The profession of Swine Herder falls within the realm of agriculture and requires specialized knowledge and skills in the breeding and care of pigs. A Swine Herder is responsible for the large-scale maintenance and breeding of pigs for subsequent sale in the meat market.
First and foremost, a Swine Herder ensures comfortable conditions in the pigsty where the pigs are housed. They are responsible for cleanliness and hygiene of the premises, establishing and monitoring optimal temperature, humidity, and lighting, as well as ventilation and maintenance of technical systems.
A crucial aspect of the profession is the feeding of pigs. A Swine Herder must be knowledgeable about the animals' diet, which includes various feeds such as grains, soy, potatoes, dairy products, and more. They are responsible for timely and regular feeding, quality control of the feeds and ration, as well as preventing the spread of diseases among pigs through the administration of necessary vaccines and treatments.
Another aspect of the Swine Herder's work is the general care of the pigs. They are responsible for organizing and monitoring the pigs' outdoor activities, their physical and locomotive activity. A Swine Herder also checks the health of the pigs, identifies and treats diseases, performs hoof trimming and sprout processing, and ensures necessary procedures are in place to prevent parasitic infestations.
In addition, a Swine Herder carries out a range of administrative duties such as maintaining records of pigs, preparing reports on the state of the farm, monitoring the availability of necessary equipment and materials, and collaborating with other specialists, such as veterinarians or geneticists.
