Linear model analysis of the influencing factors of boar longevity in Southern China

- Boar removal reason and its influencing factors were firstly determined in Southern China.
- A linear model was used to study the influencing factors of boar longevity.
- Individual-pen mode is good for extending boar longevity.
- 8 months at herd entry is the most suitable age for boar introduction.

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the boar herd life month (BHLM) in Southern China. A total of 1630 records of culling boars from nine artificial insemination centers were collected from January 2013 to May 2016. A logistic regression model and two linear models were used to analyze the effects of breed, housing type, age at herd entry, and seed stock herd on boar removal reason and BHLM, respectively. Boar breed and the age at herd entry had significant effects on the removal reasons (P < 0.001). Results of the two linear models (with or without removal reason including) showed boars raised individually in stalls exhibited shorter BHLM than those raised in pens (P < 0.001). Boars aged 5 and 6 months at herd entry (44.6%) showed shorter BHLM than those aged 8 and 9 months at herd entry (P < 0.05). Approximately 95% boars were culled for different reasons other than old age, and the BHLM of these boars was at least 12.3 months longer than that of boars culled for other reasons (P < 0.001). In conclusion, abnormal elimination in boars is serious and it had a negative effect on boar BHLM. Boar removal reason and BHLM can be affected by breed, housing type, and seed stock herd. Importantly, 8 months is suggested as the most suitable age for boar introduction.