Ensuring a successful mating

9 November 2018

3 minute read

Always introduce the sow to the boar.
Always observe every service to completion in indoor systems. Examine boars clinically every week in outdoor systems and observe at least one service per sow as far as possible.
Do not commence services too early.
Make sure the sow is standing completely still and solid for the first mating.
Match the size of the boar to the size of sow.
Serve in a pen that is dry, with no projections and a non slip floor. The floor area should be at least 9.5m2. All sides should be equal in size.
Make sure the supernumerary digits of the boar do not damage the sows back. If so use a thin carpet or other protective material over the back of the sow.
Assist entry of the penis into the vagina if necessary by cupping a clean or gloved hand. Do not handle the prepuce, you will empty the preputial sac and cause heavy bacterial contamination.
Ensure the penis is locked in and then observe between the testicles for the pulsation of the urethra to indicate that insemination is taking place.
Observe that there is no leakage of semen from the vulva.
Always use a fresh unused boar for the first service.
Never use a boar that is stiff or lame, you will risk a small litter.
Avoid using a boar for at least 14 days if he has had a temperature of more than 40ºC (104ºF).
Handle the boar and sow quietly and patiently.
Kindness and good empathy mean good fertility.
Only serve once every 24 hours.
Use one boar for one sow where possible and serve am and am.
Only use each boar once every 24 hours.
Give the boar a 48 hour rest between each complete sow mating if at all possible.
Maintain the sow in dry warm housing for 21 days post-service.
Do not mix sows after day 2 post-service.
Feed sows 2kg maximum of feed for 2 days post-service then to body condition to day 21 (minimum of 2.8kg)
Feed a diet of at least 14.0 MJ DE/kg and 1% lysine from weaning to 21 days post-service.
Always house the boar in a clean dry pen.