🐖 Cull
“Cull” refers to a sow or boar that is removed from the breeding herd due to age, health issues, or low productivity.
🌸 Cull Sow
A cull sow is an adult female pig removed from the breeding herd.
Reasons for Removal:
- Health problems (e.g., illness or lameness)
- Low reproductive performance (few or no piglets)
- Old age or declining productivity
- Poor behavior (e.g., aggression or poor mothering)
What Happens After Removal?
They are often sold for meat (processed into sausage, ground pork, etc.) or used for other products like pet food.
🌟 Cull Boar
A cull boar is an adult male pig removed from the breeding program.
Reasons for Removal:
- Poor breeding ability or failure to impregnate sows
- Health problems (e.g., illness or declining strength)
- Aggressive or dangerous behavior
- Replacement by a younger boar with better genetic traits
What Happens After Removal?
Like sows, cull boars are usually processed for meat, though their meat is tougher and more commonly used in specialty products.
🧠 Summary
| Term | Definition | Reason for Removal | After Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cull Sow | Female pig removed from breeding herd | Health, age, low productivity | Meat or by-product |
| Cull Boar | Male pig removed from breeding herd | Health, aggression, poor reproductive ability | Meat or by-product |