Content
Artificial insemination of pigs is the process of placing a special device in the pig's vagina, which feeds the male's seed into the uterus. Before the procedure, the female pig is tested for hunting.
Is it possible to artificially fertilize a pig
Many farmers successfully apply artificial insemination of pigs in practice to increase the productivity of animals and to obtain strong offspring from them. Problems often arise during natural mating of pigs. With artificial insemination of sows, this is excluded.
The artificial insemination process begins with the collection of sperm from the male. This is done with a cage and a built-in artificial vagina. Thereafter, the recovered material is evaluated macroscopically, then a microscopic characterization of the material is made. Only after these studies, the boar seed is introduced into the prepared pig during the hunting period.
Benefits of artificial insemination of pigs
The method of artificial insemination of pigs is successful due to the possibility of significantly shortening the fertilization period, since a large number of females can be inseminated with the semen of one producer boar in one procedure. If the material is of high quality, that is, from a breeding boar, then it can be used on several farms.
The benefits of artificial insemination:
- there is no need to take into account the mass of both individuals as in natural mating;
- lack of direct contact between pigs avoids infectious diseases;
- this technique can significantly reduce the required amount of sperm;
- it is possible to preserve the 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 the young will be born with a certain set of characteristics.
Insemination methods for pigs
Two methods of artificial insemination of pigs are usually used: fractional and non-fractional. When using these methods, the biomaterial is diluted based on about 50 million active sperm cells per 1 ml of semen. But the volumes of diluted sperm for fertilization are different.
In farms, to increase fertilization and obtain healthy offspring, the semen of several boars that are not related to the uterus is used. Sperm are mixed in any quantities after diluting the material from each individual. Before the procedure, the semen is heated to a certain temperature and checked for sperm motility.
The fractional method of fertilization of pigs occurs in stages. At the first stage, diluted semen is injected into the pig's uterus. The solution is prepared from glucose, sodium chloride and distilled water. At the second stage, when re-injected, there are no sperm in the solution. This is necessary to prepare the uterine microflora for fertilization.
The non-fractional method of artificial insemination consists in the use of diluted sperm in the form of a concentrate. About 150 ml of the concentrate is injected through the catheter into the uterus.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 pig insemination scheme at home.
Young males are taken several times to mate with a female. Then they are taught to use a toy in the form of a female. After the reflex is developed, the animals sit on the toy. Before collecting the semen, a mat is placed behind the doll to prevent slipping. An artificial vagina is fixed in the doll. It must create pressure and slip. The hole is covered with a film with a rubber ring. After the preparations, the male is launched. The penis is directed into the opening, making massage movements, slightly pressing it down.
After receiving the ejaculate, the female is fixed in a clean enclosure. The procedure is carried out with sterile gloves. It is important to avoid getting the infection into 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 furacilin and wiped dry with a towel. Patting the female's 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 hunting in a pig in order to understand its readiness for insemination.
The first hunt for a pig begins at 5-7 months. The readiness for mating is repeated every 20-25 days.
You can determine the hunt in a pig by the following criteria:
- restless, aggressive behavior towards other pigs;
- grunting, squealing;
- decrease, lack of appetite;
- swelling, redness of the genitals;
- mucous discharge from the genitals (while the mucus should stretch well).
It should 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 time for insemination.
Preparing pigs for fertilization
Boars are cooked throughout the year, as the male must be in good health. This will ensure normal sexual activity of the animal. Tribal conditions can be achieved with a full-fledged diet, prolonged exposure to the fresh air. By excreting a large amount of sperm, the male loses energy and nutrients. In emaciated or heavily fed boars, sexual instincts are weakened, activity is significantly reduced, and the quality and quantity of sperm deteriorate.
Before the breeding period, the staff inspects the male, adjusts the diet, and, if necessary, culls. The semen is examined visually, then under a microscope.
The preparation of females is a more laborious process. Starts in a few weeks. Experts pay attention mainly to the diet. The reproductive ability of sows is also influenced by:
- keeping sows;
- season;
- male producer;
- piglet weaning time;
- heredity;
- general condition of the sow.
The correct diet for pigs directly affects sexual activity, estrus, ovulation, fertility.
Preparation of tools and materials
When inseminating a pig with a non-fractional method, a glass flask or 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 other. 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, you will need a special container with a heater, several flasks, and a probe (UZK-5). It consists of the following devices:
- tip catheter;
- containers with 2 tubes;
- filter;
- clamps for overlapping tubes.
After bringing the probe to the uterus, sperm is fed through the tube, the second is closed with a clamp. When the liquid has already been injected, another tube is opened and diluent is supplied.
Fertilization procedure
To inseminate a pig correctly, you need to prepare for the procedure. After all the necessary preparations (location, female and her genitals, tools and materials), the procedure can be carried out. The device is first inserted straight, then it is slightly raised and inserted to the end. Next, attach the container with the seed, lift it up and introduce the contents. A solution of glucose with salt is fed through the second catheter. You can use one catheter, connecting different containers to it in turn. After injection, leave for a few minutes, then carefully remove.
It is possible for material to leak from the female genital organs. In this case, the procedure is suspended for several minutes, then the introduction is continued. An involuntary contraction of the muscles of the pig's vagina is also sometimes observed. 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 injection.
The insemination procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Sow maintenance after manipulation
Special care for the female after the artificial insemination procedure is not required. The main thing is to leave her to calm down and rest for a few hours. Then you can feed. After a day, 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, it means that fertilization has occurred.
Conclusion
Artificial insemination of pigs is a progressive method of obtaining healthy, strong offspring. It has advantages over natural fertilization. Popular on large 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 conditions and a balanced diet.
