EPISODE · Jun 25, 2026 · 28 MIN
How to Hold Show Pigs
from To The Front · host TTF Nutrition
Episode 9: How to Hold Show PigsEpisode SummaryIn this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross discuss one of the biggest challenges in the show pig industry: holding pigs to hit a target weight without sacrificing quality. They break down the difference between slow rolling and holding, when to start making adjustments, the key nutrients involved, and how to avoid common mistakes. The conversation also covers compensatory gain, signs a pig is being held too hard, and why helping new exhibitors learn is important for the future of the industry.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 03:45 | Show Barn Updates & Introducing Holding PigsTony and Thomas share updates from their barns before diving into the topic of holding show pigs.03:45 – 06:30 | Slow Roll vs. HoldThe hosts explain the difference between managing growth over time and aggressively limiting gain to hit a weight target.06:30 – 10:20 | When to Start HoldingWhy regular weigh-ins, average daily gain calculations, and early planning are critical to success.10:20 – 13:30 | Nutrition Strategies for HoldingA look at the role fiber, fat, protein, and lysine play in maintaining shape while limiting growth.13:30 – 18:25 | Signs You're on Track—or in TroubleHow to recognize when a holding program is working and when a pig is starting to lose too much condition.18:25 – 22:20 | Compensatory Gain & Show Day PreparationUnderstanding rebound growth and how to freshen pigs up before a show.22:20 – 25:30 | Holding Stories & Lessons LearnedReal-world experiences, mistakes, and a memorable story about a pig that ended up 38 pounds overweight.25:30 – 28:10 | Supporting New ExhibitorsA reminder that everyone starts somewhere and that growing the industry starts with helping others.Key TakeawaysHolding show pigs successfully requires planning, routine weighing, and smart nutritional management. By making adjustments early, monitoring growth, and understanding how pigs respond to feed changes, exhibitors can better manage weight while maintaining quality and competitiveness in the show ring.
What this episode covers
Episode 9: How to Hold Show PigsEpisode SummaryIn this episode of To The Front, Tony Morris and Thomas Gross discuss one of the biggest challenges in the show pig industry: holding pigs to hit a target weight without sacrificing quality. They break down the difference between slow rolling and holding, when to start making adjustments, the key nutrients involved, and how to avoid common mistakes. The conversation also covers compensatory gain, signs a pig is being held too hard, and why helping new exhibitors learn is important for the future of the industry.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – 03:45 | Show Barn Updates & Introducing Holding PigsTony and Thomas share updates from their barns before diving into the topic of holding show pigs.03:45 – 06:30 | Slow Roll vs. HoldThe hosts explain the difference between managing growth over time and aggressively limiting gain to hit a weight target.06:30 – 10:20 | When to Start HoldingWhy regular weigh-ins, average daily gain calculations, and early planning are critical to success.10:20 – 13:30 | Nutrition Strategies for HoldingA look at the role fiber, fat, protein, and lysine play in maintaining shape while limiting growth.13:30 – 18:25 | Signs You're on Track—or in TroubleHow to recognize when a holding program is working and when a pig is starting to lose too much condition.18:25 – 22:20 | Compensatory Gain & Show Day PreparationUnderstanding rebound growth and how to freshen pigs up before a show.22:20 – 25:30 | Holding Stories & Lessons LearnedReal-world experiences, mistakes, and a memorable story about a pig that ended up 38 pounds overweight.25:30 – 28:10 | Supporting New ExhibitorsA reminder that everyone starts somewhere and that growing the industry starts with helping others.Key TakeawaysHolding show pigs successfully requires planning, routine weighing, and smart nutritional management. By making adjustments early, monitoring growth, and understanding how pigs respond to feed changes, exhibitors can better manage weight while maintaining quality and competitiveness in the show ring.
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How to Hold Show Pigs
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