Pig Production: Boar Management

The performance level of swine herd is determined by both genetics and environment. The genetic contribution is determined by the boars and gilts selected and the breeding program used. The environment consists of external factors such as climate, housing, nutrition and management can hinder the genetic expression of performance traits.

The goal of any good swine breeding program is to have high farrowing rates with large litters (at least 10 piglets/litter). The following boar management practices before, during and after the breeding season will help you to reach your goal.

When to buy boars
Boars should be purchased and selected at the age of 6 months. This gives you enough time to select the superior animals. Once they are selected, check them for health condition and evaluate reproductive performance.

Transporting newly purchased boars
Newly purchased boars should be transported with proper care. It should ensure maximum safety to minimize stress, injury and diseases. Any stressful condition or disease that cause high body temperatures can lower fertility or even lead to temporary infertility which might last for 6 to 8 weeks

Boar Usage
This depends on the practice of the farm. Is it natural or artificial method of breeding, combined system (AI on first service then natural as follow-up service or vice-versa) or sandwich system (natural-AI-natural, Natural-AI-AI or AI-Natural-AI) of breeding or is it purely natural or AI?

For boars used for natural mating, the following table may serve as guide:

With regards to the frequency of use, the following service interval is recommended:

Selection of boars
The following are pointers that can be considered in the selection of a boar:

• a. Sex character
Masculinity in appearance and action should predominate in the make-up of any boar. "Testicles" should always hang uniformly. Select boars whose testicles are almost equal in size.
• b. Age
Generally, boars should be 4 to 6 months at the time of selection. At this age, they should be developed enough to reveal some serious faults in conformation as well as desirable traits. However, the best is to select a boar which has been tested for fertility.
• c. Traits to overcome defects in the herd
Before deciding on which boars to select, determine the weaknesses of the gilts and sows in the herd so that proper adjustments can be made. For instance, if the rate of growth is a major problem in the herd in spite of good management and proper nutrition, choose a fast gaining boar.
• d. Reproductive soundness
Number, spacing and presentation of live teats at least 12.
• e. Body conformation
Body length, depth and height should be well-proportioned.
• Milk

Also, remember the following boar activities and consider these tips on boar management:

• Regular Boar Activities

 

• Helpful Tips on Boar Management

1. Feed to keep fit, not fat
2. Do not forget to isolate and acclimatize
3. Mating in boar’s pen may be the best location
4. Provide good environment
5. Use the boar for mating at the right age
6. Test mount to determine fertility and libido
7. cull boars which lack fertility and sex drive

• Other Considerations
1. If possible, have one extra boar for every 30 sows.
2. Boars should start service at age of 8 months and for the first service, introduce the boar to the sow which is standing well on heat.
3. If replacement stock is to be obtained from the farm, replace boars every 1.5 to 2 years (if only one boar is used).
4. It is advisable that boars be of different ages and sizes.
5. Acclimatize new boars at least 1 week before use and after quarantine period.
6. If possible, check semen quality of the boar regularly at least every six months, especially during summer.
7. If possible, make a blood test for newly acquired boars.
8. One caretaker should handle the boar.
9. Make sure that mating area is not slippery.
   

In Summary:
The performance level of swine herd is determined by both genetics and environment. The genetic contribution is determined by the boars and gilts selected and the breeding program used. The environment consists of external factors such as climate, housing, nutrition and management can hinder the genetic expression of performance traits.

Furthermore in selecting boars there are important pointers that needs to be followed to be able to select the right kind of boar for breeding. These pointers are:
-Sex character
-Age
-Traits to overcome defects in the herd
-Reproductive soundness
-Body conformation