A female hog is called a gilt or a sow. When it comes to the terminology of pigs, it’s important to know the specific names for both males and females. While the term “hog” is often used to refer to both male and female pigs, it is more commonly used to refer to larger, fully grown pigs.
The term “gilt” is used to describe a young female pig that has not yet given birth to a litter. It is essentially the equivalent of a teenage pig, if you will. Once a gilt has given birth to her first litter, she is then referred to as a “sow”. Sows are mature female pigs that have the ability to reproduce and give birth to multiple litters throughout their lives.
On the other hand, male pigs are called boars or barrows. A boar is an intact male pig that has not been castrated. Boars are used for breeding purposes and have the ability to impregnate sows. Barrows, on the other hand, are male pigs that have been castrated at a young age. Castration is typically done to control aggression and improve meat quality in male pigs that are destined for slaughter.
When a sow becomes pregnant, she will typically give birth to a litter of piglets. A litter refers to the group of baby pigs born to a sow at one time. The number of piglets in a litter can vary but can often range anywhere from 6 to 12 piglets. It is an exciting and busy time for a pig farmer when a sow is due to give birth.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to work with both gilts and sows on a pig farm. It is always fascinating to witness the reproductive cycle of pigs and see the different stages of their lives. From the playful and curious nature of gilts to the nurturing and protective instincts of sows, each female pig has its own unique characteristics.
The terms “gilt” and “sow” are used to differentiate between female pigs based on their reproductive status. Understanding these terms can be helpful when discussing or working with pigs, whether it be on a farm or in a conversation about these intelligent and fascinating animals.