Uncle pig

Question
Hi I have had a boy pig for about 5 months and have decided I want to mate him I am going to get a girl pig from the same place I got the boy. Only that would mean  the boy I have now would be her uncle.

I know that you can't mate other animal families together because there could be some birth defects, I was wondering if it is the same with pigs?

Thanks for answering my question!  God bless


Answer
Yes, there is a big danger in allowing close relatives to breed. Some of the most serious problems result in stillborn piglets, others prevent the piglets from developing normally causing slow and painful deaths.

Inbred pigs (pigs whose parents are closely related) may lack an anal opening (this can be corrected surgically, but is very costly), the pig cannot eliminate body waste and dies slowly and painfully. Another problem is sinus deformations that are not noticeable at birth, but prevent the pig from breathing normally as he grows, and he will suffocate. Leg and joint deformations may be obvious, such as pigs with two legs much shorter, or less obvious, such as poor bone sockets leading to crippling arthritis.

A far more serious problem is the surplus of pet pigs. Many pet pigs are abandoned in sanctuaries and rescues because there are no homes for them.

If you are planning to breed farm hogs for meat, your local government agricultural services can guide you (usually your county extension office). Smaller pet pig breeds are not for eating, they produce little meat and it is considered inferior quality.

You can find out more about breeding guidelines from North American Pot Bellied Pig Association at www.petpigs.com and the National Comittee on Pot Bellied Pigs at www.ncopp.com