artificial insemination for pigs

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I live in western Oregon, and I currently raise butcher hogs and sell them to friends and family. I am considering buying a gilt or sow and farrowing her, I dont really want a boar. Are there any other options for me. I have been told stud service for swine is rare, because of disease. Is this true of small operations? I also have been trying to get info on AI for pigs, are there any sources for me, books I have read dont talk about it much.

-- Keith Smith (peepee125@hotmail.com), January 17, 2002

Answers

Response to artificial insemonation for pigs

Yes, there are options for you. You can order semen from Boar Studs or some producers that collect their own. It comes in a bottle or tube similar to tooth paste. It is what we call "fresh" in that it is not frozen (that doesn't work well for boar semen). It has liquid extender added to it that provides fluid and some nutrients and dilutes out the semen. Boars generally produce waaaaay more than needed. You will need some AI rods. They come in a variety of styles but I think most work about the same and we go for the cheapest. The semen will be shipped UPS so it is important to have a pretty good idea when you gilts or sows will be in heat. It will need to be kept cool and will be good for severa days.

Disease is ALWAYS a risk with any hog venture. We are careful to check the health status of any boar stud we buy from. We don't buy often. It is a pretty simply process an you county agent should be able to give the names of any local producers that might sell you a few doses of semen as well as info on how to AI.

-- Tana Mc (mcfarm@totelcsi.net), January 17, 2002.


Response to artificial insemonation for pigs

I have worked at several different hog farms, most bigger operations are hooked up with a large supplier. However, for a smaller operation, a good contact is: Steven Wilson, Shrewsbury, PA. I dont have his phone number right off hand, but contact The Renter Center in New Freedom PA via information, as he works there as a side job and was working there as of last year and has been there for 10 or so years, so pretty sure he can be located that way. He should be able to supply all your needs, he raises some of the top hogs on the east coast.

-- Kevin in NC (Vantravlrs@aol.com), January 17, 2002.

Response to artificial insemonation for pigs

what does boar semen cost and how many times would I administer it during estrus.

-- KeithSmith (peepee125@hotmail.com), January 17, 2002.

Response to artificial insemonation for pigs

There are a lot of show pig ranchers around here. They use boars, but they also swap semen.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), January 18, 2002.

Response to artificial insemonation for pigs

Click For AI Info

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), January 18, 2002.


NASCO (800-558-9595) has two books you might find of interest: The Swine Inseminators' Handbook and The Swine A.I. Book.

They carry a sex odor aerosol which is sprayed about 20' in front of a sow. If in estrus, she will exhibit the standing reflex signs. I've read another way to tell is to try to sit on their rump. If they will let you, they are in standing heat.

It may be easier if you could find a commerical breeder who does their own A.I. and pay them to come A.I. your sow. Or buy a guaranteed bred sow from a commercial source. Once she has weaned the litter, sell her and buy another bred one.

My brother-in-law told the story of when he was a youngster it was his job to take their sow down the road twice a year to be bred by a boar. After a couple of times as soon as the noose was put around her and the gate open, it was all he could do to keep up with her.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), January 18, 2002.


You should try to learn to AI yourself. If my 12 year old can do it, anyone can. You can get semen from very good boars at Prarie State Semen Supply for under $6 per dose. Two doses, rods and shipping would be about $45. Their website is showpigs.com. Order the terminal semen, which is the leftover doses from their good purebred boars after their orders are filled. If you order catalogs from any of the boar studs, there will be good instructions on how to time estrus and how to breed the sow or gilt. Good luck. If I can be of assistance, do not hesitate to e-mail.

-- Sherman Romney (sromney@springsips.com), January 18, 2002.

Hi Sherman; There are 2 threads started on this topic. Could you elaborate more on the subject ? There was a thread posted a while ago but not much info.We are interested in keeping a sow for a pet and babies for the freezer.In our area it is always very difficult finding baby pigs.How often are you successful ? How much does it cost per sow ? I am not interested in 'show quality' are their cheaper sources ? Is it easy to AI ? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks

-- ourfarm (ourfarm@noaddr.com), January 18, 2002.

I posted on the other thread on how to AI, for anyone interested, its right above this one and reads: A.I.

-- Kevin in NC (Vantravlrs@aol.com), January 19, 2002.

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