What is a barrow?

A barrow specifically refers to a castrated male hog. In swine production, castration is commonly performed to prevent unwanted breeding and to help manage the animals more easily. This practice can also reduce aggressive behaviors typically associated with intact males and improve the quality of the meat. By castrating male hogs, farmers can optimize growth rates and maintain a more stable herd environment.

In contrast, a sexually mature male hog refers to a boar, which remains intact and capable of breeding. A young female hog is called a gilt, which has not yet given birth, and a female hog that has given birth is known as a sow. Understanding these terms is essential in the field of agriscience, particularly in animal husbandry, as they help in managing breeding programs and livestock classifications effectively.