REPRODUCTION
PIH-1
pork industry handbook
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Management of the Boar
Authors
W. L. Singleton, Purdue University
J. W. Shannon, Mississippi State University
B. N. Day, University of Missouri
L. H. Thompson, University of Illinois
Reviewers
Bill Funderburg, Greenville, Ohio
R. H. Hines, Kansas State University
R. P. Wetteman, Oklahoma State University
The goal of any good swine breeding program is to have a high percentage of sows farrow large litters in a short period. The following boar management practices before, during and after the breeding season will help you, the swine producer, to reach this goal.

When to Buy Herd Boars
Boars should be purchased at least 45-60 days before the breeding season starts. This gives you ample time to locate superior animals and, once they are 'selected, to check them for health, condition them to your farm, and test-mate or evaluate them for reproductive performance.

Adjustment Policy
The code of fair practices adopted by the National Association of Swine Records is a good guideline to follow
and is available from purebred associations. The consignor or seller is responsible for settlement of all claims. All requests for adjustments should be made within a reasonable time after date of delivery to buyer. Should any boar prove to be a nonbreeder, the seller should make a replacement satisfactory to the buyer, or refund the purchase price, upon return (usually sold at market) of the boar in healthy condition and satisfactory state of flesh.

Many individual breeders and commercial breeding stock companies have their own adjustment policy. Regardless of where you buy herd boars, it is recommended that both you and the seller understand the sale policy and responsibilities before the transaction. A reputable breeder will gladly enter into a written agreement with the buyer concerning fair adjustment if problems develop with the boar. Such a breeder is also usually willing to serve as consultant to the buyer in selecting boars. He’s an excellent source of practical swine management information, and his suggestions should be carefully considered. Both breeder and buyer gain if no adjustment is required on a boar.

Transporting Newly Purchased Boars
Proper care in transporting boars insures maximum service by minimizing possible stresses, injuries and diseases. Any stress or disease that causes high temperatures can lower fertility or even produce temporary sterility which might last 6-8 weeks. Therefore, carefully follow these suggestions when transporting your boar:

1. Avoid shipping boars that have just been taken off a self-feeder or have been fed within
    an hour or two before loading.
2.	 Have safe, well-built loading and unloading facilities.
3.	 Clean and disinfect the truck before transporting the boars.
4.	 Provide in the covered truck suitable bedding (sand in summer, straw in winter) and
    protection against weather.
5.	 Use a divider when hauling strange boars together in the same truck.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diesslin, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or handicap.