Possibly the best reason to have a female spayed while it is very young is for the well-known health benefits. The risk of stress and complications lessens when young gilts, intact female pigs, have this surgery done prior to attaining their mature weight. Female potbellies carry a large amount of fatty tissue in their belly that can make it harder on the Veterinarian at the time of surgery. In the case of the obese female pig, a spay can place undue pressure on the sutures, thus giving the potential for surgical complications. It is recommended that a gilt be spayed prior to six months of age. The breeder’s experienced Veterinarian should do this, if possible. When the uterus and both ovaries are removed, the pig's regular heat cycle, which occurs every 21 days, has been eliminated. Many female pigs have PMS during their heat cycle and it has been noted that they can cry and urinate more frequently during this time of the month. In addition, the pet female will no longer be looking for the nearest boar, and the potential infections, cancers, and other problems involving the reproductive organs are eliminated when it is spayed. Uterine infections and tumors have become a problem for older female pigs that are not spayed. In the end, a female potbellied pig makes a much better pet if it is spayed young.
Prior to six weeks of age, the breeder should neuter her boars. Boars are fertile by the time they are approximately 12 weeks old and, being very amorous animals are extremely hard to keep as pets. All boars have musk glands that are fully functional at sexual maturity. Seeing that a boar is neutered by six weeks, the breeder is assuring the boar will enjoy a life free from the cancers, infections, and other problems involving his reproductive organs.
Let's face it. Spaying and neutering pigs not intended for breeding is the simple and responsible thing to do.
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