Good day my dear students!!!

How are you today? I hope everything goes well especially your
studies. We are now on the fourth week of our lesson; I hope you will read
and understand the content of this Learning Activity Sheet seriously and
religiously so that you’ll learn on how to conduct heat detection to determine
if the animal is on standing heat.

This Learning Activity Sheet covers the knowledge, skills, and

attitude required in conducting heat detection to determine if the
animal is on standing heat.
Good luck and enjoy learning...
God bless and keep safe.

EXPLORE Your Understanding

Essential Question
- How are you going to conduct heat detection to determine if the animal is on standing heat?
Content Standard
- The learner demonstrates an understanding of confirming the readiness of sow/gilt for A.I.
Performance Standard
- The learner independently confirms readiness of sow/gilt for AI.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Upon completing this Learning Activity Sheet, you should be able to:
1. Highlight the important role of detection of estrus in swine breeding
2. Outline the behavioral and physical changes leading up to and during estrus
3. Explain how to best manage boar exposure to stimulate females to express estrus
4. Conduct heat detection.

Introduction:

Detection of estrus or standing heat is one of the most critical components of a successful
swine breeding program. The widespread adoption of artificial insemination (AI) in the swine industry
has shifted the responsibility of detecting estrus from boar to breeding technician. Accurate and
consistent detection of estrus is necessary to ensure insemination occurs near the time of ovulation and
to identify open females. Errors in detection of estrus reduce reproductive performance and increase
herd non-productive days. Since accurate heat checks are so vital, all individuals involved must know
the typical signs that females approaching estrus in their herd exhibit and how to best use a boar to
stimulate females to express estrus.

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 Heat detection is the process of identifying which females are receptive to mating. A sexually
mature female pig in good health should cycle every 3 weeks if she is not pregnant or lactating. (The
estrous cycle of swine lasts approximately 21 days.) On day 1 the female is receptive to mating;
ovulation occurs or day 2 to 3.
Standing heat
The display of standing heat (“estrus”) is a physical expression of the female’s release of
oxytocin, increased levels of estrogen, state of ovulation and receptivity to mating. Oxytocin is a
naturally occurring hormone which when released causes strong pulsing contractions of the uterus
which aid in transport of the semen. The wavelike pulsations also cause strong rigidity of the muscles, a
response commonly known as “standing heat.” This standing response allows the female to withstand
the boar’s weight during breeding.
The expression and duration of estrus is affected by many factors, including age/parity,
season/temperature, genetic composition, body condition, nutrition and previous exposure to a boar.
The display of estrus typically lasts no more than 48 hours in gilts, and 38 to 64 hours in sows, although
there is variation between farms and individual females. The “locked up” periods of standing heat last 5
to 15 minutes, depending on the level of stimulation received, the energy reserves of the female, and
the time elapsed since the last standing heat and the subsequent refractory period. Ovulation will occur
from 36 to 42 hours after the onset of estrus- sooner in gilts than sows.
Signs of Estrus
Estrus is defined as a period of sexual receptivity and ovulation during which the female will
accept the male and is capable of conceiving. The pubertal or first estrus usually occurs at about 170 to
210 days of age in gilts that receive boar stimulation. In mature sows, estrus normally begins within
three to five days postweaning. Estrus generally lasts 40 hours in gilts and 55 hours in sows, but
variation among individuals can be substantial (range 12 to 84 hours). Ovulation typically occurs at
about two-thirds into an individual gilt or sow’s estrus (usually 30 to 40 hours after onset of estrus). The
estrous cycle, or interval from estrus-to-estrus, typically averages 21 days and can also vary (18 to 24
days).
The ultimate sign that confirms a gilt or sow is in estrus is immobilization or “standing” in
response to back-pressure from a boar, another gilt or sow, or from a person. However, there are
several other behavioral and physical changes that may be observed hours or even days before the
onset of standing estrus. These preliminary signs of estrus are not always exhibited and their intensity
often varies among different females, breeds, and breeding herds. In addition, some of these signs of
approaching estrus may be more or less commonly observed in gilts versus sows and in individual
(crate) versus group (pen) housing systems. The intensity of the signs of estrus and order in which they
typically occur is diagramed in figure 1. The descriptions of the signs of estrus that follow reference the
numbered images in table 1.
1. Swelling and Reddening – Two to three days before onset of estrus, increasing estrogen levels
from developing ovarian follicles stimulate increased blood flow and fluid retention in the
reproductive tract and cause the vulva and clitoris to swell and turn red. This is commonly
observed in gilts (1 and 2, center gilt) but it is usually only seen in sows if the vulva is parted to
examine the interior (3). Estrogen also acts on sites in the brain to induce the behaviors
associated with estrus. Vocalizations may change, activity may increase, and feed intake may
decrease as females approach estrus. Breeding technicians should make note of females
exhibiting these physical and behavioral changes, mark them, and examine them again at the
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 next heat check.

Figure 1. Examples of Behavioral and Physical Signs of Approaching Estrus in Gilts versus Sows and in Individual (Crates)
versus Group (Pens) Housing Systems. Swelling and Reddening – The vulva swells (1) and reddens significantly in gilts (2,
center gilt) but only the interior tends to redden in sows (3)

2. Mucous Discharge – Clear sticky mucus may drip and hang from the vulva in response to the
increasing levels of estrogen (4 gilt, 5 sow). A small sample can be smeared on the thumb, even
before a significant amount collects on the vulva, and then pressed and stretched repeatedly
between fingertips to determine the degree of “stickiness” (6). This is commonly called “thumb
checking” and the theory behind it is that the mucus becomes increasingly sticky as the sow
approaches estrus. Non-estrus females usually clamp their tail down when the vulva is examined
but sows in estrus will sometimes raise their tail and it may begin to quiver.

Figure 2. Examples of Behavioral and Physical Signs of Approaching Estrus in Gilts versus Sows and in Individual (Crates)
versus Group (Pens) Housing Systems. Mucous Discharge – Clear, sticky mucus collects on the vulva of a gilt (4) and sow
(5). Testing the “stickiness” of the mucus by “thumb checking” (6)

3. Riding – Gilts and sows coming into or going out of estrus often mount and ride pen mates when
group housed (7). Most females will not tolerate being mounted and will vocalize loudly and
make moves to escape. Females that do stand immobilized when ridden (7) are in estrus and
may develop rough hair and rub marks on their back from being repeatedly ridden. Females
housed in crates cannot mount their neighbors but may make attempts to bite them (8) or climb
on the crate when excited by exposure to a boar (9).

Figure 3. Examples of Behavioral and Physical Signs of Approaching Estrus in Gilts versus Sows and in Individual (Crates)
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versus Group (Pens) Housing Systems. Riding – A sow coming into or out of estrus mounts and rides a penmate (7)
whereas crated sows attempt to bite (8) or climb (9) towards a neighbor

4. Seeking the Boar – Most females will move towards a passing boar (10 pen and 11, 12 crates)
whether in heat or not. However, females approaching estrus and in estrus will make increased
effort to get close to the boar. This boar seeking behavior has been used to develop an
electronic estrus monitoring system that continuously records the frequency and duration of visits
that group housed females make to a “viewing hole” on an adjacent solid-walled pen containing
a boar.

Figure 4. Examples of Behavioral and Physical Signs of Approaching Estrus in Gilts versus Sows and in Individual (Crates)
versus Group (Pens) Housing Systems. Seeking the Boar – Gilts in a pen (10) and sows in crates (11, 12) move forward to
investigate a passing boar

5. Standing Reflex – Some females in estrus will exhibit the “standing reflex” without any direct
physical stimulation when a boar passes nearby (13 pen and 14, 15 crates). The ears may
spring into an erect position in some breeds and females often arch their back slightly and brace
their legs through isometric muscle contractions as if preparing to be mounted.

Figure 5. Examples of Behavioral and Physical Signs of Standing Estrus in Gilts versus Sows and in Individual (Crates)
versus Group (Pens) Housing Systems. Standing Reflex – Females in estrus stand motionless in response to boar exposure
without back-pressure in a pen (13) and in crates (14, 15)

6. Back-Pressure Test – Conversely, a few females in estrus will stand in response to back-
pressure without the presence of a boar. However, many gilts and sows in estrus will not exhibit
the standing reflex when pressure is applied to their back unless a boar is present. When direct
physical boar contact is not possible or practical, fence line exposure of females to a boar will
work but it should be as close as possible and in a nose-to-nose orientation so females can
smell as well as hear and see the boar (10, 11, 12). When allowed direct physical contact, boars
often nudge the flank and underline of females to determine if they are receptive before making a
mounting attempt. Stimulation of these same areas with firm hand strokes before applying
pressure to the back by hand (16) or by riding (17, 18) facilitates expression of the standing
response.

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Figure 6. Examples of Behavioral and Physical Signs of Standing Estrus in Gilts versus Sows and in Individual (Crates)
versus Group (Pens) Housing Systems. Back-Pressure Test – Females in estrus standing motionless in response to boar
exposure and back-pressure applied by hand (16) or by riding (17, 18)

In the presence of the boar, females will generally stand when pressure is applied to their back
about 6 to 10 hours before they will stand for the back-pressure test without a boar. This is because the
onset (and end) of estrus is a gradual transition that occurs over several hours. Even though estrus is
measured as a definitive “yes” or “no” at each heat check, the amount of boar stimulation required to
get a given female to stand decreases as she comes into estrus and then increases as the female goes
out of estrus. For this reason, increased intensity of boar stimulation tends to lengthen the observed
duration of estrus.

Gilts and sows can exhibit some or none of the preliminary signs of estrus and ovulate without
exhibiting the standing response, but the occurrence of such “silent heats” seems to be relatively rare in
most situations. It is probably much more common for estrus to be missed due to human error or
inadequate boar stimulation and the incorrect assumption made that females are not cycling and
anestrus.

Once females exhibit the standing reflex, they will often stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then
become unwilling to be mounted even though they are in estrus. This refractory state fades within a few
hours and females will accept the boar and stand immobilized again. This phenomenon may be related
to muscle fatigue from the isometric contractions females exhibit during the standing response and (or)
fatigue of the behavioral center(s) stimulated in their brain.

Continuous stimulation of females through constant exposure to a boar can cause a reduction in the
expression of estrous behaviors such as the standing reflex and this phenomenon is referred to as
habituation. In other words, the excitement and novelty of a boar’s presence can wear off if he is always
there.

Estrous detection checklist for different types of breeding females.

Gilts Begin boar exposure soon after gilts are introduced to breeding herd
Allow 10 to 15 minutes of direct physical contact with a boar daily
Avoid extremes of constant boar exposure and insufficient boar exposure
Vulva reddening, swelling, and mucous discharge prior to estrus may last longer and standing
estrus is often shorter and less intense compared to sows

Weaned Sows Begin boar exposure the day after weaning

Allow a few minutes of close nose-to-nose boar contact daily
Use firm strokes of the flank and underline followed by the back-pressure test when the boar is
focused on the sow to detect estrus
Recheck any sows that seemed close to standing or that should be in heat

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Mated Females Check all mated females for estrus daily
Focus on those females mated 18 to 24 days ago
Look for abnormal behaviors that stand out from the group, such as a female standing alone
when other females around her are lying down
Look for other signs that a female may soon return to estrus, such as an abnormal vaginal
discharge or abortion

Steps to Identifying Heat

1. Manage active boar exposure to female by providing nose-to-nose contact. Ideally this involves
full contact between the boar and female, however fenceline exposure will suffice
2. Stockperson should rub the female’s side and apply slight back pressure. This action emulates
the boar actions of nudging and rooting the female’s side and flank to encourage a standing
response
3. Stockperson should press fist below the vulva and “thumb check” the vulva for a sticky, viscous
This action emulates the boars nosing of the vulva as he detects the elevated temperature and
secretions of the female in estrus.
4. Stockperson tugs or lifts the female’s flank and rubs the underline. As oxytocin is released
naturally, she will stand rigid or “lock up.” This action emulates the boar shoving, rooting and
lifting the female, with special emphasis in the flank area.
5. If the female exhibits signs of estrus and begins to stand rigid, the stockman can grasp the
female’s back and increase pressure or sit astride to confirm a standing response. The boar
would naturally make attempts to mount and test the standing response. Once mounted, the
weight of the boar is upon the female and his front feet will clutch the female’s sides and he will
thrust, further stimulating the female.

The female in heat and identifiable as a candidate for breeding is one that exhibits the typical signs of
heat and will stand rigid from the presence of a boar or physical stimulation by the boar or stockperson.
The more extensive the stimulation that can be provided, the stronger the presence of signs of heat will
be as well as the completion of a successful mating.

When to Heat Check

Ideally, estrus is detected twice daily in an attempt to accurately identify its onset. The estrus
detection should be performed 8 to 12 hours apart. Females should be segregated from boar contact
for a minimum of one hour prior to estrus detection.

There are certain days in the female’s reproductive stage which should be a focus for heat
detection. In the gilt, these dates would be 21-24 days post-movement or mixing and the subsequent 21
days periods, plus or minus 3 days. For weaned sows, estrus would normally be detected 4 to 8 days
post-weaning as well as 21 and 42 days post mating, (+/- 3 days). Open sows or those with no previous
documentation of heat or recent weaning should be checked daily.

The coolest hours of the day are ideal for heat detection. Sows and boars are more active and
exhibit longer heat responses during the morning hours. Females must also be in a good state of well-
being and physical condition.

Successful Heat Detection

1. Get active. Physically simulate the actions of the boar and have the right attitude and proficiency
to do a thorough job. Repeatedly examine the activity in the natural mating process.
2. Be patient and observant throughout the day. Some females may not “lock up” until the boar has
already passed by. Sows returning to estrus may be restless, off-feed and seeking attention.
3. Control boar exposure. Work to establish a heat detection routine in the barn. This involves sight,
sound and smell. Timing is critical; too much unmonitored exposure is just as detrimental as too
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 little exposure.
4. Keep accurate records. Record dates of gilt movement, mixing and exposure, hormonal
treatment and withdrawal, signs of estrus, weaning or abortions. Note odd activities such as
irritability, off-feed, vaginal discharges, etc.
5. Have the correct attitude and skill. The competent stockperson has the eyes to see, the mind to
know how and the attitude to do. Positive caretaker-sow interactions increase reproductive
success.
6. Reduce environmental and social stressors and provide adequate light. Estrus can be delayed or
difficult to recognize in dim environments and noisy surroundings or when sows are mixed or
handled aggressively.
7. Maintain optimum body condition. This should be accomplished through feed and health
management. Consider ad-lib feeding after weaning to recover energy reserves.
8. Train the boar. To prevent sexual frustration and decreased libido, boars must periodically be
allowed to breed. To maintain pheromone secretion (odor) and interest, boars should be rotated
every 15-20 minutes during heat checks.

Great!!!
Your done reading your learning activity sheet. It’s
time now to answer some questions to enrich your
knowledge..
Good luck..

Write your
answer on
your
activity
notebook.

Activity 1
In your respective barangay you ask some farmers who raise swine on how they conduct detection
of estrus in swine.

Activity 2
Outline the behavioral and physical changes leading up to and during estrus.

Activity 3
Explain how to best manage boar exposure to stimulate females to express estrus.

Activity 4
Conduct heat detection following the steps on identifying heat and write your observation.

Prepared by:

MEDALLA M. PALCONIT
Subject Teacher
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Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times.