Sow and Gilt Management

Question 1

• Increasing the daily feed intake of gilts by 0.5 kg to
  1.0 kg for 10 to 14 days before service should
  increase the number of eggs ovulated if they were
  limit fed at 2 kg per day before flushing. However, the
  increase in ovulation rate is usually offset by lower
  embryonic survival so that litter size at farrowing is
  not improved.
  *A better practice is to self-feed the gilts with a 14%
  protein ration throughout the pre-service period.

Answer 1

A.Flushing

Question 2

Mating system vary as to amount of labor
involved, easy of obtaining accurate breeding
records and facility requirements.

Answer 2

Mating system

Question 3

This is the preferred mating system. The operator
checks for heat and takes the female in heat to the
boar.

Answer 3

▪Hand Mating

Question 4

here a boar runs with a group of
females.
*a. Although less labor intensive more boar can
handle 8-10 females in a 21-day breeding period.
*b. A young boar (8-12 months) can effectively service
from 4-6 sows in the same period.
*Note: The main disadvantages of pen-mating is
that record of breeding dates, boar services rate
and female return to heat dates are often
unknown expect when the headsman observes a
mating.

Answer 4

▪Pen-mating –

Question 5

*Proper and accurate heat detection is important for a
successful mating system.
*A. Physical Signs
✔Vulva may be swollen and red
✔Clear viscous vaginal discharges
✔Mounting behavior
✔Frequent attempts to urinate with little or not
discharges

Answer 5

❖Heat Detection

Question 6

✔Haunch-Pressure test: The operator should approach the sow from behind and rub her sides and thigh.
✔Riding- The back test: This technique is applied by riding merely pressing the back of the animal.
*Semen- on- the- snout- test: This test is particularly important in artificial insemination although it can be applied in natural breeding. In this method, semen sample is squeezed on the snout face of the animal using a squirt bottle or atomizer: Synthetic boar- odor preparation maybe used instead of a semen – on the snout- test.
✔Teaser boar: Allowing a boar but preferably one that has been vasectomized to mount the sow.
✔Sound test: Use of chomping sounds of the boar.

Answer 6

B. Techniques