Artificial insemination, or AI, is a very popular method of breeding swine Most everyone employs this method these days, as it’s easy and cost-effective.
AI is easy for a layman to do; you don’t necessarily need a veterinarian, though it’s always good to see it done first before you try it yourself. Your county extension agent or pork producers association members might be able to connect you to someone with AI experience.
The most critical aspect to successful AI is detecting when the sow is in standing estrus, or in heat, which means she’s ready to be bred. The sow’s average estrus cycle is 21 days but can range from 18 to 23 days. Most pig breeders will have a teaser boar or a bottle of pheromones to help detect when their sows are in standing estrus.
The semen will arrive in vials or bags in a temperature-controlled box at 58 to 60 degrees F. There will be 2.5 million to 3.5 million sperm, diluted in semen extender, in each bag. You usually breed a sow twice while she’s in standing estrus, so order two bags.
The semen is inserted into the cervix with a disposable insemination rod. Ask the stud owner if these are included with the semen order. Insert the rod, angling slightly upward, through the vagina until you feel resistance, which means you’ve reached the cervix. If you have a spirette-type rod, turn it counter-clockwise until it fixes into the cervix. Turn it clockwise as you remove it. If you have a foam-tipped rod, push firmly until the tip is locked into the cervix. Pull it down gently to remove it. Insert the second bag 24 hours later.
If the sow doesn’t come back into standing estrus 21 days later, she’s probably pregnant. Your veterinarian can perform an ultrasound 24 days from breeding to make sure. The normal gestation period for a sow is 116 days (three months, three weeks and three days), and she’ll have six to 14 piglets.
MUSTARD SEED COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY IS OFFERING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI).
MUSTARD SEED 