Answer to Question 1
The reasons why artificial insemination has become more popular include:
1 . Improved breeding facilities and management skills have made AI possible for all producers.
2 . Long-life semen extenders and low-cost, rapid delivery methods have made it possible to obtain and store semen for 5-7 days before it is used.
3 . Modern methods of genetic evaluation have made it easier to identify superior genetics, and AI has made it possible to maximize use of better quality boars on more females.
4 . Production systems that require large groups of pigs with minimum age spread are possible because larger groups of females can be bred in a shorter time period than would be possible with hand mating.
5 . Use of AI lowers disease risk and improves health of swine herds by eliminating the need for continuous introduction of new animals into the herd.
Answer to Question 2
The advantages that wean-to-finish production have over traditional nursery-finishing production include:
1 . Reduced transportation costs through fewer moves and less labor to move pigs
2 . Reduced labor for power washing and disinfecting between groups
3 . Reduced stress of moving and commingling of pigs, resulting in improved average daily gain and feed efficiency
4 . Increased flexibility in facilities because finishing buildings are easier to modify than nurseries
5 . Reduced downtime between groups
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