Grasping the Optimum Breeding Stage and Effectively Increasing Breeding Efficiency
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Modern pig farming requires a balanced breeding strategy throughout the year to ensure that pigs are marketed in batches and meet market demand consistently, which helps maintain stable economic returns. To achieve this, it's essential to manage breeding pigs effectively by selecting the optimal breeding stages and utilizing them at their peak performance. When reproductive efficiency declines, timely culling is necessary to reduce costs and maintain productivity.
**Use of Boars**
**1.1 Appropriate Age**
Boars typically reach their highest fertility between 2 to 3 years of age. After that, their sexual function gradually declines. Young boars (1–3 years old) usually have strong libido, fast sexual reflexes, and high-quality semen, leading to better conception rates. They are also more physically agile with fewer hoof problems. Older boars, however, tend to have reduced fertility, slower responses, and higher chances of lameness or other physical issues. Therefore, most boars are used for only 2–3 years, unless they show exceptional health and fertility, in which case they may be kept longer.
**1.2 Appropriate Breeding Frequency**
In seasonal breeding systems, adult boars can be bred 1–2 times per day, but should rest at least one day per week. Young boars should be bred once daily, followed by a 1–2 day break after three consecutive days of mating. For older boars, two breedings per day are acceptable, with a rest day after three days of continuous use. In large-scale farms, boars aged 8–12 months are bred twice weekly during natural mating, and once weekly during artificial insemination. Boars over 12 months are bred three times per week naturally, and once every five days during artificial insemination.
**1.3 Suitable Semen Quality**
Semen quality must always be checked before use. Sperm viability should be above 0.8, with normal morphology (less than 10% abnormal sperm), and a milky white color without unusual odors. Before being used for breeding, young boars should undergo a half-month training period, and at least two samples should be tested. Any semen failing to meet standards should not be used.
**Use of Sows**
**2.1 Suitable Breeding Age**
Sows that have farrowed more than five times often experience higher embryonic mortality. Young sows (1–6 farrowings) generally show clear estrus signs, have high conception rates, and produce more viable piglets. However, older sows tend to have lower fertility, weaker lactation, and may suffer from leg or hoof problems, which can lead to piglet deaths. According to modern practices, sows are typically used for 5–6 litters, with some high-performing individuals reaching up to 7–8 litters.
**2.2 Appropriate Body Weight**
Regular weighing of gilts is important to ensure they reach the right weight before breeding. Large breeds should weigh around 90 kg at 6 months, and 120–130 kg at 8 months. Small or early-maturing breeds should be bred when they reach 50–60 kg at 6 months. Overweight sows may face reproductive issues, while underweight sows may struggle with lactation. Studies show that sows weighing 120 kg have better conception rates and less postpartum complications compared to those over 150 kg.
**2.3 Suitable Breeding Time**
The best time for mating is within 24–36 hours after the onset of estrus, with the peak occurring around 31 hours. Sperm can survive in the sow for 10–20 hours, so timing is critical. Mating too early or too late can reduce fertilization success. For artificial insemination, two sessions are recommended: the first 12 hours after constant estrus, and the second 10–12 hours later. The timing may vary depending on the sow’s age and breed, with older sows bred earlier and younger ones later.
**2.4 Suitable Breeding Methods**
Breeding methods such as single, repeated, or double breeding can affect litter size. Repeated breeding (two times with an 8–12 hour interval) often results in better litter numbers. Multiple breeding (with multiple boars) is sometimes used but not always necessary. Artificial insemination is encouraged to improve boar utilization and reduce costs, though it’s not recommended for gilts. Boars and sows should be similar in size, with boars slightly larger.
**2.5 Suitable Weaning Time**
To increase sow productivity, early weaning (at 28–30 days) is recommended. This allows sows to farrow 2–2.5 times per year, improving efficiency and reducing feed costs. Sows that are weaned early usually return to estrus within 5–7 days, with high conception rates (90–95%).