Country Enterprise - Keeping a boar to serve your sows

<P> A mature boar is often a fierce creature. </P><P>Even hybrids can have mediaeval faces with curling tusks and spiky hair. The problem with keeping a few sows is that you do not justify owning a boar and may find it difficult when you want your sows served. If there is a pig restriction movement in force it will be impossible. These movement restrictions are put into force during outbreaks of transmittable pig diseases and prevent the movement of livestock except to and from market. </P><P>Many pig-keepers will not in any case wish to allow their boars to come in contact with sows from outside as there is a risk of infection. Having said this there are stud boars available in some areas; for some reason rural pub-keepers seem to be the likeliest owners. Presumably you can have a drink while your sow is being served. If you do decide to buy a boar, buy one from proven stock and follow any advice the breeder gives you. Not all boars know what they are about. We had a delightful boar named Fritz. His manners in the pen were impeccable, he obligingly moved around as you wanted him to, he dunged in a tiny corner and never slobbered when eating. Unfortunately, he was just too refined and we could never get him to be enthusiastic about his job. Sadly he had to go and a much more reprobate character filled his place. He, of course, was a great success even if he did continually try to eat your Wellington boots when you cleaned out his pen. </P><P><A HREF=pigs10.htm>Boars</A></P>