Master the Art of Breeding Guilts

Master the Art of Breeding Guilts

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Preparing for Breeding Day
3. Identifying Guilts in Heat
4. Assessing Guilts for Breeding
5. Lubrication and Inserting the Rod
6. Proper Positioning for Effective Insertion
7. Stimulation and Semen Application
8. Marking and Tracking Guilts for Breeding
9. Post-Breeding Care for Guilts
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction:

Breeding pigs, specifically guilts, is a crucial process that ensures genetic diversity within a commercial hog operation. The successful breeding of guilts requires a series of carefully choreographed steps, starting from the identification of suitable candidates to the tracking of these candidates' breeding cycles. This guide will cover the essential aspects of breeding guilts, including the techniques involved in the entire process.

Preparing for Breeding Day:

Before engaging in the breeding process, certain preparations must be made to ensure a successful outcome. Firstly, the farm manager must assess the overall health of the breeding stock, making sure none of the guilts have any ongoing health problems. Any animal with an active disease or showing noticeable signs of ill health must not be bred. The breeding area should also be free from any hazards that could stress or injure guilts during breeding.

Identifying Guilts in Heat:

One of the critical aspects of successful breeding is identifying guilts in heat. Guilts likely to go into heat should be placed in the breeding area, where they can be monitored visually. Heat signs on guilts are visible through the color of their vulva. During heat, the vulva will exhibit a more reddish or pinkish hue. The breeding area should be checked two to three times daily to spot any guilts expressing the signs of heat.

Assessing Guilts for Breeding:

Not all guilts are eligible for breeding. For breeding to occur, guilts must Show visible signs of heat. Also, guilts must have adequate body weight and be free from any medical conditions. An ideal gilt for breeding should weigh not less than 220 pounds. Age-wise, most guilts are bred between the ages of seven and nine months.

Lubrication and Inserting the Rod:

When ready to breed, the farm manager or breeder should Apply a lubricant on the rod, ensuring ease of insertion when penetrating the gilt. The body of the gilt should then be immobilized, while the breeder inserts the rod into the gilt's vulva. The rod should be directed upwards at a 45-degree angle, which ensures the breeder chooses the cervix instead of the bladder.

Proper Positioning for Effective Insertion:

When inserting the rod, the breeder should sit on the back of the gilt so that the body is held down firmly. Proper positioning and body placement make the insertion process more efficient, ensuring that the semen is directly deposited in the cervix.

Stimulation and Semen Application:

After inserting the rod, the breeder then applies semen to the gilt's cervix through the rod. The breeder stimulates the gilt by pumping the bottle, simulating the activity of a boar inside the gilt. The application of semen should be steady and not forced.

Marking and Tracking Guilts for Breeding:

Marking and tracking guilts for breeding are crucial tasks to ensure proper breeding records. The farm manager or barn HAND marks the guilts in heat with an "X" on the back with a paint stick. The marking is repeated for two days straight, with different Patterns on the "X" to indicate the day of breeding. Tracking breeding cycles helps the breeder know which guilts are fertile and which ones need to wait for their next heat cycle.

Post-Breeding Care for Guilts:

After breeding, the gilt should be left for a brief time to ensure the semen sticks to the cervix. The rod should then be removed with care, and the gilt observed for a few hours to ensure there is no visible discomfort or bleeding. The gilt should also be checked for pregnancies within 28 days of insemination.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How often do guilts go into heat? Guilts usually go into heat every 21 days.

2. Is it safe to breed guilts under the age of seven months? No, underweight guilts may not be physically prepared for breeding, and it can lead to complications during and after breeding.

3. Should the breeder insert the rod forcefully into the gilt's cervix? No, forceful penetration of the gilt can cause severe injuries to the cervix and lead to disqualification for future breeding.

4. Can guilts be bred naturally without human intervention? Yes, they can mate naturally, but the results of such breeding may not guarantee the desired genetic outcome. Thus, it is always better to have control over the breeding process.

5. Is it normal to lose semen after rod removal? Yes, it is normal to lose some semen through drifts after rod removal. However, the breeder must ensure that the semen has been deposited into the cervix and that sufficient amounts have been applied.