Having a pig roast is a social occasion that includes a group of hungry people and a facility for cooking a pig in its entirety. Whole-pig cookouts are called luaus in Hawaii and Pig Pickings in North Carolina. Tiny suckling pigs are sufficient for smaller groups and can be cooked in a standard oven, since these little pigs are not much different in size than a large turkey. Larger pigs are cooked in special ovens outdoors that are large enough to accommodate an entire hog. These large animals are butterflied to ensure even cooking while the suckling pig is roasted intact. With any type of pig roast, it's important to calculate how much meat to buy.
Make a list of the guests you want to invite.
Count the names on the list.
Multiply this figure by one and a half. This is the number of pounds of dressed hog carcass you will purchase from the butcher. For 50 people you will need 50 x 1.5 or 75 pounds.