Optimizing Time in a Boar Stud

December 15, 2008 — 

Researchers at North Carolina State University, in collaboration with PIC, have developed a decision-tool to determine the optimum length of time a boar should be utilized in an AI program.

Pig producers and boar stud managers have different opinions on the question of boar stud longevity. Semen producers attempt to control costs by maximizing the number of high quality semen doses per boar. Semen production and quality tend to improve as a boar ages and the longer a boar can remain productive, the fewer replacement boars needed. These factors tend to decrease costs per semen dose at the boar stud.

Pig producers, on the other hand, are interested in rapid access to the most productive genetics. This is related to the rate of turnover in the boar stud and thus is maximized using younger boars. These two objectives lie at opposite ends of the boar's lifespan, thus the need for a method to optimize the interests of both parties.

Researchers have developed a tool that allows for quick and easy input of boar stud specific inputs that in turn calculates an index level to assist in the replacing of boars in stud with new boars. This tool is designed to assist boar stud managers with important culling decisions, by balancing both the boar stud's perspective and the perspective of pig producers.

A discussion of the decision tool can be viewed online in the November issue of the NCSU Swine News.