Agriculture & EnvironmentISCO 6121
Pig breeder
A pig breeder is a person who oversees the breeding and the daily care of pigs, and who answers for the health and welfare of the herd.
Check yourself in a minute: pig breeder
Rate 5 of the 30 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
control animal movement
manage animal biosecurity
handle pigs
breed pigs
provide nutrition to animals
About pig breeder
The breeder feeds the animals and works from knowledge of animal nutrition, because a ration has to change with the age and the stage of the animal: a weaner, a grower and a sow in late pregnancy need different feed. Farm equipment is operated throughout, from feed systems and ventilation to loading and handling gear.
The breeder chooses which animals to keep for breeding and which to sell, working from knowledge of livestock species and from what the records show about growth, litter size and temperament.
The breeder manages biosecurity continuously, not only in response to an outbreak, controlling who enters a building, in what clothing, what comes in with feed and transport, and how sick animals are separated. The breeder keeps professional records of the tasks performed and maintains animal records covering treatments, movements, matings and losses. Registration, animal identification and welfare requirements are set by national agricultural law.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (30)
livestock reproductionlivestock reproductionThe natural and artificial reproduction techniques, gestation periods and birthing for livestock.signs of animal illnesssigns of animal illnessPhysical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.animal nutritionanimal nutritionAspects of how different animal species are fed and provided water. Different types of animal food, the quality criteria for animal food and methods to feed and give water to animals.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.livestock feedinglivestock feedingFood given to domestic animals in the course of animal husbandry.livestock specieslivestock speciesLivestock species and relevant genetics.health and safety regulationshealth and safety regulationsNecessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.control animal movementcontrol animal movementDirect, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.manage animal biosecuritymanage animal biosecurityPlan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working ...handle pigshandle pigsCarry out specialised procedures such as branding, tagging, castration, tail-docking and tooth cutting in humane manner taking into account the hygiene, welfare and safety regulations.breed pigsbreed pigsPrepare a suitable environment for pig breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate habitats for specific kinds of pigs. Monitor the pig's growth and health and ensure correct feeding. Determinate whe...provide nutrition to animalsprovide nutrition to animalsProvide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.'.assist in transportation of animalsassist in transportation of animalsAssist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transpor...provide first aid to animalsprovide first aid to animalsAdminister emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians ...feed livestockfeed livestockCalculate feed rations for all stages of growth and prepare, distribute and control quality of fodder.monitor livestockmonitor livestockMonitor and record the production and the welfare of the livestock.maintain professional recordsmaintain professional recordsProduce and maintain records of work performed.manage the health and welfare of livestockmanage the health and welfare of livestockAssess the current health status of your livestock. Manage any existing disease or disorder, including the requirements for isolation of livestock. Plan and manage a livestock health and welfare plan ...create animal recordscreate animal recordsCreate animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.maintain animal accommodation hygienicmaintain animal accommodation hygienicMake sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.apply animal hygiene practicesapply animal hygiene practicesPlan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals,...care for juvenile animalscare for juvenile animalsAssess the needs of the offspring and juvenile animals. Take appropriate action without delay in case of problems with the health of the offspring or juvenile.dispose of dead animalsdispose of dead animalsDispose of dead animals which are not considered a source of meat. Bury or cremate the animal based on the wishes of the owners or on other criteria.monitor the welfare of animalsmonitor the welfare of animalsMonitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of...operate farm equipmentoperate farm equipmentSupervise the smooth running of farm equipment which can include high pressure cleaning equipment, heating or air conditioning and monitor the temperature of premises. Make sure tractors and other veh...manage livestockmanage livestockPlan production programmes, birth plans, sales, feed purchase orders, materials, equipment, housing, location and stock management. Plan the destruction of relevant animals in humane manner and in acc...assist animal birthassist animal birthAssist in animal births, and care for newborn livestock. Make sure the animal has a clean and quiet place where it can give birth. Have clean drying towels handy at hand and a bottle filled with iodin...administer drugs to facilitate breedingadminister drugs to facilitate breedingAdminister specific drugs for synchronisation of breeding cycles to animals in accordance with veterinary and owner instructions. This includes the safe use and storage of drugs and equipment and reco...select livestockselect livestockTag, sort and separate animals by purpose and destination taking into account the condition of the animal and relevant legislation.administer treatment to animalsadminister treatment to animalsAdminister animal medical interventions, including the treatments performed, medicines used, and assessments of the state of health.'.
Optional (13) — show
animal welfareanimal welfareUniversally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behav...computerised feeding systemscomputerised feeding systemsThe functioning of computered controlled systems that provide animal feeding.assess management of animalsassess management of animalsEvaluate the management of a wide range of animals including the care, welfare and housing environment of animals in a zoo, wildlife park, stable, farm or animal research facility.advise customers on appropriate pet careadvise customers on appropriate pet careProvide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.assess animal nutritionassess animal nutritionAssess the nutrition status of animals, diagnose dietary imbalances and prescribe correction.advise on animal purchaseadvise on animal purchaseAdvise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.maintain welfare of animals during transportationmaintain welfare of animals during transportationKeep the health and welfare of animals during transportation, including frequent monitoring for signs of stress and symptoms of ill health.train livestock and captive animalstrain livestock and captive animalsTrain animals to facilitate their routine husbandry, for treatment, and/or public demonstrations.implement exercise activities for animalsimplement exercise activities for animalsProvide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'.work with veterinarianswork with veterinariansConsult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.assess animal behaviourassess animal behaviourObserve and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'.advise on animal welfareadvise on animal welfarePrepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommenda...
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Frequently asked questions
What does a pig breeder do?
Pig breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of pigs. They maintain the health and welfare of pigs.
What skills does a pig breeder need?
A pig breeder needs 30 essential skills, including livestock reproduction, signs of animal illness, animal nutrition, animal welfare legislation, livestock feeding.
Will AI replace pig breeder jobs?
The AI disruption score for pig breeder is 18/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: maintain professional records, computerised feeding systems, health and safety regulations. Most resilient: control animal movement, handle pigs, dispose of dead animals.
AI Replacement Risk
18/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
ISCO GroupMarket-oriented skilled agricultural workers
Essential Skills30
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