Breeding, Gestation,

& Farrowing

Interest Approach

Todays Plan
Todays plan includes

The Breeding House

Piglets
Handle with Care
Reproductive Anatomy
Most Successful Breeding Method

The Breeding House

Individual Housing Units

During the breeding and farrowing phases, sows, gilts, and boars are typically housed in individual
housing units in environmentally-controlled buildings. Producers typically use individual housing because
of its benefits to the animals.

Group Housing
Generally speaking, the opposite management concerns are true for group pens. The animals have
more room to move and interact, yet it also can be conducive to fighting, animal injury, and even embryo
loss.

Housing Decisions
The animals well-being is always a
producers main priority as their
livelihood can be directly linked to
herd health. But more importantly,
producers are committed to taking
care of their animals and following
practices which are in their best
interest.
Producers, along with research
scientists, are continually improving
the management practices of pigs.

Future Housing Trends

Future management practices for breeding stock may include a
combination of
Group Pens

Open concept for socialization

Individual Housing Units

Individual units for feeding and breeding

Piglets

Farrowing
Farrowing is the process of
giving birth to piglets
The process can be grouped
into stages:
Pre-farrowing
Farrowing
Post-farrowing

10

Pre-Farrowing
The farrowing room, including all
stalls and equipment, is cleaned
and disinfected
Females are moved to their
stalls (individual housing units)
several days before their
expected farrowing date

11

Gestation Calendar
Producers use a gestation calendar to help manage the
farrowing process. This calendar/chart represents the bred date
and the date the sow should be move to the farrowing unit.
DATE BRED

MOVE DATE

1/1

4/23

1/2

4/24

1/3

4/25

1/4

4/26

1/5

4/27

1/6

4/28

1/7

4/29

1/8

4/30
12

Farrowing
Check for signs that farrowing will
begin by observing:
Change in females respiration
rate
Milk in the teats
Presence of blood-stained fluid
around the vulva

13

Farrowing
During farrowing the caretaker
should:
Monitor each animal at least once
every 20 minutes
Assist as necessary

14

Post-Farrowing
Normal sow behavior includes the sow:
Laying on her side, changing the side she is laying on often
Communicating with her piglets through grunting and other
methods
Reacting to distractions and surprises such as the opening of
the farrowing room door

15

Post-Farrowing Video

Post-Farrowing Video

16

Feeding and Water Requirements

Sows usually do not eat during
farrowing
Sows are slowly brought back
onto feed. The goal is to attain full
feed within a few days
Ample, clean water supplies:
Milk production
Necessary metabolic functions

17

Observation
Observations are made daily
so human and pig interactions
can occur and any sow needs
can be identified and
addressed
A decrease in food and water
consumption and a rise in a
sows temperature could be a
sign of a sick sow (normal
temperature is 100F to 101F)

18

Handle with Care

Piglet Care
Immediately after farrowing, piglets stay near the sow to help
regulate their body temperature
During the first nursing session, piglets receive colostrum from
the sow
Well-nourished piglets appear playful with tight skin, a shiny hair
coat, and a round, full abdomen

20

Piglet Care Video

Breeding Piglet Care Video

21

Processing
Tail Docking

Occurs within the first

few days. The tail is
docked to reduce
injuries due to tail
biting

Injection

Occurs soon after

birth. Piglets are
given vaccines
and/or iron to help
fight diseases

Castration

Remove testicles
from males between
day four and 14 to
control reproduction

22

Reproductive Anatomy

Sow/Gilt Reproductive Anatomy

Ovaries
Ovaries
Urethra
Urethra
Uterus
Uterus
Cervix
Cervix
Vagina
Vagina
Vulva
Vulva
Bladder
Bladder
24

Sow/Gilt Reproductive Anatomy

25

Most Successful Breeding

Method

Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination (AI) is the
most common method used to
breed pigs in the U.S.
The AI process is designed to
mimic the natural breeding process.

27

Estrus Detection
Estrus is the period of time when a female with a certain hormonal
profile will allow the male to mount and breeding may occur
In gilts, ovulation occurs 30 to 36 hours after estrus begins
.
In sows, ovulation occurs 38 to 44 hours after estrus begins
Females go into estrus every 18 to 22 days
The AI process should be performed twice about 18 to 24 hours
apart to help increase the potential for conception

28

Estrus Detection - Video

Breeding Estrus Detect Video

29

The AI Process
The artificial insemination process
consist of five main steps:
1. Stimulate the female
(continues through all steps)
2. Clean the vulva area
3. Prepare the catheter
4. Insert the catheter
5. Deposit the semen

30

The AI Process Video

Breeding Video

31

The AI Process
Directions
Answer the questions in the student activity sheet titled,
The AI Process
You will have five minutes to complete the activity

32

Summary
In this lesson you, learned

How individual housing units aid in the well-being of breeding stock

About the farrowing process, piglet care and handling
How to identify the reproductive anatomy of sows and gilts
The key steps in the artificial insemination (AI) process and how it
mimics the natural breeding process

33