sows (Female Pigs): A sow is a mature female pig that has already farrowed, meaning she has given birth to one or more litters of piglets.

  Sows are the cornerstones of pig production, responsible for producing the next generation of pigs. Their reproductive performance, including litter size, piglet survival rate, and weaning weight, is a critical factor in the overall profitability of a pig farming operation.

• Gilts (Female Pigs): Gilts are young female pigs that have not yet farrowed their first litter.

  These animals are typically selected for their potential to become productive sows. Farmers carefully monitor gilts for traits such as growth rate, body conformation, and reproductive health to ensure they will be successful mothers.

  Gilts represent the future breeding stock of the farm.

Why Accurate Terminology Matters

Using correct terminology in pig farming is more than just semantics. It ensures clear communication, facilitates accurate data collection and analysis, and promotes a shared understanding of best practices.

For example, confusing "gilt" with "sow" could lead to miscalculations in breeding schedules.

Similarly, not distinguishing between "boar" and "barrow" can result in improper handling or incorrect assessments of meat quality.

A strong foundation in these fundamental definitions paves the way for a deeper exploration of the nuances of pig farming.

Decoding the terminology provides a crucial foundation. However, the real test lies in the performance. Understanding how efficiently each gender converts resources into growth and ultimately, product, is paramount for successful pig farming.

Growth and Efficiency: Comparing Growth Rates and Feed Conversion

For any livestock operation, growth rate and feed conversion are key metrics. These factors directly impact profitability. The differences between male and female pigs in these areas can be significant, informing crucial management decisions.

Growth Rate Dynamics: Boars, Barrows, Gilts, and Sows

When comparing growth rates, several factors come into play. These include genetics, diet, environment, and hormonal differences.

Boars, with their testosterone-driven physiology, typically exhibit the fastest growth rates. However, their aggressive behavior and the risk of boar taint often make them unsuitable for commodity pork production.

Barrows, castrated males, still generally grow faster than females. This is attributed to their altered hormonal balance after castration.

Gilts tend to have slower growth rates compared to barrows. But they often exhibit better lean muscle development.

Sows, once mature, are primarily focused on reproduction rather than rapid weight gain. Their growth rate slows considerably after reaching maturity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Gender’s Growth Rate

Faster growth translates to quicker time to market. This reduces overall production costs. Boars and barrows offer this advantage.

However, the higher feed intake required to sustain rapid growth can offset some of these gains. Gilts, while growing slower, might have a more efficient lean muscle deposition. This can command premium prices in certain markets.

Sows, while not raised for meat production after their reproductive prime, contribute to the farm’s overall profitability through their offspring.

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Measuring Efficiency

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is a critical metric. It measures how many pounds of feed it takes for an animal to gain one pound of weight. A lower FCR indicates better feed efficiency.

Barrows often have a less desirable FCR. They require more feed per pound of gain than gilts during certain growth stages.

Boars, due to their high growth rate, can have a competitive FCR, but management challenges and meat quality concerns limit their use.

Gilts often demonstrate a more efficient FCR. They require less feed to achieve similar gains compared to barrows.

Optimizing FCR for Profitability

Several strategies can optimize FCR across all genders.

These include:

• Providing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.
• Maintaining optimal environmental conditions to reduce stress.
• Implementing effective health management practices to prevent disease.
• Selecting genetics that are known for efficient feed conversion.

By carefully considering these factors, producers can maximize the efficiency of their pig farming operations and enhance profitability.

Decoding the terminology provides a crucial foundation. However, the real test lies in the performance. Understanding how efficiently each gender converts resources into growth and ultimately, product, is paramount for successful pig farming.

Meat Quality Matters: A Taste of the Differences

Beyond growth rates and feed conversion, the ultimate value of pork lies in its quality.

The differences in meat quality between male and female pigs, specifically in terms of tenderness, marbling, and the potential for "boar taint," play a significant role in determining their market value and consumer appeal.

Understanding these nuances allows producers to make informed decisions tailored to specific market demands and consumer preferences.

Key Meat Quality Characteristics

Meat quality is a multifaceted attribute, influenced by genetics, diet, and post-slaughter handling, as well as the pig’s sex.

Different genders tend to exhibit varying characteristics that affect the sensory experience of the final product.

Tenderness

Tenderness refers to the ease with which meat can be cut or chewed.

Generally, gilts and sows tend to produce more tender meat compared to boars, particularly if the boars are not castrated.

This difference arises due to hormonal influences on muscle fiber structure and collagen content.

Marbling

Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat within the lean muscle tissue.

It significantly impacts flavor and juiciness, enhancing the overall palatability of the pork.

Barrows often exhibit better marbling compared to gilts, contributing to a richer and more flavorful eating experience.

However, targeted feeding strategies and genetic selection can improve marbling in female pigs as well.

Color and Water-Holding Capacity

The color of pork is an indicator of freshness and quality.

It is affected by pH levels post-slaughter.

Differences in metabolic activity between genders can influence the water-holding capacity of the meat, impacting its juiciness and texture.

The Challenge of Boar Taint

One of the most significant meat quality concerns associated with raising intact male pigs is boar taint.

This is an unpleasant odor or taste detectable by some consumers when cooking or consuming pork from certain boars.

Causes of Boar Taint

Boar taint is primarily caused by the accumulation of two compounds in the fat tissue: androstenone (a steroid hormone) and skatole (a byproduct of bacterial tryptophan metabolism in the gut).

The ability to metabolize these compounds varies significantly among individual boars, leading to inconsistent pork quality.

Impact on Pork Quality

The presence of boar taint can significantly reduce the marketability of pork from intact males.

Even if only a small percentage of consumers detect the taint, it can create a negative perception of pork and lead to decreased demand.

Implications for Boar Management

To mitigate the risks of boar taint, several strategies can be employed.

• Castration: The most common method is castration, which eliminates the production of androstenone.

• Immunocastration: This involves vaccinating boars to suppress testicular function temporarily, reducing androstenone levels without permanently castrating the animal.

• Genetic Selection: Selecting boars with a low propensity for accumulating androstenone and skatole is a long-term solution.

• Slaughter Weight and Age: Slaughtering boars at a younger age and lower weight can reduce the likelihood of significant taint development.

Careful management and strategic interventions are crucial to ensure that pork from male pigs meets consumer expectations and avoids the negative impacts of boar taint.

Temperament and Housing: Aggression Levels by Gender

The impact of a pig’s gender extends beyond growth rates and meat quality, significantly influencing its temperament and, consequently, the housing and management practices necessary for a successful farming operation. Understanding the inherent differences in aggression levels between boars, barrows, and sows is critical for ensuring animal welfare, minimizing injuries, and optimizing overall productivity.

Boars: The Challenge of Intact Males

Intact male pigs, or boars, are known for exhibiting the highest levels of aggression, primarily driven by hormonal influences and their natural instinct to compete for dominance and mating opportunities.

This aggression can manifest in several ways, including fighting, mounting behaviors (regardless of the presence of a sow), and general restlessness.

Managing boars requires specialized housing and handling techniques to mitigate these aggressive tendencies.

Individual pens or small groups with ample space are often necessary to reduce the risk of injury.

Barrows: A Calmer Alternative

Castration, the removal of the testicles, significantly reduces testosterone production in male pigs, resulting in barrows exhibiting a much calmer temperament compared to boars.

Barrows are generally less aggressive, making them easier to manage in group housing systems.

This reduction in aggression translates to fewer injuries, reduced stress levels within the herd, and improved overall well-being.

The calmer nature of barrows is a major factor contributing to their popularity in commercial pork production.

Sows: Maternal Instincts and Social Hierarchy

Sows, or mature female pigs, typically display moderate levels of aggression, often linked to maternal instincts and the establishment of a social hierarchy within the group.

Aggression in sows is most pronounced during and immediately after farrowing (giving birth), as they become fiercely protective of their piglets.

While sows are generally less aggressive than boars, social dynamics within a group of sows can still lead to occasional squabbles and injuries, particularly when resources like food or space are limited.

Housing and Management Implications

Understanding these differences in aggression levels is crucial for designing appropriate housing and management practices.

Boars require robust, individual housing to prevent fighting, while barrows can be successfully managed in larger groups with adequate space and resources.

Space Allocation

Providing sufficient space is paramount, regardless of gender. Overcrowding exacerbates aggression.

Feeding Strategies

Competitive feeding situations can trigger aggressive behavior.

Using feeding systems that allow all pigs to access food simultaneously can help minimize conflict.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment, such as toys or rooting materials, can help reduce boredom and redirect aggressive tendencies.

Group Dynamics

When introducing new pigs to an existing group, careful observation and strategic introductions are essential to minimize disruption and establish a stable social hierarchy.

By understanding the temperament differences between boars, barrows, and sows, producers can create a more harmonious and productive environment, ultimately leading to improved animal welfare and economic outcomes.

The calmer temperament of barrows certainly offers advantages in management and meat production, but the story of pig farming is incomplete without acknowledging the crucial role of female pigs. Sows and gilts, with their unique reproductive capabilities, form the very foundation of herd sustainability and expansion. Understanding their biology and management needs is paramount for any farmer aiming for long-term success.

Motherhood and Reproduction: The Foundation of Pig Farming

The reproductive capabilities of sows and gilts are undeniably central to the entire pig farming operation. They are the engine that drives herd growth, dictating the number of piglets available for either meat production or further breeding. A deep understanding of their role in farrowing and raising piglets is therefore essential.

The Farrowing Process: A Sow’s Key Role

The farrowing process, or giving birth, is perhaps the most critical period in a sow’s life and a pivotal moment for the farm. A healthy sow, properly managed, can deliver a large litter of piglets.

Litter size directly impacts profitability. Farmers must ensure the sow’s health and comfort leading up to, during, and after farrowing.

Providing a clean, safe, and temperature-controlled environment is crucial to minimize piglet mortality and maximize the number of healthy offspring. Sows exhibit strong maternal instincts.

They instinctively care for their young, providing warmth, protection, and essential nutrients through their milk. Observation and intervention are vital.

Farmers must monitor the sow and her piglets closely in the initial days after birth. This ensures that all piglets are nursing adequately and that the sow is recovering well.

Gilts: Future Sows and Breeding Potential

Gilts, or young female pigs that have not yet given birth, represent the future breeding stock of the farm. Selecting gilts with desirable traits, such as good conformation, rapid growth, and a history of large litter sizes in their lineage, is a critical step in improving the overall quality and productivity of the herd.

Managing gilts appropriately is equally important. They need a specific diet and environment to reach their full reproductive potential.

Proper nutrition is vital for developing strong bones, healthy reproductive organs, and the necessary body condition to support pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, integrating gilts into the existing sow herd requires careful management.

This minimizes stress and promotes social harmony, which can positively impact their subsequent reproductive performance.

Sows: Cornerstones of Successful Breeding Programs

Sows are the backbone of any successful pig breeding program. Their consistent reproductive performance and ability to raise healthy litters are vital for maintaining and improving herd genetics.

Farmers meticulously track the reproductive history of each sow, recording factors such as litter size, piglet weight at birth, and weaning rates.

This data helps identify the most productive sows.

These sows are then retained in the breeding program to pass on their superior genetics to future generations. Furthermore, the genetic makeup of sows has a profound impact on the overall health and disease resistance of the herd.

Selecting sows with strong immune systems and resistance to common pig diseases is a proactive approach to minimizing health issues and reducing the need for costly treatments.

Ultimately, the success of a pig farming operation hinges on the health, productivity, and longevity of its sows. Investing in proper sow management, from nutrition and housing to health care and genetic selection, is an investment in the long-term sustainability and profitability of the farm.

Motherhood and Reproduction: The Foundation of Pig Farming" painted a vivid picture of the sow’s crucial contribution. Yet, while the female pig is indispensable for herd replenishment, the vast majority of pork consumed worldwide comes from a different source: the barrow. This deliberate choice reflects a confluence of factors, ranging from practical management considerations to the subtle nuances of meat quality.

The Barrow Advantage: Why Castrated Males Dominate Pork Production

The modern pork industry relies heavily on barrows, or castrated male pigs. This preference isn’t arbitrary; it’s rooted in a combination of enhanced manageability and improved meat characteristics that directly impact profitability.

Reduced Aggression and Improved Manageability

Intact boars, driven by hormonal impulses, exhibit considerably more aggressive behavior than barrows. This aggression manifests as fighting among themselves.

It also involves mounting behaviors, and general disruptiveness. This poses significant challenges in a commercial setting.

Managing boars requires robust, specialized housing. Also, there needs to be skilled handlers to minimize the risk of injury to both the animals and farm personnel.

Castration significantly mitigates these behavioral issues. Barrows tend to be more docile and easier to manage in groups.

This reduction in aggression leads to fewer injuries. Ultimately, the farmers sees reduced stress levels within the herd.

This contributes to a more efficient and cost-effective production system. Less space is needed to house the pigs as well.

Enhanced Meat Quality and the Elimination of Boar Taint

Beyond manageability, castration plays a crucial role in enhancing pork quality. One of the primary concerns in raising intact boars for meat production is the potential for "boar taint."

Boar taint is an unpleasant odor or taste that can be present in the meat of some uncastrated male pigs. It is caused by the accumulation of compounds like androstenone and skatole in the pig’s fat.

The presence and intensity of boar taint vary significantly among individual pigs. This makes it difficult to predict which carcasses will be affected.

Consumers are highly sensitive to boar taint. Even low levels can render the meat unpalatable and significantly reduce its market value.

Castration effectively eliminates the risk of boar taint. By removing the testes, the primary source of androstenone production, farmers ensure a more consistent and palatable product for consumers.

This contributes to greater consumer satisfaction and increased demand for pork. This is crucial for market viability and profitability.

The Ethical Considerations of Castration

While the practical and economic benefits of castration are undeniable, the practice is not without its ethical considerations. Animal welfare advocates raise concerns about the pain and stress associated with the procedure, particularly when performed without anesthesia.

Many countries and regions have implemented regulations aimed at minimizing the discomfort experienced by piglets during castration. These include the use of pain relief medication, such as local anesthetics and analgesics.

Research is also ongoing to explore alternative methods of managing boar taint, such as genetic selection for pigs with lower levels of androstenone and skatole. Immunocastration, a process that uses vaccination to suppress testicular function, is another potential alternative to surgical castration.

The debate surrounding castration highlights the complex interplay between animal welfare, economic realities, and consumer preferences in modern pork production. As consumer awareness of animal welfare issues grows, the industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more humane and sustainable practices.

Breeding for Success: Genetic Selection Strategies

Having explored the distinct advantages of raising barrows for pork production, a deeper understanding of how these animals are produced in the first place is needed. The foundation of any successful pig farming operation lies in the strategic genetic selection of boars and sows. This deliberate process shapes the future of the herd, influencing everything from growth rate and meat quality to disease resistance and reproductive efficiency.

The Boar’s Contribution: Selecting for Growth and Leanness

The choice of boar is paramount in dictating the growth potential and carcass characteristics of the offspring. Boars with proven genetic merit for rapid growth, efficient feed conversion, and lean muscle development are highly sought after.

These traits are often assessed through sophisticated performance testing programs, evaluating factors such as backfat thickness, loin eye area, and average daily gain.

Selecting boars with superior genetics in these areas translates directly into faster-growing, more profitable market hogs.

Furthermore, genetic markers are increasingly used to identify boars carrying genes associated with desirable meat quality traits, such as marbling and tenderness.

By incorporating these genetic insights into the selection process, producers can enhance the eating experience for consumers and capture premium market prices.

The Sow’s Legacy: Prioritizing Reproductive Efficiency and Mothering Ability

While the boar influences growth and carcass traits, the sow plays a crucial role in determining reproductive success and piglet survival.

Sows are selected based on their ability to consistently produce large litters of healthy, vigorous piglets. Factors such as litter size at birth, weaning weight, and the number of piglets weaned per sow per year are carefully considered.

Beyond reproductive performance, mothering ability is another critical selection criterion. Sows with strong maternal instincts are more attentive to their piglets. Also, they provide better care and protection, resulting in higher survival rates.

Selecting for disease resistance is also a key consideration. Sows with robust immune systems are less susceptible to illness and require fewer antibiotic treatments, contributing to improved animal welfare and reduced production costs.

The Interplay of Genetics and Environment: Optimizing Performance

While genetics provides the blueprint for superior performance, the environment in which pigs are raised plays a vital role in realizing their full potential.

Optimal nutrition, proper housing, and effective disease management are essential for allowing genetically superior animals to thrive.

Conversely, even pigs with exceptional genetics may fail to reach their potential if they are subjected to poor living conditions or inadequate care.

Therefore, a holistic approach that combines strategic genetic selection with sound management practices is crucial for maximizing productivity and profitability in pig farming.

The Role of Pig Farming in Genetic Selection

Pig farming plays an integral role in genetic selection through data collection and performance recording. Farmers meticulously track the performance of their animals, gathering data on growth rates, feed efficiency, reproductive performance, and carcass characteristics.

This information is then used to identify superior individuals that can be used as breeding stock. Pig farming also supports the development and application of genetic technologies, such as genomic selection, which allows producers to make more informed breeding decisions based on an animal’s genetic makeup.

Pig farming also provides a testing ground for evaluating the effectiveness of different breeding strategies and identifying traits that are most important for improving production efficiency and profitability.

Dollars and Sense: Economic Considerations in Pig Farming

Having explored the distinct advantages of raising barrows for pork production, a deeper understanding of how these animals are produced in the first place is needed. The foundation of any successful pig farming operation lies in the strategic genetic selection of boars and sows. This deliberate process shapes the future of the herd, influencing everything from growth rate and meat quality to disease resistance and reproductive efficiency. With the groundwork laid, the question now shifts to the financial implications of choosing to raise either male or female pigs. Understanding these economic factors is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing profitability in pig farming.

The profitability of a pig farming operation hinges on a complex interplay of factors. Among the most critical are the gender-specific traits that influence production efficiency, meat quality, and overall costs. Let’s delve into these economic considerations.

Growth Rate and Feed Conversion Efficiency

Growth rate is a primary driver of profitability in pork production. Faster-growing pigs reach market weight sooner, reducing the overall cost of feed and labor.

Generally, boars and barrows tend to exhibit faster growth rates compared to gilts and sows. This translates to a shorter production cycle and potentially higher returns.

Feed conversion ratio (FCR), the measure of how efficiently an animal converts feed into weight gain, is another critical metric. A lower FCR indicates better efficiency, reducing feed costs, which represent a significant portion of the total production expense.

Boars and barrows often demonstrate superior FCR compared to females, further enhancing their economic advantage in terms of growth and feed usage.

Meat Quality and Carcass Characteristics

The ultimate value of a market hog is determined by the quality and yield of its carcass. Meat quality traits such as leanness, marbling, and tenderness directly impact the price producers receive.

While boars can develop more muscle mass, their meat is susceptible to boar taint, an unpleasant odor and taste that can significantly devalue the carcass. Castration to produce barrows eliminates this risk but adds to the production cost.

Gilts, on the other hand, generally do not exhibit boar taint. However, they tend to have less lean muscle mass than barrows, potentially resulting in lower carcass yields.

Balancing these factors is key to maximizing revenue based on meat quality and consumer demand.

Reproductive Potential and Sow Productivity

For breeding operations, the reproductive performance of sows is paramount. Sows are the engine of herd expansion, and their ability to consistently produce large, healthy litters directly impacts the farm’s profitability.

Factors such as litter size, farrowing rate, and piglet survival rate are critical indicators of sow productivity. Selecting sows with superior reproductive traits is essential for maximizing piglet output and minimizing replacement costs.

Gilts, as young females, represent the future breeding stock. Their selection should prioritize traits associated with longevity and high lifetime productivity.

Temperament, Aggression, and Management Costs

The temperament and aggression levels of pigs can significantly impact management costs. Boars, particularly when housed together, can exhibit aggressive behavior, leading to injuries, reduced growth rates, and increased labor requirements.

Castration of male pigs into barrows reduces aggression. However, it introduces the cost and ethical considerations associated with the procedure.

Sows, while generally less aggressive than boars, can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during lactation. Proper housing and management practices are essential to minimize stress and prevent injuries within the herd.

An Economic Balancing Act

Ultimately, the decision of whether to raise male or female pigs involves a careful economic calculation.

• Barrows offer advantages in growth rate and feed efficiency, while eliminating the risk of boar taint, but incur castration costs.
• Gilts avoid castration costs and do not have boar taint, but may have slower growth rates and lower carcass yields.
• Sows are essential for reproduction, but require careful management to optimize productivity.

Producers must carefully weigh these factors in light of market conditions, production goals, and ethical considerations to determine the most profitable approach for their specific operation. A comprehensive understanding of these economic drivers is essential for success in the dynamic world of pig farming.

So, thinking about whether to get a male or female pig? Hopefully, this article gave you a good starting point! Weigh the pros and cons of pig male or female, and you’ll be well on your way to making the best choice for *your* needs. Good luck with your oinking adventures!