At what age in months can breeding pigs start to mate?
Pig farming is one of the most common and most important farming operations in our country, because the annual consumption of pork in our country is very large, ranking first among all meat products. When raising pigs, in order to ensure that the pig herd can reproduce normally and continue farming every year, the breeding work of breeding pigs is very important. So how big do breeding pigs have to grow before they can mate? Below, the editor will give you a brief introduction. Let's take a look!
1. First mating age of boars
Under normal farming conditions, we should determine the first mating age of boars according to the pig breed. For example, if it is a small early-maturing breed, then it should generally be carried out at 8 months of age and a body weight of more than 60 kg. If it is a large late-maturing breed, then mating should be carried out at one year of age and a body condition of about 90 kg. At the time of first mating, the boar's body weight should preferably reach half or more of that of an adult pig. If the boar is too old but its body weight is too small, then it should be culled in time; if it is used for mating, then the harm to the growth of piglets is very great.
2. Mating age of sows
The first mating age of sows must be at least more than half a year, and the body weight must not be less than 50 kg. However, if it is an introduced breed, then the mating age remains the same, but the body weight should preferably be maintained at more than 90 kg. Therefore, for introduced or bred breeds, even if the mating age in months is reached, if the body weight has not reached the standard, then the nutritional level should be raised, and the mating work should be carried out after its body weight reaches the standard. However, if the body weight is reached but the age in months is not, then feed should be appropriately restricted to avoid excessive fatness, and mating can be delayed until the sow's third estrus.
3. Mating intensity
When mating breeding pigs, we must pay attention to controlling the mating intensity well. For young boars being mated for the first time, the maximum number of matings per week must not exceed 3 times. And 2-4 years old is the prime period for boars, so when entering the peak mating period, they can be mated once a day. If two matings are needed, then the interval between the two should be maintained at about 10 hours, and they must rest at least one day each year, preferably two days. Under scattered farming and non-seasonal farming conditions, one adult boar can mate with at most 25 sows, but if it is seasonal farming, then it can only mate with about 15.
4. Precautions for mating
When mating, we should pay attention to choosing a suitable mating time. If mating in summer, then the high-temperature noon period should be avoided. When mating in winter, then the low-temperature periods in the morning and evening should be avoided. Within one hour before and after mating, no feeding is allowed, and after mating the boar must not come into contact with cold water. At the time of mating, it is best to provide a dedicated site for them, ensuring the ground is flat to facilitate the mating work. During the boar's mating time, note that no interference should be caused to the boar, to avoid frightening the boar.
The above is a brief introduction to how old breeding pigs must be before they can mate. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!