GB estimated pig slaughterings. UK pig meat marketing chain. UK pig meat outlook. EU pig slaughterings and production. GB average carcase weight. GB average probe. Carcase classification. GB household pork purchases. Indoor breeding herd. Outdoor breeding herd. Rearing 7 - 35kg. Finishing 35 - kg. Rearing and finishing 7kg - kg.
Cost of production in selected countries. Cost of production and net margins. Pig performance trends and COP sensitivity for feed and performance. Pig meat trade. Potato markets. Weekly Average Price Survey. Free-buy prices. GB potato production. GB potato stocks. GB planted area. GB planted area by variety. GB planted area by region. GB planted area by sector.
Potato Lifting Progress. Potato retail market. European market trends - potatoes. Potato trade. Potato market analysis. Heat detection in pigs. Accurate heat detection is essential for the correct timing of insemination. Use this information to ensure good timing, successful insemination and improved reproductive performance.
Heat detection tips for success. It is important to take your time and know your pigs. Not all signs of heat are exhibited in any one female, and response to boar contact can vary. To ensure success, remember the following: Always approach your pigs calmly and avoid interrupting their normal behaviour Allow time to observe their true behaviour Allow reaction to your presence to subside Many females respond instantly to boar presence, while others take a few minutes Some females may only exhibit a standing reflex for the boar with which they have had the most contact Be patient and do not be afraid to develop a bond.
Preparing gilts for service. Signs of coming into heat. Check for some, or all of these signs: Back end — Swollen, red vulva more notable in gilts than sows , watery discharge from vulva, clitoris flat and pale pink, becoming more prominent Activity — Restless, climbing up gates and walls, mounting other females but not standing themselves, increasing interest in the boar Sounds — High-pitched whining.
Signs of standing heat. Check for some or all of these signs: Back end — Vulva appears normal swelling and redness subsides , sticky discharge from vulva, clitoris red and protruding, tail upright while standing, and flicks up and down Activity — Poor appetite, pricked ears, standing with an arched back, glazed eyes, trembling, attracted to stockperson, seeking boar contact if allowed , standing rigid if mounted Sounds — Vocal with repeated grunts or long growls.
Test for a standing reflex the best indicator. Check twice daily if possible, allowing at least seven hours between checks. Receptive females will stand rigid and ears often prick up. If there are multiple sows and gilts in with each other, you may see them trying to mount each other Increased interest in males whether they be pig or human — this is the time that my husband tries to stay away from Big Marie as she gets particularly fiesty around him!
Clear sticky discharge that drips from the vulva and stickiness will increase over the course of proestrus period. Can have reduced appetite and may go off feed. Note her vulva is swollen and "plump" with slight reddening and a sticky discharge. Some other indicators of standing heat include: The swelling of the vulva and discharge has peaked and reduced She will be less antsy, restless, and all around calmer.
Reflex test. But, her ears will twitch and be in a more alerted position. Big Marie in standing heat. Standing still with me on her back haunches. Note because of her floppy ears they aren't "pricked" but they are in a more alert position. However, a sow or gilt cannot maintain this state of receptivity throughout the estrous period. To optimize breeding success with AI, boars should be maintained in a completely separate room or area prior to heat checks and breeding. This will greatly reduce the possibility of an estrous female falsely giving indications of not being in estrus.
This is the optimal time for insemination, and it should not be delayed because the semen or supplies are not ready. It is important to time inseminations properly from the onset of estrus.
Control boar exposure. Work to establish a heat detection routine in the barn. This involves sight, sound and smell. Timing is critical; too much unmonitored exposure is just as detrimental as too little exposure. Keep accurate records. Record dates of gilt movement, mixing and exposure, hormonal treatment and withdrawal, signs of estrus, weaning or abortions.
Note odd activities such as irritability, off-feed, vaginal discharges, etc. Have the correct attitude and skill. The competent stockperson has the eyes to see, the mind to know how and the attitude to do. Positive caretaker-sow interactions increase reproductive success. Reduce environmental and social stressors and provide adequate light. Estrus can be delayed or difficult to recognize in dim environments and noisy surroundings or when sows are mixed or handled aggressively.
Maintain optimum body condition. This should be accomplished through feed and health management.
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