Assisting gilts and sows to stand during mating

A major problem in AI in pigs is assisting the gilt or sow to stand properly. It can become extremely frustrating chasing a gilt or sow around or stockpeople put themselves in harm during the insemination process

What happens naturally?
	A boar and sow well proportioned places most of his weight just in front of the sow’s hips (arrow) and on his hind feet. If the boar is too big, he places his weight too far forward. His weight is then applied to the shoulders and forearm of the female (particularly gilts) which may result in a fractured humerus (forearm)
Stimulate the standing reflex – link to reproductive behaviour
Have a gilt or sow in oestrus. Note that the standing reflex starts within 30 seconds of seeing a mature boar and may only last 10 minutes	Use a mature boar which has plenty of smell – especially a boar which salivates. Place the boar within 1 metre of the gilt or sow to be mated – boar libido signs
Gilts
Gilts should be mated at their first heat on their own – link to oestrus in the gilt
Individual attention needed even with a belt	Gilts in standing heat can be sat on – with care
Sows – in modern farms sows can be mated in groups of 3 or 4 utilising a “hands-free” system
Belts with weights
Girth belts without weights	Girth belt relying on tension
Health and safety issues
Do not attempt to ride a sow in a stall	Mated sow with good stockperson contact