The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: patmci on July 21, 2009, 04:13:07 pm

Title: Is the boar ready
Post by: patmci on July 21, 2009, 04:13:07 pm
I have a 12 month old and 2 8 month old gloucester old spot gilts. They are currently in with a saddleback boar of 5 and a half months have noticed him making attempts and semen seems to be on the ground in blobs. I saw him today and observed that he does not seem to be making any real contact but still see the blobs of semen. Should he be active or is he too young.   
Title: Re: Is the boar ready
Post by: Mr Pig on July 21, 2009, 04:49:55 pm
He's too young. Seperate him immediately and keep him away from the gilts until he's 8 months+ and then only use him sparingly (ie only 1 service a week) until he's a year old.
Title: Re: Is the boar ready
Post by: Farmer on July 21, 2009, 06:43:52 pm
Agree with Mr Pig...although I would leave him until 9 months at least

Farmer
 :farmer:
Title: Re: Is the boar ready
Post by: patmci on July 21, 2009, 07:12:47 pm
Do you think their is any chance that the sow is already in pig. I do not mind if she is not as will have a gos boar who is 6 and a half months arriving in a month so he should be nearly 8 months. also is their any chance she will not go in pig in a month as she will then be nearly 14 months.
Title: Re: Is the boar ready
Post by: BillyBerridge on July 21, 2009, 07:47:59 pm
14 months is a good age to put a maiden gilt in pig - as she has had more time to grow and mature. She should take easily provided she is not over weight- if she is you may struggle

BB