DanBred recently published a new manual on Duroc boars. Here's an introduction to one of the chapters: How to train breeding boars?
Young boars need to be trained before they can climb and collect sperm. Prior to training, all breeding boars are to be kept in separate pens for at least 14 days. Training should begin when each boar is mature. Training that conforms to the boar's sexual instincts is not only effective, but also lays a good foundation for long-term sperm collection in the future. Sexual maturity depends mainly on the age of each boar and, to some extent, on its weight. Purebred boars are sexually mature by 6 to 7 months of age and should be willing to climb and collect semen (Figure 1).
<h1>1 Specific steps</h1>
(1) In the morning, the boar's "sexual" interest is the most active, and it is easy to train the boar to climb and collect sperm at this time. Therefore, training should be done in the early morning before eating (Figure 2).
(2) Each boar is trained individually in the pen so that the boar can remain focused and willing to climb and collect sperm. Ensure that the boars are quiet and pleasant in the pen, and the pen environment should be clean, dry and well lit.
(3) Adjust the height of the climbing platform to match the size of the boar (Figure 3).
(4) The floor of the enclosure should not be slippery to facilitate the boar to climb across. Because the use of desiccants, sawdust, or wood chips may increase the risk of semen damage, sand should be laid on the floor to absorb moisture and inhibit bacterial breeding.
(5) The climbing platform should be placed in the center of the pen to improve the boar's "sexual" interest. Older boars climb across first to help stimulate boars who lack climbing experience.
(6) During training, the boar should be helped to maintain concentration and avoid the sight of other boars. After successful semen collection, boar rewards should be given (Figure 4).
(7) Boar semen collected during training should not be used for artificial insemination. However, for later sperm quality analysis, it should be preserved.
(8) When it is convinced that the boar has completed the climb, the training is complete. Combine laboratory analysis to determine if semen quality is at the desired level.
2 Precautions
(1) The boar's training time for a day should not exceed 10 to 15 minutes to keep it "sexually" interesting.
(2) The interval between trainings should be 1 to 2 days.
(3) Put some feed on the climbing platform to attract boars.
<h1>3 Tips for increasing boar "sex" fun</h1>
(1) The introduction of a young sow when the boar is in heat can stimulate the boar's "sexual" interest. If the boar wants to climb across the gilt, immediately replace the gilt with a climbing platform.
(2) It is better to put a board next to the climbing platform (isolating the small privacy space). The board also helps the sperm collector gently push the boar from behind toward the climbing platform (Figure 5).