Alternative castration method for boars.

A new approach is penciled as a better alternative to castration in pigs. Boar taint is an unpleasant odor that is noticeable when cooking meat from sexually mature male pigs. This boar taint is removed by castration which is termed physical castration (PC), but concerns about animal welfare have prompted some producers to seek alternative methods. This castration alternative comes in the form of a regulated vaccine-like drug that suppresses the hormones responsible for the taint. This castration alternative is also referred to as immuno-castration or boar-taint vaccination, because it involves administering an immunological (vaccine-like) product that stimulates pigs’ immune systems to temporarily block testicular function and inhibit accumulation of androstenone and skatole, the naturally occurring compounds that cause boar taint. The castration alternative is done by way of injection, which is administered at 2 different times for effectiveness. The first dose is given at 9 weeks to prime their immune system and the other dose as they enter the finishing phase about 3 weeks to the market The benefits of this method is not only reduction of boar-taint,but stress involved in physical castration is prevented as well as risk of infection. There is also better feed conversion ratio resulting in better weight gain and reduction in aggressive social behavior associated with boars. In addition to the rapid growing rate ensures that they reach their full potential by converting feed into meat more efficiently, these treated intact males create less manure while yielding more pork.