When reviewing the practices of high-performing producers, the majority felt that three inseminations per oestrus gave superior results.
Never try to Al a sow that is not in standing oestrus. Where producers are unable to operate a twice-per-day heat detection regime. Table 2 gives a guide of a once-per-day heat detection system.
Therefore from Table 2:
Sows found in oestrus on day 4 am are served day 5 am 9 Sows found in oestrus on day 5 am would be served day 5pm
Sows found in oestrus on day 6 plus or returns are usually inseminated immediately.
Note: This table is only a guide and may have to be modified according to unit routine.
MANAGEMENT POINTS
Handle sows quietly and gently
Always use a designated insemination pen where nose-to-nose contact with a boar can be maintained S Always try to stimulate the sow during insemination with
back pressure, flank/udder rubbing
Always allow sows to "rest" for 10-15 min after
insemination, before rejoining the weaned group
Final movement and regrouping of sows should be achieved within 24hrs of the end of oestrus, so that embryo implantation is not impaired. Practically, where groups of newly served sows are involved, they should not be mixed beyond day 8 post-weaning. Further movement Or mixing should not be attempted until after day 28-35 of pregnancy
Record all actions to facilitate the learning process
Record when standing oestrus finishes to help identification of correct timing for insemination
Do not place sows within sight or smell of a boar
immediately prior to entering the service area. Boars should never be housed in the pre-service area.
Regularly get a fresh observer to review the service regime in operation.
BATCH FARROWING SYSTEMS
All the points in sections 'Identification of Oestrus' and Timing of Oestrus' are applicable to batch farrowing. In addition, consider the following points:
H Due to the large number of sows to be served, several inseminators should be used to reduce inseminator "fatigue"
H Four hours maximum, for the total insemination process. This is a guide which will allow roughly equal time between the daily inseminations ina two-service system and time to re-check likely sows in a once-daily mating
system
Once-daily mating systems should not have insemination going on from dawn to dusk, as this can lead to operator fatigue and inaccuracy
An efficient process of movement and control of sows is essential, so that staff can accomplish the identification of oestrus and the insemination process smoothly and efficiently without risk to themselves
Designate the serving week for just that process - do not cut corners
Ensure monitoring for returns is also made part of the "mating week"
Treat each sow as an individual, it is batch farrowing hot BULK service.
When reviewing the practices of high-performing producers, the majority felt that three inseminations per oestrus gave superior results.
Never try to Al a sow that is not in standing oestrus. Where producers are unable to operate a twice-per-day heat detection regime. Table 2 gives a guide of a once-per-day heat detection system.
