What is the name for a castrated male pig?

The term used to describe a castrated male pig is "barrow." When a male pig undergoes castration, it is specifically to prevent it from reproducing and to help improve its behavior, making it more suitable for meat production. Barrows are typically raised for pork because the castration process helps ensure that the meat quality is desirable by reducing the levels of certain hormones that can affect flavor and tenderness.

In contrast, a gilt refers to a young female pig that has not yet given birth, while a sow is a mature female pig that has already produced offspring. A boar, on the other hand, is an intact male pig used for breeding purposes. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone studying animal science, particularly in the swine industry.