The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Eve on July 07, 2010, 12:14:54 am
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Hi all,
We had 2 GOS boars last year, and on only one occasion what there a glimpse of a willy sticking out for a few minutes. Never any signs of sexual interest. They went to the abbatoir at 6.5 months.
There was lots of interest from friends in our pigs, so this year we have 5 boars (brothers), and they are now nearly 5 months old. Again they are in a field of about 150sqm, lots of shade, cool water and wallows, loads of visitors and plenty of fresh food. So a non-stressed environment, we assume.
But... since the last 2 weeks, 3 of them have their willies hanging out regularly whilst making Elvis-hip-movements, and one of these keeps on trying to mount his brothers. I understand this may have to do with hierarchy, but 3 of them, whilst they're eating even? Do we risk boar taint when they go to the abbatoir at 6 months? There are no other pigs for miles around, so definitely no gilts, but do those hormones that cause boar taint care about the sex of the other pigs in the field?
I can smell boar taint easily in commercial bacon frying in a pan and it really ruins it - I dread the thought of us selling 6 half pigs that are tainted!
I'd really want to know if we need to send Mr I Mount My Brothers to the abbatoir early. I'd also much appreciate any advice on the Improvac vaccine - is it in use yet in the UK?
Thankyou!
Eve :wave:
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Hi some of ours are attempting sex at 3 or 4 days old. So far never had boar taint. :D
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You have all males, they are still young, so although they get excited they are still sexually immature. I would take them at 6 months. I take mine at 6 months and keep boars and gilts together, some show no interest, some shag all the time! heads, sides back ends they dont care, but I wouldn't worry about boar taint with yours, you would be extremely unlucky.
As for the improvac injection, thats most likely aimed at the commercial market, commercially bred pigs mature much much younger, fatten and go to slaughter much earlier. its not something I would even consider. Hope this helps.
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Phew!! Thanks for the quick replies, I only had last year's pigs to go by and they seemed to be celibate ;D
Eve :wave: