In winter and spring, the key to boar management lies in maintaining proper nutrition, encouraging regular physical activity, and controlling breeding frequency. These factors directly impact the health of the boars, their fertility, and the quality of their semen.
Boar semen is mainly composed of water and proteins, with the latter being essential for reproductive performance. These proteins must come from the diet, so it's crucial to ensure that male boars receive enough protein-rich feed, especially during colder months when their energy needs increase. Animal-based feeds such as fish, shrimp, fish meal, bone meal, blood meal, silkworms, and insects can be excellent sources of protein. Additionally, feeding 1–2 eggs daily can help replenish protein stores and improve ejaculate volume. Alongside protein, it's important to provide a balanced diet that includes sufficient vitamins and minerals to support overall health and reproductive function.
Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, which negatively affects libido and semen quality. Regular physical activity helps maintain the boar’s fitness, boosts sperm vitality, and enhances breeding efficiency. It's recommended to allow boars to walk or run 1–2 times a day, each session lasting about an hour at a slow pace (2–4 km/h). During winter, it's best to schedule this activity around midday when temperatures are milder. However, during mating periods, the intensity and duration of exercise should be reduced to avoid overexertion.
Breeding frequency also plays a vital role. Too frequent breeding can lead to exhaustion, lower sperm count, and poor semen quality, which in turn reduces sow conception rates and litter sizes. On the other hand, long periods without breeding (1–2 months) can also harm semen quality. To strike a balance, adult boars should be bred 4–5 times per week, while younger or reserve boars should be bred 3–4 times a week. This approach ensures optimal reproductive performance while protecting the boar's long-term health.
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