Terminologies used in swine

In swine production and veterinary medicine, there are several key terminologies used to describe various aspects of pigs and their management. Here are some important terms:

### General Terminology
**Swine**: Refers to pigs, including both domestic and wild species.
**Porcine**: Pertaining to pigs.
**Herd**: A group of pigs that are managed together.
**Sow**: A female pig that has given birth.
**Gilt**: A female pig that has not yet given birth.
**Boar**: An intact male pig.
**Barrow**: A castrated male pig.
**Piglet**: A young pig, typically up to 3-4 weeks old.
**Finishing Pig**: A pig that is being raised for slaughter, generally from weaning until market weight.

### Reproduction Terminology
**Estrus (Heat)**: The period in which a female pig is receptive to mating.
**Gestation**: The period of pregnancy, typically around 114 days in pigs.
**Farrowing**: The process of a sow giving birth to piglets.
**Weaning**: The process of separating piglets from their mother, usually occurring around 3-4 weeks of age.

### Nutrition and Health
**Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)**: A measure of an animal's efficiency in converting feed mass into body mass.
**Biosecurity**: Measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of disease on a farm.
**Vaccination**: The administration of a vaccine to confer immunity against specific diseases.
**Nutritional Requirements**: Essential dietary needs for pigs, which include proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

### Management and Housing
**Intensive Farming**: A system where pigs are kept in confinement to maximize production.
**Pasture-based Systems**: Farming systems where pigs are raised on pasture, allowing for more natural behaviors.
**Housing**: Structures designed for housing pigs, which can include barns, indoor pens, or outdoor shelters.

### Diseases and Conditions
**Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)**: A viral disease affecting the reproductive and respiratory systems of pigs.
**Swine Influenza**: A contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses.
**Erysipelas**: A bacterial disease that can cause skin lesions and systemic illness in pigs.

### Breeding Terminology
**Linebreeding**: A breeding strategy that involves mating closely related individuals to reinforce desirable traits.
**Crossbreeding**: The mating of pigs from different breeds to produce hybrids with improved traits.
**Artificial Insemination (AI)**: A reproductive technique where sperm is collected and manually introduced into a female pig.

### Other Terms
**Market Weight**: The target weight at which pigs are traditionally sold for slaughter, usually around 250-300 pounds (113-136 kg).
**Sustainability**: Practices in swine production that promote ecological balance, animal welfare, and economic viability.

This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the foundational terms used in swine production and veterinary medicine.