Boars used both for natural service and AI need careful management in warmer weather. Heat stress reduces quality of semen, warns Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC.
The temperature at which this occurs varies from boar-to-boar but can start from around 25ºC. The temperature in boar houses should therefore be monitored. If ambient house temperatures are high supplemental cooling is advised e.g. by drip-lines, misting or washing down passageways to increase evaporative cooling and introducing some airflow across the pigs.
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Semen quality can be adversely affected for up to six weeks after hot weather.
August 1, 2012 - ACMC/ UK