Genetics and reproduction

Outdoor AI - Top Five Tips from BQP

Paul Arundel, BQP’s Breeding Farm Manager, highlights his top five AI tips for a successful outdoor service system.

12 February 2007

2 minute read

The most successful outdoor AI service systems are generally radial-based and have the following commonalities:

1. They operate using an efficient, low stress and above all simple system.

2. Their service centres are clean, tidy and light, and provide a comfortable working environment all year round.

3. They operate using a system based on the five "S" key principles.

Segregation - Sows are kept away from boar presence and smell for around 12 hours pre-service.
Stimulation - Sows are introduced to the boar at point of service.
Serve - Sows are served individually, one inseminator to one sow in one service pen.
Stimulation - Sows continue to be stimulated for 5-20 minutes post service, by allowing them nose-to-nose contact with other boars on the radial.
Sleep - Sows return to their paddocks and rest.

4. They employ "team breeding" to allow services to be carried out in a shorter period of time. This is especially beneficial in batch systems, during periods of hot weather or when day length is short. A shorter service period also reduces the effect of "inseminator boredom."

5. They only inseminate sows during their period of true "standing heat."