For a livestock breeder who wants to start breeding pigs, mating pigs is a very important point. In any case, fertilization should not occur spontaneously. In order for the offspring to be full-fledged and healthy, the owner should take care of the competent organization of the process.
In nature, mating occurs naturally, but in order to obtain purebred or healthy offspring that inherit certain characteristics, it is necessary to organize it correctly
Let's talk in detail about the subtleties and nuances of this matter.
At what age are pigs ready?
At 5–6 months, pigs begin puberty. Nevertheless, animals are not ready for mating and breeding offspring - boars' testes are not yet fully formed, as are the mammary glands of sows, and therefore mating at this age is fraught with defects in the offspring and inhibited development of the parents themselves.
The most optimal age to start mating is from 10 to 12 months. Sows must weigh more than 110 kilograms, boars - more than 125 kilograms. The most preferred time of year is winter or the first month of spring.
Conditions that accelerate and inhibit puberty in pigs.
Studies have shown that, for example, within the Duroc breed, with a limited level of nutrition, some pigs reached sexual maturity at the age of 217 days with a live weight of 73 kilograms, others - in the age group of 292 days with a live weight of 126 kilograms. The age at which animals of inbred lines reach sexual maturity indicates that genetic conditions serve as the main root cause of linear differentiation, although significant differences (up to 15 days) were observed within the boundaries of the lines in different years.
Within an inbred line, heavy pigs in the 154-day age group tended to reach sexual maturity earlier than slow-growing animals, but lines whose animals had significant growth vigor tended to reach sexual maturity later.
The use of inbreeding inhibits the puberty of pigs, and, on the contrary, interbreeding (including crosses of inbred lines) has a positive effect on their sexual development. For example, in the experiments of D. Clark, purebred pigs of the Polish-Chinese and Yorkshire breeds reached puberty in the age group of 226 and 247 days, respectively, and crosses of these breeds - at 222 days.
How to choose a female
When choosing a female, you should pay attention to her character - good mothers come from sows with a calm temperament. They are usually selected at the age of 4 to 5 months, mating is carried out after 10 months.
Important! The male and female selected for mating should not be related, as this will negatively affect the gene pool of the young and its survival.
The weight of the individual must be at least 110 kilograms, and the age must be from 10 months to 4 years. The more relatives a pig had in the same litter, the greater its fertility. During selection, attention is also paid to the nipples of the expectant mother - they must be convex, otherwise it will be difficult for the young to feed.
What to do if the mating result is unsatisfactory
A pig that has not bred during two consecutive heats is advised to be sent for fattening. However, before this, it makes sense to show the animal to a veterinarian , especially if it has never given birth to offspring. It may turn out that pregnancy has not occurred simply because an inexperienced pig breeder incorrectly determines the moment of the start of the “hunt” in his pet. At the same time, experts do not recommend “exploiting” queens for too long: at the age of 4 years, a pig usually passes the peak of reproductive activity, and its subsequent farrows become less successful.
How to mate pigs
There are two types of pig mating - group and individual. In group breeding, one boar is assigned several females, whom he will fertilize. In case of individual treatment, a pair is selected for each animal, taking into account its individual characteristics.
With such reproduction, two approaches are used - homogeneous and heterogeneous. In the first, individuals with approximately the same physical characteristics, fertility and gene pool are selected. In the second approach, animals that demonstrate low performance are mated with the most productive ones.
In addition, attention is paid to age. Young sows are preferred to be mated with older boars, while older females are mated with males of any age.
Important! It is advisable that mating be carried out within the same breed.
Peculiarities of animal behavior during mating
The successful completion of the pen during mating will be facilitated by its passage in the boar’s “native” pigsty. This feature is manifested in the fact that the whole process must take place in fairly comfortable conditions familiar to the male. At home, the boar will not be distracted by exploring a new room for himself, his sexual desire will not weaken due to the presence of odors unknown until the moment of mating.
There is no need for obvious (visual for pigs) presence of a person during mating. The sexual activity of animals may decrease during the presence of strangers. Attempts of external influence (exclams, physical contact - pushing, stroking animals) on the successful completion of mating, in the opinion of the owners, are excluded. On the contrary, the longer the “courtship” process takes place, the greater the likelihood that the mating of pigs will end successfully.
In cases where, for some reason, the signs of hunting have weakened in a pig during the intended mating, it (the pig) should be driven away from the pen. If the hunt manifests itself, then after some time the pig itself will return to the pen where the boar is located.
It is necessary to remember about the behavioral characteristics of pigs that are overweight at home or during feeding were in conditions that limit their movements: signs of heat and estrus in such animals are weakly expressed, so it is not worth drawing conclusions about the impossibility of effective mating.
Young pigs can be bred and fertilized at the age of 5-6 months
. However, due to the underdevelopment of the genital organs, they are not yet ready for normal fruiting and raising strong, healthy piglets, well adapted for further use.
The desire of some pig farmers to quickly obtain piglets and reimburse the costs of purchasing and raising a pig leads to serious mistakes. Mating at an excessively early age leads to a delay in the development of the queens themselves, a decrease in multiple births, and the birth of small, weak piglets with an increased susceptibility to diseases. Covering queens at 6-7 months of age results in 6-8 piglets at birth, 6-7 piglets at weaning.
In pigs born at 7-8 months of age, the multiple pregnancy is 8-8.5, in 9-10 month olds - 9-10, in 11-12 month olds - 10-11 piglets.
The age at which young animals first coat also affects the development of the mammary glands. In 11-12 month old pigs, covered with a live weight of 120-130 kg, the glandular tissue of the mammary gland is formed into clearly visible lobules, in each of which the alveoli are fully developed; in some alveoli, the presence of a secretion is visible. In pigs 9-10 months of age, the gland is clearly lobulated, there are alveoli, but there is no secretion in them yet. In pigs born at the age of 7-8 months, with a live weight of 70-85 kg, the lobules of glandular tissue have not yet formed, there are no alveoli, therefore their milk production is significantly lower, which negatively affects the safety and development of piglets.
High fertility and milk production, good maternal qualities and viable young animals
, suitable for intensive fattening, is given by young pigs at the first covering at the age of 9-10 months with a live weight of 120-130 kg. To achieve such development, the average daily gain of growing pigs must be at least 500 g, which is only possible if they are adequately fed. Too high gains when raising future queens are also undesirable - this leads to excessive fatting of the animals and deterioration in the quality of the offspring.
The growth rate of growing pigs should be lower than that of fattening young animals, and this is achieved by standardized feeding.
The effectiveness of insemination (mating) largely depends on the ability to determine the time of estrus in a sow, which in turn is determined by the knowledge and ability to use this phenomenon. The complex of physiological processes repeated in the female body in a certain sequence is called the sexual cycle
. It consists of several phases, or stages, according to which characteristic changes occur in the sexual behavior of the uterus and the functions of the reproductive apparatus.
Excitation stage
is characterized by changes in the external genitalia: they visibly swell, turn red, the genital loop relaxes, antiperistaltic movements are noticeable, and sometimes discharge. This is estrus, indicating the maturation of the follicles and the release of follicular hormone. As the follicles mature, estrus intensifies. Gradually, the queens become more restless. Most of the time they move around, squeal, and exhibit a hug reflex. Their appetite decreases or is completely absent.
The period of increased sexual activity turns into oestrus - the uterus exhibits a reflex of immobility and allows the boar to cover.
Timely detection of the onset of heat in sows is one of the most important elements in organizing intensive reproduction of the herd. The onset of heat in pigs can be detected by checking with a test boar or pressing the fist on the lower back. The stage of sexual arousal lasts 3-5 days, and sexual heat lasts from 36 to 90, sometimes up to 120 hours. Despite the fact that fertilization of queens occurs in such a wide range from the beginning of heat, their multiple births depend on the time of insemination associated with the timing of ovulation. The release of eggs from the follicle in piggy queens occurs 18-24 hours after the start of oestrus, in replacement gilts - after 24-30 hours.
On average, the duration of ovulation is 10-15 hours, sometimes from 1-3 to 24-48 hours.
Braking stage
occurs after the end of the hunt and is characterized by a weakening and cessation of signs of anxiety, restoration of appetite, and a negative reaction to the test boar. During this period, pigs are characterized by a state of depression and “sleepy” behavior. They lie down a lot, are reluctant to get up, and lag behind the herd on walks.
At this stage, the swelling of the tissues of the external genital organs disappears, the vulva is wrinkled and retracted. The genital loop is tightly compressed, the vaginal speculum is inserted into the genital tract with difficulty. In place of the ovulated follicle, the corpus luteum develops in the ovary. The period of extinction of sexual arousal lasts 5-7 days.
Balance stage
characterized by the absence of estrus and hunting. The sow is calm and does not react to the boar. The duration of the rest period is 9-10 days, sometimes up to 14 days.
Mating of pigs is an important process that requires breeders to have special knowledge and skills in the field of pig breeding and the use of various breeding methods. When breeding pigs, several methods are used. The choice of method depends on what goals the owners pursue.
Mating of pigs is an important process that requires breeders to have special knowledge
The essence of this method is the mating of males and females of the same breed. When using this type of breeding, there is a strict selection of pigs of the same breed according to certain criteria. For example, crossing landraces. Purebred piglets, improvement of the breed, the emergence of new qualities of meat and fat - all this can be achieved using this method. Within this species, related and unrelated crossings are distinguished:
- Inbreeding means bringing together pigs that are the offspring of the same sow. It is also possible to cross a uterus or boar with their offspring. The advantage of the method is the preservation of valuable breed qualities: productivity, special physique. Disadvantages include defects in the offspring, deterioration in their health and vitality.
- Unrelated is the traditional crossing of pigs of the same breed.
Interbreeding involves mating pigs of different breeds. It is used when there is no goal to preserve the breed or improve productivity. There are three options:
- Absorption. Consists of low productivity with pigs of the best breed. However, you will not be able to achieve the desired result the first time. You will have to repeat the crossing several times until the offspring meet the breeder's requirements.
- Reproductive. Used for the purpose of breeding new breeds and breeding crosses.
- Introductory. Used to improve some breed characteristics. The main qualities remain the same, but the planned ones change radically.
Industrial crossbreeding is used to improve the productivity of pigs. There are three types:
- simple two-breed mating of pigs;
- two-breed variable - females are mated in turn with males of different breeds;
- three-breed - sows obtained as a result of a two-breed cross happen with boars of a different breed.
Signs of the hunt
Heat in pigs is the period when the sow goes into heat and ovulates. It is during the hunt that fertilization is guaranteed, and therefore it is important to be able to recognize it.
Hunting is determined by the following characteristics:
- the pig stands, arching its back if you approach it from behind and press on the lower back;
- throwing the sow around the barn with a sudden stop and arching of the back, accompanied by irritable and restless behavior;
- discharge of blood and specific secretions from the genitals;
- urination becomes more frequent;
- there is redness, swelling and an increase in the size of the genital organs;
- loss of appetite or a radical change in eating habits.
Selection of breeding animals
Piglets of different sexes are kept together for up to 4 months, then they are carefully examined and sorted. Individuals with good weight gain, large, healthy and calm are suitable for further breeding. A boar that is too active does not cover pigs well. A restless female does not care enough about her offspring.
When selecting, special attention is paid to the condition of the boar's genitals. They also check for defects in the constitution of pigs of both sexes. Male piglets that do not pass the selection are castrated. Females are separated from males and intensively fed. In the future, additional selections are carried out, depending on the quantity and quality of the offspring. The following characteristics of piglets are taken into account when selecting their parents:
- age at which piglets reach 95 kg;
- daily weight gain on average throughout the entire fattening period should be 25-95 kg;
- the amount of feed needed to gain 1 kg of weight;
- weight of the pig at the time of slaughter;
- length of the lying carcass after complete cooling;
- thickness and uniformity of pork fat in the ridge area;
- amount of meat on the carcass;
- average abdominal wall thickness;
- thickness of pork fat on the sides.
Evaluation parameters may vary depending on the breed. For example, for White Steppe pigs, a large amount of pure lard is acceptable in the carcass. Vietnamese pigs should have layers of meat in their fat (bacon-type breed). The average slaughter weight of animals may also differ. It is very important to determine the number of teats a sow has. There are 10-16 of them; females with at least 12 nipples are selected for the tribe.
Preparing for mating
The main preparatory measure is changing your diet. For males, especially during group mating, a month to a month and a half before mating, the daily portion of food is increased so that they gain strength for insemination and have better health.
Females increase their food intake 2 weeks before mating. At the same time, the genital organs of animals and their gene pool are checked. Animals are given more time to walk so that they are in good physical condition.
Did you know? The record farrowing was recorded in 1961, when one sow gave birth to 34 piglets.
Selection methods
A good breeding male is expensive, so you will have to spend a large sum to purchase it. If an animal is selected for breeding, it must be in excellent health and have a proven ability to reproduce high-quality offspring.
In large breeding farms and pig farms, it is recommended to have up to 100 boars of different ages. The frequency of using a male for insemination depends on his state of health. On average, over the course of 10-15 years of life, a boar manages to inseminate 100-120 queens.
The female must also have good health, have experience in reproducing offspring and good rates of multiple births. It is important that the pig treats the piglets with care. Also, the future sow should have a balanced character and not be lethargic or too active. The way a pig walks largely depends on its character.
Up to 5 years, various indicators of the sow can change favorably, but the best characteristics in terms of the number and health of the offspring are usually observed at 2-4 years.
Mating process
A boar and a sow are brought together. The process can take place both indoors and outdoors. The male courts the female for some time, after which sexual contact occurs. Animals begin the process both themselves and after stimulation.
Mating lasts from 15 minutes to half an hour, after which the animals are bred. To ensure success, the procedure is repeated 12 hours after the first mating. Some livestock farmers prefer not to breed pigs, but to keep them together.
Find out how long a pig's pregnancy lasts.
How long does a sow feed her piglets?
As a rule, a month or a month and a half. You need to look at the condition of the pig, if it loses a lot of weight, then remove it early. Feeds for 44 days.
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Some tips
You should adhere to the following tips:
- fat females, characterized by potbellies, have less pronounced estrus and slower ovulation, and therefore they should be allowed to fertilize no less than 12 hours after the hunt begins;
- if the female is in weak heat, she is kicked out of the pen. If she is ready to mate, she will go with the male towards the cage;
- the male must be familiar with the place where mating takes place, otherwise he may forget about the female and begin exploring a new territory for him;
- animals should be left alone - the presence of a person can frighten them.
Pigs of different hybrids
When breeding hybrids, you need to know what breeds are needed to obtain it. If the hybrid is supposed to be a meat hybrid, then the parents must also belong to meat breeds. The female and male must have a good gene pool and a good breeding history.
Also learn about pig breeds such as Russian White and Vietnamese Pot-bellied.
Pigs of different sizes
When breeding pigs of different sizes, attention is primarily paid to the male - if he is too heavy, he will injure the female’s back with his weight. In this regard, before mating, it is important to consider the physical characteristics of animals.
In addition, there are many special devices that help overcome the size difference.
If the male is passive
Passivity is often a consequence of violation of the rules for keeping a boar. First of all, it is worth reviewing his diet, making it more balanced, and reducing the number of matings. It is also possible to use stimulants for pigs. In addition, there is a practice of accustoming animals to a stuffed female.
Did you know? Pigs appear in ancient Greek myths: catching the wild pig Psophida was one of the labors of Hercules.
Postpartum period
After the placenta has passed and all the piglets have been cleaned and dried, the new mother needs to be washed. The back of the pig's body is washed with warm water and soap and dried thoroughly.
It is important to prevent the female from eating the placenta - this often provokes eating the entire offspring.
After the sow has rested, she should feed her newborns colostrum.
Feeding the sow
Nutrition should be complete and balanced. It is not recommended to change your diet a few days after birth, as this may affect the quantity and quality of milk.
Overfeeding a pig is strictly prohibited - this leads to swelling of the mammary glands and difficulty feeding babies.
The mother pig's diet should consist of the following components:
- Juicy feed - there should be at least 10-12 kilograms.
- Grain mixtures – 4-5 kilograms;
- Hay with the addition of fresh grass – 1.5-3 kilograms.
It is advisable to provide vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent a deficiency of vital microelements. The pig needs to be fed intensively, because a large amount of energy and nutrients are spent on the formation of milk.
Caring for the offspring
During the first days of life, piglets are fed colostrum, which has a high fat content and has a beneficial effect on the baby’s immune system. Sometimes cubs need to have their fangs removed to prevent them from damaging the mother's mammary glands. You also need to dock the piglets' tail, leaving only 3-4 centimeters from the root.
The piglets should be kept in a separate nest heated by a lamp or behind a fence so that the mother does not accidentally run over them. When the piglets grow up and are a week old, it is necessary to install a reliable metal fence. The aggressive mother must be replaced with another female, if possible. Some sows have a special ring placed on their face to prevent them from eating their offspring.
Hay should be introduced into the diet of babies carefully at the age of three weeks. At one and a half to two months, young animals eat the same foods as adults, only the food must be additionally crushed.
How to tell if a pig has covered itself
The indicator is the behavior of the female. She becomes lethargic and drowsy, and reacts aggressively to the appearance of a boar. During the period when she should start hunting again, the sow will still refuse contact with the male.
In addition, females become nervous and react sharply to the world around them, which is explained by their unusual state of health.
Find out which stimulants promote pig growth.
Raising pigs is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to be able to select animals that can give good offspring and wait for the sow to heat. Both experienced pig breeders and beginners can handle proper breeding
Is it possible to mate a pig with a wild boar?
People know about the experience of mating domestic pigs and wild boars. For example, in 2010, one of the online magazines talked about a farmer from the Kaluga region who is breeding “half-breed boars.” The pig breeder crosses a domestic black pig with a wild boar, then “adds” other breeds (Landrace, Duroc). About the resulting meat, the farmer says that it is for everyone, tastes like “wild”, slightly sweet and turns out incredibly tasty if cooked over a fire.
To become the owner of cute piglets, you need to be able to monitor the behavior of pigs. It is important to correctly determine when the female begins to heat. After all, it is precisely this short period of her life that is most favorable for mating. The right choice of pair and time for mating is the key to successful fertilization and the birth of new pigs.
Video “Mating pigs at home”
In the video you can watch how natural mating of pigs occurs.
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