Cost Analysis of Heat Detection and Performance of Sows using Teaser Boars and BOARBETTER® Pheromone Post-Weaning

A study was carried out to investigate the cost analysis of heat detection and performance of sows using teaser boars (TB) and BOARBETTER® (BB) pheromone post-weaning at Livingston’s Enterprises Inc., Fairbury, Nebraska, USA. A total of 4,810 F1 (American yorkshire [sow] X landrace [boar]) weaned sows were used. The sows were allotted into two treatment groups (group 1 (control): sows heat-checked using TB exposure and group 2: sows heat-checked using BB exposure) in a student t-test. Feed and water were given appropriately. Data were collected on sow performance and piglet performance, while cost effectiveness was calculated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20. Significant (P<0.05) differences occurred in weight at birth (WB), weight at weaning (WW), piglets weaned per sow (PWS), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). WB was higher in control (0.68 kg), WW was higher in BB (4.54 kg), PWS was higher in BB (15.58), WG was higher in BB (3.63 kg) and FCR was lower in BB (3.50). Pheromone was twice more efficient than TB in all the parameters considered. It was concluded that both from production and economic point of view, BB was more efficient than TB in pig reproduction. Keywords: swine reproduction, teaser boars, BOARBETTER®, heat detection