Quite ironic when we appear to have seen little of a summer this year. Nevertheless the incidence of ‘summer’ or ‘seasonal’ infertility is still prevalent even if the hot weather hasn’t been. Three areas on summer infertility have been covered during the course of the summer:

• How can you prepare for it
• Strategies on-farm
• A vets perspective

SUMMARY GUIDELINES

How can you prepare for it: Look at the impact of last years summer performance and then calculate the number of matings for this year. Ensure you have enough gilts in your system for any extra matings in order to boost farrowing numbers. Consider increasing the number of gilts served by 10-15% during summer. If your chaser boars are unproductive in hot temperatures, consider using AI. Strategies on-farm:

• Maintain a clean and hygienic service area at all times. q Store catheters and other equipment free from dust and dirt.
• Consider serving at either end of the day when it’s cooler.
• Ensure your temperature controlled cabinet or fridge is clean and avoid exposure of semen to direct sunlight.
• Maintain your semen doses at the correct storage temperature of 16 – 18oC.

A vets perspective:

• Provide shade and wallows and ensure that there is plenty of clean water available.
• Consider moving and feeding your stock in the early morning or evening, avoiding the heat of the day. Feeding at this time can help increase intakes and reduce feed wastage.
• Ensure good ventilation in farrowing huts or arcs to help deter sows from lying outside thereby minimising reduced milk intake and growth of piglets.
• Strategic use of AI can help where boars, particularly older boars are disinclined to work in the hot weather.

Summer Infertility Series

Summer Infertility - Part 1

Summer Infertility - Part 2

Summer Infertility - Part 3

August 2007