So, we have come to a point where it really is better, less stressful, more predictable, and generally easier on the sows, to use an artificial insemination technique to impregnate. I didn't think this story would ‘play' quite as well on social media, and Brett agreed. But it is an important step in our process and I am fascinated by how easy and low-tech it actually is.
There are two steps in the procedure. When the sow is ready (not sure how we know, but we know), you pat her hindquarters and she will stand still. Then you insert the prepared applicator.
It takes just a few seconds to get the genetics into the sow…
and voilà!
Oh, and you have to repeat this one more time the next day.
If you have not witnessed the courtship ritual of the common hog, I can assure you that this is a simpler, less dramatic, and potentially much safer way to impregnate our sows. And I don't think they hate the attention!
Then the sow is out and about to gestate. And Jon tells me that we can expect piglets in exactly 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days for the insemination.
TMI? Maybe…
And in other news, the turkeys are out on fresh pasture and loving the greens, the movement, the roosting in the trees, and the overall action.
Finally, they are big enough to be outside on their own (with guard dogs, of course).
Let the foraging begin!
