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, meeting market demand consistently and supporting long-term economic stability. To achieve this, it's essential to manage breeding pigs effectively by selecting the optimal breeding stages and ensuring efficient utilization. When reproductive performance declines, timely culling is necessary to reduce costs and maintain productivity.
**Use of Boars**
**1.1 Appropriate Age**
Boars reach their peak fertility between 2 to 3 years of age. After that, their reproductive capacity gradually declines. Young boars (1–3 years old) typically have strong sexual drive, fast reflexes, and high-quality semen, which leads to better conception rates in sows. They are also more physically agile with fewer hoof problems. Older boars, however, tend to have reduced libido, slower responses, and higher body weight, which can lead to mobility issues and poor breeding performance. Therefore, most boars are used for only 2–3 years. Those over 3 years should be culled unless they show exceptional health and fertility.
**1.2 Suitable Breeding Frequency**
In seasonal breeding systems, adult boars can be bred once or twice daily, but must have at least one day of rest per week. Young boars should be bred once a day for three consecutive days, followed by a 1–2 day break. Older boars can be bred twice a day, with a rest day after three days of continuous use. For large-scale farms, boars aged 8–12 months should be bred twice a week during natural mating and once a week during artificial insemination. Boars over 12 months should be bred three times a week during natural mating and once every five days during artificial insemination.
**1.3 Quality of Semen**
Regardless of the breeding method, semen quality must be regularly checked. Sperm viability should be above 0.8, with a normal density and less than 10% abnormal sperm. The color should be milky white or off-white, with no unusual odors. Before using boars for breeding, a two-week training period is recommended, and at least two samples should be tested. Any semen not meeting the standards should not be used.
**Use of Sows**
**2.1 Suitable Breeding Age**
Sows that give birth more than five times often experience higher embryo mortality. Young sows (1–6 litters) usually show clear estrus signs, have higher conception rates, and produce healthier piglets. However, older sows may have reduced fertility, poor milk production, and physical issues like lameness or weak abdominal muscles, which can harm piglet survival. Most modern farms limit sow use to 5–6 litters, with top performers reaching up to 7–8.
**2.2 Proper Body Weight**
Regular weighing of gilts ensures they reach appropriate weights before breeding. Large breeds should weigh around 90 kg at 6 months and 120–130 kg at 8 months. Local breeds should reach 50–60 kg at 6 months. Overweight sows may face reproductive issues, while underweight ones may struggle with lactation and farrowing. Studies show that sows weighing 120 kg have better conception rates and lower embryo loss compared to heavier ones.
**2.3 Optimal Breeding Time**
The best time to breed sows is within 24–36 hours after estrus, with the peak at around 31 hours. Eggs remain viable for about 8–12 hours, and sperm can survive in the sow for 10–20 hours. Breeding too early or late reduces fertilization success. For natural breeding, the first mating should occur 24 hours after the start of estrus, with a second mating 10–12 hours later. Artificial insemination should follow a similar schedule. Breeding timing varies by age and breed: older sows should be bred within 24 hours, young sows up to 60 hours, and middle-aged sows between 30–48 hours.
**2.4 Breeding Methods**
Multiple breeding techniques improve litter size. Single breeding involves one mating, while repeated breeding uses two sessions with an 8–12 hour gap. Double breeding uses two boars in one cycle, and multiple breeding involves several boars at different intervals. However, two sessions are usually sufficient. Artificial insemination is encouraged to improve efficiency and reduce costs, especially for mature sows. Boars and sows should not differ too much in size; boars should be slightly larger.
**2.5 Weaning Time**
Early weaning (28–30 days) increases sow productivity, allowing them to farrow 2–2.5 times per year. This system improves breeding efficiency and reduces feed costs. Sows weaned early typically return to estrus within 5–7 days, with conception rates between 90% and 95%.