midterm (ansci)

• Puberty


  Beginning of reproductive capability, otherwise known as sexual maturity, starts at 4-6 months old
• Breeding age


  • 8 months
• Breeding weight


  • 100-120 kg
• Estrous cycle


  • 21 days
• Heat period


  • 2-3 days
• Gestation period


  • 114 days
• Lactation period


  • 28-42 days
• Artificial insemination (AI)


  Technique for breeding swine that allows use of fresh or frozen semen from select boars to impregnate sows and gilts

  
• Advantages of using AI

  • Requires few boars for actual insemination
  • Genetic improvement may occur more rapidly
  • Reducing (but not eliminating) the risk of disease transmission
  • Time required for breeding may be reduced
  • Less stress on breeding herd especially in summer heat
  • Risk of injury is greatly reduced during breeding: any size boar (via its semen) can be mated to any size sow/gilt
• Potential problems with AI

  • Requires higher level of management
  • Storage of semen, once it is been mixed with the extending liquid, is limited
  • Sanitation of equipment and workers hands is a must
  • Accurate heat detection is critical for AI success
• External signs of heat

  • Reddening and swelling of the vulva
  • Mucus discharge
  • Behavior
  • Standing reflex
• Heat period


  Time during which the sow will accept the boar, lasts from one (1) to five (5) days with an average of 2-3 days
• Estrus cycle


  Period between the two successive estrus in the absence of pregnancy, usually ranges from 18 to 21 days with an average of 21 days in swine
• Heat detection methods


  1. Haunch pressure test

  2. Riding the back test

  3. Teaser boar method

  4. Semen on the SNOUT test

  5. Use of electronic heat-detecting device
• Estrus synchronization in sows

  1. Weaning (18-24 days)

  2. 10 mg PGF2a within 24 hrs post farrowing

  3. PG 600 at weaning (reduces anestrous)
• Handling and transporting semen bottles

  1. Securely pack in styrofoam container

  2. Avoid vibration

  3. Do not expose to direct sunlight
• Preparing fresh semen


  1. Keep in styrofoam shipping container until use

  2. Place semen container in shirt pocket to warm to body temperature before use

  3. Gently invert the semen container several times before insemination, do not shake
• Insemination process


  1. Wash hands and area around sow's vulva

  2. Stimulate the sow by applying pressure on hind back or rubbing stomach

  3. Lubricate the tip of catheter

  4. Gently insert catheter into vulva and vagina

  5. Twist catheter counterclockwise when resistance is met

  6. Connect semen bottle to catheter and apply gentle pressure

  7. If semen does not flow, try to move catheter or put pressure on back and stroke flanks

  8. Disconnect semen bottle, rotate catheter clockwise and pull out gently

  9. Check heat status 12-24 hours after first insemination and inseminate again

  10. Check for return to heat 18-21 days after insemination, and 40-42 days after insemination

  11. Observe abdominal enlargement 60 days after insemination