Breeding Management in Pigs
Proper breeding management in pigs is essential for achieving high productivity, healthy piglets, and profitability. In Kenya, where pork consumption is steadily increasing, efficient breeding techniques help farmers maximize returns while ensuring animal welfare.
1. Selecting the Right Breeding Stock
The foundation of successful pig breeding lies in selecting healthy boars and sows with desirable traits such as high fertility, good mothering ability, rapid growth rate, and disease resistance. Farmers should source breeding pigs from reputable farms to avoid introducing genetic defects or diseases.
2. Breeding Age and Weight
Sows are typically ready for breeding at around 8 months of age, weighing 90–100 kg, while boars can be used from 8–9 months. Breeding pigs too early can lead to complications, while late breeding can reduce productivity.
3. Heat Detection
Recognizing heat (estrus) signs is vital for successful mating. Common signs include restlessness, mounting behavior, vulva swelling, and a willingness to stand still when pressure is applied on the back. Sows typically come into heat every 21 days and stay receptive for 2–3 days.
4. Mating Methods
- Natural Mating: Involves introducing the sow to the boar during heat. One boar can service 15–20 sows.
- Artificial Insemination (AI): Allows the use of superior genetics without the need to keep multiple boars.
5. Pregnancy and Gestation
The average gestation period in pigs is 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days). Pregnant sows require balanced nutrition, comfortable housing, and minimal stress to ensure a healthy litter.
6. Farrowing Preparation
About a week before farrowing, the sow should be moved to a clean, dry farrowing pen. Bedding should be fresh, and the area should be well-ventilated to reduce disease risk. Veterinary checkups are recommended.
7. Record Keeping
Maintaining breeding records helps track heat cycles, mating dates, pregnancy status, and farrowing outcomes. This data is critical for improving future breeding efficiency.
BREEDING MANAGEMENT
(a) Sexual maturity
(1) Gilts/sows
* Age to breed gilts is 7-8 months
* Weight of gilts at breeding 100-120 kg
* The length of the oestrus cycle range between 18-24days with an average of 21 days.
* The heat period lasts 3-5 days......Best time to breed For gilts first day of heat For sows Second day of heat Number of services per sow/gilts is 2 services at an interval of 12-14 hours
* Occurrence of heat after weaning 2-10 days
* Gestation period 114 days
* Sows reproductive life is 4-5 years.
BOARS
Boars The boar should start serving at &months of age.
*At the start of a young boar should be allowed only two services per week (in the first two months) After wards it can manage six services per week.
*Allow I boar for every 10-15 sow
*Boars should be housed separately to avoid fighting.
*The sow should be transferred to the boar pen for service and not the other way round.
*Boar's reproductive life is 3-4 year
*Time to serve-optimum time to serve the sow is 36-43 hours after showing the first heat signs. ......It is advisable to allow the boar to serve the sow twice at an interval of 12 hours between the services. This increases chances of conception.
HEAT SIGNS
* Swelling and reddening of the vulva.
* White clear mucus discharge.
* Mounting other sows and being mounted by others.
* Reduced appetite. Sow/gilt stand still when pressure is applied on her back.
TIME TO SERVE
* The optimum time to serve the sow is 36-43 hours after showing the first heat signs.
* It is advisable to allow the boar to serve the sow twice at an interval of 12 hours between the services. This increases chances of conception.
* After mating if the sow does not come to heat in 21-42 days, it confirms conception.
GASTATION PERIOD:
* Length of gestation is 114-117 days (3months 3 weeks 3days)
SIGNS OF FARROWING
* Signs of farrowing: The following are the signs of approaching farrowing in sows and gilts:
* Abnormal contractions -This appear 1 to 3 hours before birth (but can also occur just 15 minutes to up to 10 hours before birth.
* Nest (bed) making - Occurs about 24 hours before the birth of the first piglet.
* A lot of restlessness.
* Discharge of blood stained fluids.
* Presence of milk in the udder. 7.
* Twitching of the tail. This begins about 2 hours before the first piglet is delivered.
* Presence of milk in the udder.
Conclusion
Breeding management in pigs requires careful planning, selection, and monitoring. By choosing quality breeding stock, detecting heat accurately, using appropriate mating techniques, and ensuring proper care during pregnancy, Kenyan pig farmers can achieve high productivity and profitability.
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