When is the best mating time for a sow in estrus?
When is the most suitable time to mate a sow in estrus?
To mate a sow in estrus at the right time, a practical and accurate method is to understand the signs after the sow comes into estrus and choose the mating time based on those signs. This can be summarized as the "four observations":
1. Observe the vulva: the vulva of a sow in estrus changes from congested and swollen to purplish-red and dull, the swelling begins to subside, and wrinkles appear;
2. Observe the mucus: the vulva of a sow in estrus discharges thick, cloudy mucus, which often has bedding straw stuck to it;
3. Observe the expression: a sow in estrus is dull and sluggish and prefers to lie prone. When a person touches her back and loins, she stands still without moving, with both ears erect. When her rump is pushed and pressed by hand, she does not refuse but instead leans toward the person's hand. Mating at this time gives the highest conception rate;
4. Observe the age: as the saying goes, "mate early for old sows, late for young sows, and in between for those neither old nor young." That is, older sows have a short duration of estrus, so they should be mated on the afternoon of the day estrus occurs; replacement gilts (young in age) have a longer estrus period, so they are generally mated on the third day; middle-aged sows (sows that have farrowed before) should preferably be mated on the second day.
1. Observe the vulva: the vulva of a sow in estrus changes from congested and swollen to purplish-red and dull, the swelling begins to subside, and wrinkles appear;
2. Observe the mucus: the vulva of a sow in estrus discharges thick, cloudy mucus, which often has bedding straw stuck to it;
3. Observe the expression: a sow in estrus is dull and sluggish and prefers to lie prone. When a person touches her back and loins, she stands still without moving, with both ears erect. When her rump is pushed and pressed by hand, she does not refuse but instead leans toward the person's hand. Mating at this time gives the highest conception rate;
4. Observe the age: as the saying goes, "mate early for old sows, late for young sows, and in between for those neither old nor young." That is, older sows have a short duration of estrus, so they should be mated on the afternoon of the day estrus occurs; replacement gilts (young in age) have a longer estrus period, so they are generally mated on the third day; middle-aged sows (sows that have farrowed before) should preferably be mated on the second day.