A boar has far more influence in a herd (litter size) than the average sow.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
- The boar must be at least 8 months old. The ratio of between 6 and 10: 1, is preferable.
- The boar and the sow should preferably be about the same size.
- Take the Sow to the boar and not the other way round. He works well in his his own pen (comfort zone).
- The floor of the pen must not be slippery
- A small sow and not a gilt should be used to train a boar.
PROCEDURES WHEN USING THE BOAR:
- The boar should be in the pen a few minutes before the sow is brought in.
- Do not rush the boar, let him work at his own time.
- Talk gently to the boar so that he gets used to your presence.
- Do not force the boar to mount the sow, but direct him gently to the rear (backside) of the sow.
- If the sow is well on full heat she will stand even with a rub on her back.
- By adjusting the female's tail (one of the reasons why we tail/dock) attempt to let the boar insert himself.
- After service, allow the boar to conduct "courtship" under supervision for a few minutes, but do not allow him to remount.
- If a young boar does not serve the first time, repeat the above procedures every two to three days if possible.
- Once a young boar starts to serve (work), he should not be used more than twice a week until he is one year old.
- Older and full-grown boars (mature) can be used three times a week, but preferably not on consecutive days.
Finally, it is important to keep records. The dates when the boar has served a sow as well as the number of the sow that has been served so that infertile boars that give small litters can be identified and culled.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
- The boar must be at least 8 months old. The ratio of between 6 and 10: 1, is preferable.
- The boar and the sow should preferably be about the same size.
- Take the Sow to the boar and not the other way round. He works well in his his own pen (comfort zone).
- The floor of the pen must not be slippery
- A small sow and not a gilt should be used to train a boar.
PROCEDURES WHEN USING THE BOAR:
- The boar should be in the pen a few minutes before the sow is brought in.
- Do not rush the boar, let him work at his own time.
- Talk gently to the boar so that he gets used to your presence.
- Do not force the boar to mount the sow, but direct him gently to the rear (backside) of the sow.
- If the sow is well on full heat she will stand even with a rub on her back.
- By adjusting the female's tail (one of the reasons why we tail/dock) attempt to let the boar insert himself.
- After service, allow the boar to conduct "courtship" under supervision for a few minutes, but do not allow him to remount.
- If a young boar does not serve the first time, repeat the above procedures every two to three days if possible.
- Once a young boar starts to serve (work), he should not be used more than twice a week until he is one year old.
- Older and full-grown boars (mature) can be used three times a week, but preferably not on consecutive days.
Finally, it is important to keep records. The dates when the boar has served a sow as well as the number of the sow that has been served so that infertile boars that give small litters can be identified and culled.
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