Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

In swine, a male that has been castrated before reaching sexual maturity is called a?

1. Barrow

2. Boar

3. Gilt

4. Stag

The correct answer is: Barrow

A male swine that has been castrated before reaching sexual maturity is known as a barrow. The process of castration involves the removal of the testicles, which is typically done to prevent the animal from developing mature male characteristics and behaviors, such as aggression or the strong odor related to intact males. Understanding the terminology used in livestock is crucial. A barrow will not have reproductive capabilities due to the absence of the testes and is often raised for meat production. This characteristic influences both the quality of the meat produced and market preferences, as barrows are generally known for producing more tender and palatable meat compared to intact males. In contrast, a boar is an intact male pig that has not been castrated and is capable of breeding. A gilt is a female pig that has not yet had a litter and is typically also used for breeding purposes. A stag, while it can refer to a male animal that has been castrated after reaching sexual maturity, is not the term used specifically for swine and can often refer to similar types of animals in different settings. Thus, barrow is the appropriate term for a male swine that has undergone castration before maturity.