Selection and breeding of swine

Consider the following points when purchasing a pig:

- Look for sows (female) and boars (male) which are good examples of their breed. In particular, check their length and width.

- Make sure the animal has a good appetite for feed and water.

- The animal should be active, have bright eyes, and alert ears.

- Select a sow with 10-14 well-spaced, functional teats.

- Select sows which farrow (give birth) twice a year, with litters of 8-10 healthy piglets.

- Select sows with a breeding history of producing healthy litters of fast-growing piglets. Ask how many of the sow's piglets in a litter have died.

Breeding

Normally, a sow will exhibit the following signs of estrus 12 months after farrowing.

- Sow is mounted by young boars (but she will move away if not in full heat).
- Sow in full heat will mount other sows.
- Sow becomes restless.
- Sow's vagina becomes swollen and discharges sticky mucus.
- Sow stands still when mounted by other animals.

Mate your sow with a healthy boar 12-30 hours after the onset of estrus. Breed again every 12 hours for 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 days.