Question: Recently I went to the District Show in Mercedes, Texas and the Judge told me that my hog was stiff in the legs. What can you give a pig that is stiff (feed, medicine, vitamines, put on a muscle relaxer)? What can be given to stop the stiffness in my hog?

Answer: Elizabeth,
 
Thank you for your question.
 
Stiffness in pigs can be due to a couple of factors:
 
1) too much muscle (Very heavily muscled. This is usually genetic unless Paylean is being fed.)
2) structural unsoundness (The way the pig is put together. This is genetic.)
 
If it is due to number 2 above, you might try feeding glucosamine and chondroitin. These are natural joint lubricants found naturally occurring in the pigs body as well as any animal.
 
Note: when supplementing glucosamine and chondroitin need to be from natural sources like shark cartilage. The container you purchase will indicate the source of these compounds.
 
Thanks again,
 
Dr. Kevin Burgoon
HONOR Show Chow Nutritionist