Breeding Swine

Aspects of Selection Selecting dams and sires in breeding swine resulting in adequate market offspring. Reproductive Efficiency: offspring produced in a predictable, regular basis, manner with young being born alive and healthy. PROFITABILITY: 10 live piglets is better than 4.

Structural Soundness in Pigs Skeletal system and how well the bones support the animals body. Bone growth, size, and shape can affect animal well being, usefulness, and functionality. Soreness, stiffness, and pain in moving can affect reproduction.

Structurally Correct Toplines Level topline Topline: length of top of animal back Affects their usefulness on concrete

Structurally Correct Toplines Arched topline hogs Scapula and humerus equals less flexibility and cushion to joints. Aitch and femur bone (hip and rear leg bones) less parallel to ground. Bones should act as a hinge

Topline

Structurally Correct Toplines Drop behind Shoulders Weak spine Weaker structure

Pastern Structure Pasterns (ankle bones) that are too vertical create a jarring affect as the animal walks. Weak pasterns cause pain to the hog when it stands or walks

Bone Diameter & Foot Structure Should be large in diameter, indicating strength. Larger boned hogs grow faster and have more capacity for muscling.

Bone Diameter & Foot Structure Toes should be approximately the same size. Uneven toes indicate structural unsoundness. Legs should be placed squarely under the animal.

Feet and Leg Position Splayfooted – turned out Pigeon Toed – Turned in Buck Kneed – knees are bowed or bucked out in front.

Feet and Leg Position Rear foot should place where the front feet were placed. Short choppy steps = structurally unsound, muscle bound, or both.

Capacity Width and depth of the animal, or its total volume. Wide down the top and deep in the side. Wide Belly = greater capacity to hold feed & gain weight rapidly Longer Bodied = yield more meat Wide Chested = proof of muscling and capacity

Capacity

Reproductive Soundness Teats Should be large and well defined

Reproductive Soundness Pin Nipples Tiny nipples, do not function well Blind Nipples Fail to mature and have no opening Inverted Nipples Crater in the center and are not functioning

Reproductive Soundness

Reproductive Soundness Infantile Vulva Small, good indication of small reproductive tract

Reproductive Soundness Testicles Large and well developed Viable Sperm Produced from larger testicles Sheaths Swollen sheaths can lead to breeding problems.

Muscling Adequate muscling to pass onto their offspring. Too much muscling can lead structurally unsoundness.