Once a farmer is assured of a boar with top desired characteristics, sows (female pig) must be carefully observed for heat so that no service is skipped.
Signs that a pig is on heat are restlessness, reddened and swollen vulva with white mucus discharge which later turns slimy.
Like cows, sows or gilts on heat tend to mount and be mounted by others. The most specific indicator of heat and readiness for service is when the sow or gilt stands still when pressure is applied to her back (standing heat).
More commonly, a sow may delay coming on heat and this is usually after farrowing. To bring the sow to heat, spray the sow’s (or gilt’s) pen with boar urine every morning for three to five days. Bring the sow to the boar, or place the sow in a pen next to the boar or put the sow together with the boar for a short period every day when the heat is expected.
Always take the sow to the boar as This activity makes the sow smell the characteristic boar smell which stimulates heat. Early weaning at 4 to 6 weeks also helps a sow return to heat fast.
During standing heat period which lasts 24 hours, allow the boar to serve twice at an interval of about 12 to 14 hours. Do not mate animals during the hot time of day as it’s stressful. Young boars may need assistance in alignment during mating.
When aiding in this process, ensure your hands are clean and nails short. If conception is not successful, the sow will return on heat again in about three weeks.
It is usually advisable to increase feed by 1 – 2 kg per day since it is a stressing period with increased activity for the sow. In case of successful a pregnancy, it is good practice to, give 0.5 kg extra feed per day in the last trimester but decrease this gradually one week before farrowing.
Provide plenty of water to help prevent congested gut during farrowing. Failure of conception can be due to various factors including if the sow is too fat, gilt in her first heat cycle, immature boars and in some cases when the boar is overworked (used for more than five matings a week).
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