Boar management and use technology
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With the advancement of industrialization, large-scale pig farming, and intensified production, artificial insemination has become a widely adopted practice in modern swine breeding. Effective management of breeding boars is a critical component in ensuring successful artificial insemination. Drawing on extensive data and practical experience, this article outlines key strategies for managing and utilizing breeding boars, offering valuable insights for industry professionals.
First, there are clear guidelines for boar usage. Boars between 8 to 12 months old should be used three times per week, with one sow each time. For boars over 12 months, the frequency increases to five or six times weekly, with two sows each session. After each mating, the boar must rest for at least one day to avoid overexertion. If a sow has been bred once or twice and shows no further interest, it should not be replaced by another boar. It's also important to monitor for signs of heat stress or loss of libido, which may require immediate rest.
Regular checks of sows after 18–24 days post-breeding and pregnancy diagnosis at 30 days are essential indicators of boar performance. Fertility rates vary among boars, and young boars under 12 months may not yet be fully mature. Overuse before maturity can lead to reduced fertility, mating success, and litter size. To maximize fertility, it’s crucial to allow boars to rest between 20–24 hours after two consecutive breedings, ensuring optimal ejaculation and sperm quality.
Boar usage records must be maintained, and regular monitoring is necessary to ensure balanced workload and effective management. Weekly estrus checks require consistent boar availability, so rest schedules should be carefully planned. A comprehensive evaluation of boars helps in making informed breeding decisions, including swapping them with more productive ones when needed.
Boars should rest if they are sick, weak, or show signs of exhaustion. Overuse can lead to reduced fertility, and rest periods typically range from 1 to 7 days, up to 4 weeks in case of injury. Prolonged rest beyond two weeks may cause temporary infertility. A well-structured boar management program is vital for maintaining high conception and farrowing rates.
Heat stress significantly impacts semen quality. Boars are highly sensitive to temperature, and their sperm production cycle takes around 40 days. Heat stress can reduce sperm motility, total count, and density while increasing abnormalities. Recovery usually takes 7–8 weeks. Preventive measures include adjusting airflow, using drip cooling, preparing cooling systems in advance, scheduling early breeding sessions, and timing matings during optimal heat periods.
Trial boars, often vasectomized, are used for estrus detection and false mating, stimulating the sow’s reproductive tract without fertility. They can be used extensively but must be monitored for health and behavior. Even though they are infertile, they still need proper handling and care.
Finally, boar management requires training and careful handling. Boars are intelligent animals that can develop good or bad habits. Harsh treatment may lead to aggression, making them difficult to manage. Handlers should always be cautious, especially near the head, and avoid standing directly in front of them. Gentle interaction and consistent communication help build trust and improve management outcomes. Proper boar care combines kindness with discipline, adapting methods to different situations for the best results.