WHEN TO INSEMINATE YOUR SOW/GILT
To determine the best time to inseminate, you must detect oestrus. The best time is upto 24 hours before ovulation. Ovulation takes place two-thirds of the way through oestrus. So you need to know the duration of oestrus in order to choose the right time for insemination.The duration varies and is between 30 and 60hours . Oestrus and calculating the average, as part of this standard procedure;you can take account of time between weaning and oestrus. Sow come on oestrus 3 to 5 days after weaning. Gilts have a shorter period than sows. Oestrus cycle of pigs last an average of 21days, varying between 19 and 23days. Sows which comes into oestrus soon after weaning often have a longer period. Insemination after ovulation leads to the fewer live-born piglets. OESTRUS SIGNALS A. Pre-oestrus Especially in gilts the vulva is red and swollen, the vagina contains thick mucus. The sow is agitated, cocks her ears and mounts other sows. The sow doesn't stand still if you press on her rump. B. ...