At present we have two sows (sisters) and one unrelated boar. They are registered pedigree British Saddlebacks, of which there were only 409 sows and 100 boars as at the end of 2020 in the UK. This year's figures are still being processed following the recently completed annual survey of 14 traditional breeds conducted by the British Pig Association.
Although, so far, not quite as wet as the last two winters, the pig paddocks are collecting pools of water following recent rain and becoming muddier. During the summer we built an additional pig house and small run to add to our commodious farrowing house. The intention was that this would provide enough indoor accommodation, if it was needed, over the winter. A week ago I decided it was time to take advantage of this and bring the pigs off the fields. Pigs will tolerate muddy conditions but it is not at all their preference. It is not very pleasant for me either. When mud freezes and becomes rock hard, this also has welfare issues for the pigs as they can turn ankles and cause lameness.
Bringing the pigs in also had another benefit. One of the sows failed to get pregnant this year having had two spells with the boar. This is a concern as the longer a sow goes without producing a litter the greater the likelihood of becoming permanently infertile. We know that the problem is not the boar as the sow's sister has not had any problems conceiving. After discussing with our livestock vet we have commenced a hormone medication to regulate her cycle and induce ovulation. The medication is administered orally for ten consecutive days. This means mixing it with her food but also preventing the other pigs from hogging the food themselves. The sow in question is now in the new pig house whilst the other two pigs are in the farrowing house which facilitates the administration of the medication. She will join the boar again after the ten days are up and we will see what transpires. Hopefully this will do the trick.
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| Our boar. Pedigree name, Tudor Dominator 6, otherwise Alfred, or Alf to his friends. |
Most disappointed that you told us Alf's name, but not what the sows are called
ReplyDeleteApologies! Bertha and Bernia. All our pigs have had Anglo-Saxon names (sometimes Latinised) to reflect the history of this part of the world. (Our sheep have biblical names).
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