[WildRoots]

Today was weaning/castration day. 7 week old piglets. On the last male we couldn't find the second little bugger. We double, triple checked it. Never found it. First time that's happened. He's definitely the smallest male in the litter. Does this happen often? We've had around 12 litters so far. Could it be possible that it hasn't dropped yet?


Wild Roots Farms Pompey, NY.

 

[highlands]

Rare but it does happen. We call these Uniballs. Technically: cryptorchid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptorchidism

The other one is up there but undescended. It may descend later or it may stay up. If it stays up the pig should be sterile. If it descends then it should become fertile.

I would cull these - e.g., don't ever keep as a breeder - as it can be hereditary and is not desirable.

-Walter

 

[cooper101]

If it does drop, it may end up as a lump in front of the hind legs. It doesn't always drop "into place."

 

[highlands]

If it doesn't drop in place that's a whole other problem.

 

[WildRoots]

I'll keep an eye out for the other one. I have always had some concern for this one. Never acted quite right. Just not as active as the rest.


Wild Roots Farms Pompey, NY.

 

[Laura Workman]

And if your pigs have taint, be sure to butcher that one VERY early, like maybe now. I butchered a cryptorchid boar at nine months old, never bred, not living with girls, eating good feed, and he was inedible. (I had not attempted castration since I couldn't find both testicles.)