Article abstract

Journal of Agricultural and Crop Research

Research Article | Published June 2020 | Volume 8, Issue 6 pp. 120-131.

doi: https://doi.org/10.33495/jacr_v8i6.20.154

 

Application of modern estrus detection protocols in small scale Hybrid Black pig production systems

 



 

 

Ruey-Chee Weng1*

Sandile Birthwell Ndwandwe2

 

Email Author

 

1. Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, Republic of China.

2. Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, Republic of China.


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Citation: Weng R, Ndwandwe SB (2020). Application of modern estrus detection protocols in small scale Hybrid Black pig production systems. J. Agric. Crop Res. 8(6):120-131.

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 Abstract 


The aim of this study was to re-invent the readily available estrus detection methods in small scale with black colour pigs, capable to yield more accurate results. Data were collected from 32 Meishan X Large Black X Duroc Hybrid Black sows housed in groups. Weaned sows were observed for 11 days, and estrus was detected twice daily, comprising of live observations of mating behaviour, a boar test and a back pressure test. The findings revealed a strong inverse relationship (r = -0.885) between time spent on lying and standing, which could be used as predictive marker for approaching estrus (p ≤ 0.05). The mating-related behaviours were found to be significantly higher during 5th to 7th day post weaning. There were strong positive correlations between nosing genital and bar-biting (r = 0.809), mounting and voice change (r = 0.743), and voice change and nosing genitals (r = 0.731). Sow body temperature varied during estrus, with vulva and vulva skin temperatures providing a better fit to the data, R2 = 0.455 and R2 = 0.667 for summer and winter trials, respectively. The findings revealed that with or without a boar, when on heat, sows would respond positive to back pressure test. In conclusion, behavioural and physiological changes of the vulva provided an opportunity for primary diagnosis of estrus. The flexibility of the infrared thermometer to be combined with other estrus detection protocols yielded more accurate results, providing the small scale farmers with an opportunity to apply modern detection protocols.

Keywords  Hybrid Black sow   estrus detection   behaviour   infrared thermometer  

 

 

Copyright © 2020 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

 

 

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