Hormone use in pork production is a really common area of misconception. I have frequently heard statements alluding to the idea that pigs are “pumped” with hormones to make them grow faster. For some reason people are under the impression that pigs couldn’t possibly grow so fast without the aid of additional hormones.
It turns out that pigs are actually an amazing species with an incredible ability to grow. Over the years, pork farmers have selected the fastest growing and leanest meat producing animals. Pigs are good enough growers based solely on their own genetics that hormone assisted muscle growth isn’t necessary and isn’t practiced.
The picture above is a group of feeder pigs that never have and never will be exposed to hormones
In my earlier post, I mentioned that any hormones used on my farms are completely under my control. That is 100% true.
My farmers that raise pigs from wean age (when they leave mom at ~12lbs) to market (~290lbs) do not have access to any hormones. I do not allow any use of hormones in growing pigs, and frankly I’ve never had a farmer raising growing pigs ever ask for hormones.
My farmers that raise gilts (future pig mothers) and sows (pig mothers) do use hormones according to my recommendations and under my oversite. The hormones used in gilts are used occasionally, if needed, to help a gilt to enter her reproductive cycle or to cycle along with other gilts. Hormones used in sows are tools to help induce labor, keep the labor process moving and to encourage milk letdown. The hormones used to help with reproduction are all medications approved by the food and drug administration and cannot be purchased or used without Veterinary oversite.
Long story short, the final product is free from added growth hormones. Pigs just don’t need the extra help!
Knowing that growth hormones aren’t used in pigs, and meat is free from any antibiotic residue, my decision was to continue to eat conventionally raised pork throughout pregnancy and breast feeding. I ate a well-balanced diet with plenty of lean protein (via pork) to support the growth of my baby. The ultimate outcome for me was a healthy, beautiful baby boy. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I will always protect him from everything I can. One thing I don’t have to worry about protecting him from is conventionally raised pork. We will continue to eat pork as a family. I can’t wait until he can enjoy his first pulled pork sandwich and until he gets to spend a day with his mom in a pig barn!
My whole goal with this blog is to be really open and honest about what we do in the swine industry. You deserve to understand where your food comes from. I don’t care what you decide regarding your food choices. I just want to make sure all your decisions are made based on the truth and not on a lack of knowledge or false information. As always, I would be happy to answer questions!
My perfect little boy!
