[suzi]

I’m new to pigs. I’ve go to an 11 week old sow and boer.
Sow we plan to keep to breed with. Boer is for the freezer. He’s a bit of a handful so the obvious choice.

I’ve read about boer taint. Is this something I need to plan around.
Some people say slaughter before 6 months others say it’s not an issue and to carry on until he’s at weight.

What on t am earth should I be doing please?

[Richmond]

Never had boar taint with any of our male pigs that go off to slaughter at 6 months. We've had a variety of rare breeds over the years and have probably reared more males than females. We actually tend to choose male weaners as they make a better finished weight, are less fatty than females and seem to be generally more laid back.

[harmony]

With today's modern feeds pigs are ready before boar taint should be a problem. In 20 odd years of keeping pigs we have never had boar taint. I have never met anyone who has experienced it.


You sound as though you have bought two weaners without checking if either is fit for breeding?

[suzi]

Thank you for answering my question.

I have a guilt for breeding. I know she’s very suitable and has been checked. I was expecting to get another lesser blood line guilt but brought home the boar instead (there was a mix up). So I’m now trying to plan for him rather than knowing when the lesser bloodline gets to weight send her off.
The only way to learn is to ask. Hence I have. Rather than not ask and mistakes happen.