Contents
Artificial insemination of pigs consists in the process of placing a special device in the pig’s vagina, which supplies the male’s semen to the uterus. Before the procedure, the female pig is tested for hunting.
Is it possible to artificially inseminate a pig
Many farmers successfully use artificial insemination of pigs in practice to increase the productivity of animals and to obtain strong offspring from them. During the mating of pigs in a natural way, problems often arise. With artificial insemination of sows, this is excluded.
The process of artificial insemination begins with the collection of sperm from the male. This is done with the help of a cage and a built-in artificial vagina. After that, the extracted material is evaluated macroscopically, then a microscopic characterization of the material is made. Only after these studies, boar seed is introduced into the prepared pig during the hunting period.
Advantages of artificial insemination of pigs
The method of artificial insemination of pigs is successful because of the possibility of significantly reducing the fertilization period, since a large number of females can be inseminated with the semen of one boar-producer in one procedure. If the material is of high quality, that is, from a breeding boar, then it can be used on several farms.
Advantages of artificial insemination:
- there is no need to take into account the mass of both individuals as in natural mating;
- the absence of direct contact between pigs avoids infectious diseases;
- this technique allows you to significantly reduce the required amount of sperm;
- it is possible to save a sperm bank for many years, subject to the necessary conditions;
- the owner can be sure of the quality of the material;
- if fertilization is carried out simultaneously with a large number of females, then the offspring will appear at the same time, which will facilitate the care of newborn piglets.
In addition to these advantages, it is important to consider that young animals will be born with a certain set of characteristics.
Methods for inseminating pigs
Usually, two methods of artificial insemination of pigs are used: fractional and non-fractional. When using these methods, the biomaterial is diluted based on the calculation of about 1 million active spermatozoa per 50 ml of semen. But the volumes of diluted sperm for fertilization take different.
In farms, to increase fertilization and obtain healthy offspring, the sperm of several boars that are not related to the uterus is used. Mix sperm in any quantities after diluting the material from each individual. Before the procedure, the sperm is heated to a certain temperature and checked for sperm motility.
Fractional method of fertilization of pigs occurs in stages. In the first step, diluted semen is injected into the uterus of the pig. The solution is prepared from glucose, sodium chloride and distilled water. At the second stage, with repeated administration, there are no spermatozoa in the solution. This is necessary to prepare the microflora of the uterus for fertilization.
The non-fractional method of artificial insemination consists in the use of dilute sperm in the form of a concentrate. About 150 ml of the concentrate is injected into the uterus through the catheter. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the mass of the pig: about 1 ml of solution should fall on 1 kg of weight.
How to artificially inseminate pigs at home
Small-scale farmers use a simplified scheme for inseminating pigs at home.
Young males are taken several times to mate with a female. Then they are accustomed to a toy in the form of a female. After developing the reflex, the animals land on the toy. Before semen is collected, a rug is placed behind the doll to prevent slipping. An artificial vagina is fixed in the doll. It should create pressure and slip. The hole is covered with a film with a rubber ring. After preparations, the male is launched. The sexual organ is directed into the hole, making massage movements, slightly pressing it down.
After receiving the ejaculate, the female is fixed in a clean pen. The procedure is carried out with sterile gloves. It is important to avoid infection in the genitals of the pig, as this can lead to the birth of dead or sick piglets. The genitals of the pig are washed with warm water, treated with furatsilin and wiped dry with a towel. Stroking the female on the sides increases the level of oxytocin, which promotes fertilization.
When to inseminate
It is not difficult to artificially inseminate pigs, but inexperienced farmers can make some mistakes. The most important thing is to determine the beginning of the hunt in a pig in order to understand its readiness for insemination.
The first hunt in a pig begins at 5-7 months. Readiness for mating is repeated every 20-25 days.
You can determine the hunting of a pig by the following signs:
- restless, aggressive behavior towards other pigs;
- grunting, squealing;
- decrease, lack of appetite;
- swelling, redness of the genitals;
- mucous discharge from the genitals (in this case, the mucus should stretch well).
It must be borne in mind that the period of readiness for mating does not coincide with ovulation. One of the signs of ovulation is the immobility of the pig, which can last up to 2 days. This is considered the best moment for insemination.
Preparing pigs for insemination
Boars are cooked throughout the year, as the male must be in a healthy condition. This will ensure the normal sexual activity of the animal. Breeding conditions can be achieved with a full diet, a long stay in the fresh air. By excreting a large amount of sperm, the male loses energy and nutrients. In emaciated or heavily fattened boars, sexual instincts are weakened, activity is significantly reduced, and the quality and quantity of sperm are deteriorating.
Before the breeding period, the staff examines the male, adjusts the diet, and, if necessary, culls it. Sperm is examined visually, then under a microscope.
Preparing females is a more time-consuming process. Starts in a few weeks. Specialists pay attention mainly to the diet. The reproductive ability of sows is also affected by:
- maintenance of sows;
- season;
- male sire;
- piglet weaning time;
- heredity;
- general condition of the sow.
The correct diet for feeding pigs directly affects sexual activity, estrus, ovulation, fertility.
Preparation of tools and materials
When inseminating a pig in a non-fractional way, a glass flask or a plastic container with a lid with rubber tubes coming out of it will be required. The catheter is attached to one tube, and a syringe is attached to the second. Through a tube with a syringe, the solution will be injected into a glass flask, and through the catheter it will pass to the cervix.
When carrying out the fractional method, a special container with a heater, several flasks, as well as a probe (UZK-5) will be required. It consists of the following devices:
- catheter with a tip;
- containers with 2 tubes;
- filter;
- tube clamps.
After bringing the probe to the uterus, sperm is fed through the tube, the second is blocked by a clamp. When the liquid has already been introduced, open another tube and supply the diluent.
Carrying out the fertilization procedure
To inseminate a pig competently, you need to prepare for the procedure. After all the necessary preparations (venue, female and her genitals, tools and materials), you can carry out the procedure. The device is first introduced straight, then it is slightly lifted and inserted to the end. Next, a container with a seed is attached, lifted up and the contents are injected. Through the second catheter, a solution of glucose with salt is fed. You can use one catheter by connecting different containers to it in turn. After the introduction, leave for a few minutes, then carefully remove.
Possible leakage of material from the genital organs of the female. In this case, the procedure is suspended for a few minutes, then the introduction is continued. Also sometimes there is an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the vagina of the pig. It is necessary to wait until the female calms down, the spasms stop, then the procedure can be continued. To avoid spasms, the biomaterial is properly heated before administration.
The insemination procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Maintenance of the sow after manipulation
Special care for the female after the procedure of artificial insemination is not required. The main thing is to leave it for a few hours to calm down and relax. Then you can feed. A day later, the fertilization procedure is usually repeated and a second portion of sperm is injected. If at a certain time (after 20-25 days) the female is not in heat, then fertilization has occurred.
Conclusion
Artificial insemination of pigs is a progressive method of obtaining healthy, strong offspring. It has advantages over natural fertilization. Popular with large farms and small farms due to its ease of use and time savings.
When carrying out the technique of artificial insemination of pigs, it is necessary to observe hygiene, and then provide the fertilized sow with all the conditions and a balanced diet.