Freshman, Jessica Hochreiter, took an interest in raising pigs after working on the broiler crew and coordinated local businesses and community members to donate feed, a farrowing crate, the sow, and even offer medical assistance to the sow and her piglets. Before beginning the project, she went before the Ephrata Borough to get approval to house the animal on EHS grounds.
Using a video camera from the technology education department, Jessica was able to capture the farrowing process on camera to share with future classes. When the piglets arrived on Sunday, Jessica and junior, Pat Rehm, came in to assist in vaccinating, clipping their teeth, and trimming their umbilical cords.
Several other dedicated students are also helping Jessica feed and check on the litter twice a day. Miss Quigg’s animal science class is observing the piglets as they grow to learn about common maintenance procedures, observe animal behavior, and discuss reproductive technologies. The sow and her litter will be sold at auction at the conclusion of the school year.