1. Selecting Breeding Stock

Choose only healthy, fast-growing pigs with:

1. Strong legs and feet.
2. Good body length and muscling.
3. Normal reproductive organs.
4. Good temperament.
5. No history of genetic defects or chronic illness.

Boar Selection

1. Minimum age: 8–10 months (preferably 10–12 months for breeding).
2. Weight: 120–150 kg or more.
3. Active libido and proven fertility.
4. Do not overuse young boars.

Gilt (First-time Sow) Selection

1. Breed at 7–8 months of age.
2. Body weight: 130–150 kg.
3. At least 12–14 well-spaced functional teats.
4. Breed on the second or third heat for better litter size and longevity.

Understanding Heat (Estrus)

A sow or gilt usually comes into heat every 21 days if she is not pregnant.

Signs include:

1. Swollen, reddish vulva.
2. Mounting other pigs.
3. Standing still when pressure is applied to her back (standing reflex).
4. Restlessness.
5. Increased vocalization.
6. Clear mucus discharge.
7. Reduced appetite.

Heat lasts:

1. Gilts: 24–48 hours.
2. Sows: 48–72 hours.

Best Time to Breed

The goal is for sperm to be present before ovulation.

Gilts

1. First mating: 12 hours after standing heat begins.
2. Second mating: 12 hours later.

Sows

1. First mating: 24 hours after standing heat begins.
2. Second mating: 12–24 hours later.

Double mating generally improves conception rate and litter size.

Natural Mating

1. Use one healthy boar for one sow at a time.
2. Allow mating in a quiet, non-slippery pen.
3. Supervise the process.
4. Ensure successful ejaculation before separating the animals.
5. Do not disturb the pair during mating.

Recommended boar workload:

1. Young boars: 2–3 services per week.
2. Mature boars: 4–6 services per week.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Advantages:

1. Better genetics.
2. Lower disease transmission risk.
3. One boar can service many sows.
4. Easier breeding management.

AI should be performed at the correct time after heat detection for the best conception rates.

Breeding Records

Maintain detailed records for every sow.

Include:

1. Ear tag or identification number.
2. Date heat was observed.
3. Date(s) of breeding.
4. Boar identification.
5. Expected farrowing date (114 days later).
6. Actual farrowing date.
7. Number born alive.
8. Stillbirths.
9. Mummified piglets.
10. Piglets weaned.
11. Weaning date.
12. Health observations.

Good records help identify high-performing and low-performing animals.

Pregnancy (Gestation)

Gestation period:

3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days (114 days).

During pregnancy:

1. Feed a balanced gestation ration.
2. Avoid obesity.
3. Provide constant access to clean water.
4. Reduce stress.
5. Vaccinate and deworm according to the farm health program.
6. Observe daily for illness or abortion.

Pregnancy can often be confirmed:

1. Ultrasound at 25–35 days after breeding.
2. No return to heat after 21 days is a good indication but not proof of pregnancy.

Preparing for Farrowing

Move the sow into a clean farrowing pen about 5–7 days before the expected farrowing date.

Prepare:

1. Clean, disinfected pen.
2. Dry bedding (if applicable).
3. Heat lamp or creep area for piglets.
4. Clean towels.
5. Gloves.
6. Lubricant.
7. Iodine or chlorhexidine for umbilical cords.
8. Record sheet.
9. Clean water.

Signs farrowing is near:

1. Enlarged udder.
2. Milk can often be expressed 12–24 hours before birth.
3. Swollen vulva.
4. Nest-building behavior.
5. Restlessness.
6. Reduced appetite.

Farrowing Supervision

Whenever possible, supervise farrowing without disturbing the sow.

Normal interval between piglets:

1. 15–30 minutes.

If more than 45–60 minutes pass between piglets and the sow is straining, veterinary assistance may be needed.

For each newborn:

1. Clear mucus from the mouth and nose.
2. Dry thoroughly.
3. Ensure breathing.
4. Disinfect the umbilical cord if needed.
5. Help weak piglets find a teat.
6. Ensure every piglet receives colostrum within the first 6 hours, ideally within the first 2 hours.

Placenta Management

The placenta should be removed and disposed of promptly after it is expelled.

Although some sows naturally eat the placenta (placentophagy), removing it is recommended because it:

1. Improves cleanliness.
2. Supports farm biosecurity.
3. Reduces attraction of flies and scavengers.
4. Allows monitoring for retained placental tissue.
5. Helps keep the farrowing pen sanitary.

Piglet Care After Birth

Within the first day:

1. Ensure adequate colostrum intake.
2. Keep piglets warm (30–34°C in the creep area).
3. Prevent crushing by the sow.
4. Identify weak piglets for extra attention.

Within the first week (according to veterinary advice and local practice):

1. Iron injection.
2. Tail docking (where permitted and necessary).
3. Needle teeth clipping only if justified.
4. Ear tagging or identification.
5. Castration of male piglets if practiced.

African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting pigs.

Key Facts

1. No cure.
2. No widely available commercial treatment.
3. Mortality may reach 100%.
4. Does not infect humans.
5. Humans cannot contract ASF by eating pork.
6. Causes severe economic losses.

Common Signs

1. Sudden death.
2. High fever.
3. Weakness.
4. Refusal to eat.
5. Red or bluish skin (especially ears, abdomen, and legs).
6. Bloody diarrhea.
7. Difficulty breathing.
8. Abortions in pregnant sows.

ASF Prevention

Strict biosecurity is the most effective protection.

1. Restrict farm visitors.
2. Use dedicated farm clothing and boots.
3. Disinfect all equipment and vehicles entering the farm.
4. Quarantine new pigs for at least 30 days.
5. Never feed untreated food waste or swill.
6. Purchase pigs only from trusted disease-free sources.
7. Control rodents, wild pigs, and ticks where relevant.
8. Isolate sick animals immediately.
9. Dispose of carcasses safely.
10. Report suspected ASF cases immediately to veterinary authorities.

Key Performance Targets for Duroc Breeding