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.
Semen quality can be adversely affected for up to six weeks after hot weather.
