Basic pig husbandry - the boar

Summary

So far as overall improvement is concerned, a boar has far more influence in a herd than the average sow. Because a boar has such a tremendous influence within a herd, careful consideration should be given to his selection, management and replacement.

On many farms productivity and profitability are reduced because too little consideration is given to developing a suitable breeding program to utilise boars to their full potential.

The contents of this Primefact include the following:

• selection of boars
• boar sow ratio
• mating management
• feed requirements
• de-tusking
• reluctance to work
• replacement
• disease control