97. Age of puberty of boars, ’on farm’ use of boars, proper ’on farm’ boar: sow rate

Question 1

Age of Puberty of boars?

Answer 1

Age of puberty of boars

• 7.5-9 months of age
• Boars that reach puberty at an earlier age will have greater breeding capacity and can be mated successfully

at an earlier age than slower maturing boards

• The actual age of puberty can be defined as the time at which a maturing board is first observed mounting

with an erection and able to produce sufficient sperm to impregnate a female

• Although sufficient spermatozoa to impregnate females can be found in the epididymis of young boars by

4.5 months of age, sexual motivation combined with ejaculation generally does not start until the boars are

between 5-9 months of age

• Sperm output is low immediately after puberty, increases to a maximum at 15-18 months of age, plateaus

from 18-35 months of age, and then decreases

Question 2

On farm use of boars?

Answer 2

“On Farm” use of boars

• Producing sperm for AI
• Teaser boars
• Maintain health
• Maximise normal reproductive function
• Source of genetic improvement

Question 3

Boar to sow ratio?

Answer 3

Boar to sow Ratio
• +/- 1.25

Question 4

Boar Management?

Answer 4

Boar Management

Minimum age for breeding 7.5- 11 months

Mating frequency Maximum 2 times per week

Semen quality Regular check, always 3-5 week after inflammatory

disease

• Do not use 2 boars for one sow
• Exact mating records

Question 5

Organisation of AI?

Answer 5

Organization of AI

1. Central boar station

• Delivery- on farm inseminator or insemination of the station in remote area

2. On farm semen production

• Usually the same person collecting and inseminating