Author Topic: In pig or not? (Read 4738 times)

Lostlambs · « **on:** November 19, 2011, 12:58:16 pm »

I have a yorkshire 2 yr old sow that farrowed last year but hasn't caught this year. My other hamp sow had her litter in July so it shouldn't be the boar. I keep putting off taking her to market as she looks and acts in pig but nothing happens. I'm starting to think she's acting the part. Any way someone knows to tell whether she is carying-I hate the idea of sending her off pregnant. Thanks

Hopewell · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:05:05 pm »

Pig farmers used to use Doppler probes that you hold against the flank of the sow just in front of her back leg. With experience you can detect the increased blood flow to the uterus by the different sounds. The other way I know of is to use ultrasound scanning in the same way as is done for sheep. However I suspect she'll not be in pig from what you have written.

doganjo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:06:32 pm »

It costs £25 to scan my bitches, but I suspect it wouldn't be worth doing that for a pig?

robert waddell · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:09:00 pm »

what age is the boar you could get him fertility tested

Sylvia · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:58:21 pm »

I'm not sure whther my Kunes are in pig. The boar I borrowed has never been seen to "perform" and the only time I've seen him nudging the gilts in the belly is to shove them away from the grub

One, however seems very low to the ground and her nipples are prominent. She also seems overly "clingy" and a bit depressed. The boar went in at the end of July,( 28th) so I am preparing as though she is about to farrow (finger's crossed)
The only thing you can do, Lostlambs, is to wait I suppose

doganjo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2011, 02:01:26 pm »

Excuse my ignorance, Robert, but if he sired a litter earlier in the year could his fertility have dropped or even disappeared altogether? I know it can happen if there is injury or emotional problems where humans are concerned - can that happen with pigs?

HappyHippy · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2011, 03:32:10 pm »

Short of scanning I don't think there's a absolute certain way to tell.
But watch for signs of season, response to back pressure etc
And keep her away from the boar - if she's not in-pig, she'll be desperate to get through to him and he'll be really interested in her

We AI'd our Berkshire today, and she was flirting with my OH before

Even led him into her ark for the 'deed' to occur - obviously shy about public displays of affection

robert waddell · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2011, 04:08:22 pm »

yes Annie it is possible an infection or some disease may look alright but firring blanks it happens more than you think

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2011, 02:04:54 am »

Quote from: doganjo on November 19, 2011, 01:06:32 pm

It costs £25 to scan my bitches, but I suspect it wouldn't be worth doing that for a pig?

60p to £1 / sheep - but of course that's in bulk. We did get Meg scanned when the cattle AI man was here, not sure what he charged but I could look it up if asked

Fowgill Farm · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:05:53 am »

Just last week i decided that my sow who is due in about six weeks no longer looked pregnant and i couldn't feel anything so i decided to ask our neighbour to bring over the sheep radar and headphones to double check, he had a good listen and i'm pleased to say he said there were definetly piglets but not very many which explains why she's not so big, at least now i can make my plans and know for sure. The scan cost me some sausages and pork chops but well worth the peace of mind. See if you have a sheep farming neighbour who'd help quite often thye'll come and have a listen out of curiosity, most farmers don't get to se real pigs there days!!
HTH
mandy

Blonde · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2011, 04:02:33 am »

Quote from: Hopewell on November 19, 2011, 01:05:05 pm

Pig farmers used to use Doppler probes that you hold against the flank of the sow just in front of her back leg. With experience you can detect the increased blood flow to the uterus by the different sounds. The other way I know of is to use ultrasound scanning in the same way as is done for sheep. However I suspect she'll not be in pig from what you have written.

Having a listen is a good idea, sound like water wooshing by tells you the sows are in pig....but I guess from what has been written she is not in pig, no milk bag to see and no line. I would take her to the abattoir if it were me and start a fresh ..... think she is having a lend of you and having a free feed or so she thinks

Lostlambs · « **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2011, 01:20:31 pm »

Thanks for the ideas, I don't think anyone around here has a scanner-the only ones that use them come out for large groups of animals or the vets so I think I'll probably take her in to the abbatoirs. I'll probably send in the boar too if I can't sell him and start over next spring. I'll save back one of the other sows litter-he's a red spotted berk cross so is nice to look at and since I raised him know his temperment