Tips for successful mating

Detecting heat and when a sow or gilt is ready to stand for service is important for successful conception. Sows and gilts display certain signs of being in heat, whether they are individually or group housed. Their vulvae become red and swollen, and the animals will stand still, with ears erect, waiting to be mounted. They may also emit loud barking noises, signalling to the boar. To ensure a sow is on heat, managers can apply pressure to the middle of the sow’s back or straddle the sow; if she remains standing when pressure is applied, this confirms she is experiencing the first 12 hours of the heat cycle. In circumstances in which a sow comes into heat in the middle of the night, this standing response may not be as strong by the time she is tested the next morning. Oestrus normally lasts 21 days in sows and 18 to 20 days in gilts and occurs regularly until the sow or gilt becomes pregnant.

Fill in and submit the form on your right to download our full article on "Standing Reflex" today to identify the signs of sows and gitls being in heat to ensure a successful mating.