Swine Reproduction Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Time & Date: 2:00 PM, West Coast Time
• Series: In the Swine Barn - October Meeting
• Topic: Swine reproduction
• Speaker: Dr. Ryan Samuel, South Dakota State University
• Focus: Sow management, breeding techniques, artificial insemination (AI)
• Poll:
  • Methods of breeding used by attendees: Boar, AI, Both, or Educational purposes

Seminar Setup

• Moderator: Jamie Sackman - Handles Q&A
• Technical Support: Anna Myers - Platform issues
• Next Seminar: November 12th with Dr. Russ Daily on swine health

Presentation Agenda

1. Artificial Insemination (AI)
2. The swine estrus cycle
3. Management of boars
4. Q&A session

Artificial Insemination (AI)

• AI vs Artificial Intelligence: Focus is on artificial insemination
• Estrus Cycle: Understanding swine heat cycle critical for timing
• Boar Basics: Role in breeding

Video Presentation

• Presenter: Professor Jeff Clapper
• Semen Dosage: 80-100 ml
• Sperm Count: 3-5 billion cells
  • Higher compared to cattle
• Semen Packaging: Tubes, bottles, couchette (plastic bag)
• Catheter Use:
  • Handle by the non-inserting end
  • Discard if dropped
  • Not sterile but clean
• Signs of Estrus:
  • Swollen vulva
  • Standing immobile
  • Ears flagging
  • Vocalizations
• Estrus Detection: Nose-to-nose contact with boar
• Matrix: Synchronizes estrus (feed for 15-16 days then remove)

AI Equipment and Process

• Catheter Types: Golden pig (standard), Spirette, Deep Uterine Insemination catheter
• Insemination Process:
  • Check for heat
  • Insert catheter upwards initially
  • Attach semen, allow natural uterine contractions to draw in semen
  • Use back pressure and rubbing

Swine Estrus Cycle

• Cycle Length: 21 days
• Breeding Timing:
  • Receptive for 2-3 days
  • Breed commercially the day after estrus detection

Boar Management

• Housing: Separate from sows except during breeding
• Semen Handling:
  • Temperature sensitive
  • Extender used to prolong life
• Artificial Insemination Techniques
  • Use of breeding saddles for pressure

Questions & Answers

• Nutrition and Reproduction:
  • Importance of maintaining body condition
  • Avoid overfeeding especially post-farrow
• Boar Usage:
  • Start breeding around 6-9 months depending on workload
• Vaccination Programs: Essential for health

Concluding Remarks

• Importance of clean procedures
• Keep detailed breeding records
• Use of commercial breeding programs and tools

Future Seminar

• Date: November 12th
• Topic: Swine health, diseases, and treatments with Dr. Russ Daily

End of Notes.