GROUP PENNED BOARS ARE QUICKER TO MATE
Young boars housed in a group appear to perform better than those kept in individual pens, according to a study by Canadian researchers.
Yorkshire boars tested at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, learned appropriate sexual behavior sooner when housed with other young boars than when they were penned individually.
They also posted better feet and leg scores than individually penned boars. They had better pastern conformations and hock angles but suffered more foot lesions and swelling.
The boars penned alone performed more snout to body contact with gilts than the group penned boars. They also attempted more incorrect mounts. In the test, group penned boars recorded higher mating scores, produced collectable semen at a younger age and required fewer mating tests.
Individually penned boars did have higher total sperm counts and sperm concentrations. But, more often than group penned boars, they also were too aggressive toward gilts, resulting in poor mating scores. Signs of sexual excitement — chomping, chanting and mounting — were similar for both groups of boars.
The same study also found no real differences in reproductive behavior between limit fed and ad lib fed boars.
The Guelph researchers concluded group housing is the best system for raising young boars. Males may develop more normal sexual behavior, better prepubertal development and better feet and leg soundness than lone boars.