txbhunter1
07-01-2009, 01:54 AM
Reproduction
Breeding interval
Females give birth to one to several litters in a year, depending on the region.
Breeding season
Breeding season is dependent on regional climate.
Number of offspring
1 to 12; avg. 6
Gestation period
100 to 140 days; avg. 115 days
Birth Mass
960 g (average)
(33.79 oz)
[External Source: AnAge (http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Sus_scrofa)]
Time to weaning
3 to 4 months
Time to independence
7 months (average)
Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
18 months (high); avg. 9 months
Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
60 months (high); avg. 9 months
Mating season is a violent time, as males often fight for access to females. Male Sus scrofa are able to continuously sharpen their tusks by rubbing the lower ones against the upper ones. The tusks are used as weapons most frequently during mating season. Sus scrofa individuals develop thick tissue around the front of the belly to help protect against stab wounds from tusks. The most aggressive males have been known to secure as many as eight sows during a single mating season.
Mating systems:
polygynous (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145840.html) http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/gloss_icon.gif (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145840.html).
In temperate regions females give birth to one litter in the spring. In tropical regions breeding occurs year-round but is often concentrated during moist seasons. Females have an estrous of about 21 days and are receptive for 3 days. Young are born after a gestation period of about 115 days (range 100 to 140). Mothers give birth to litters of from 1 to 12 young, generally between 4 and 8. Although sexual maturity can be reached between 8 and 10 months of age, females generally don't breed until 18 months old and males do not generally reach the size necessary to compete for females until 5 years old.
Female Sus scrofa give birth to their young in a nest constructed of grass. The young remain in the nest for some time after birth. Females are extremely protective of their young. Despite these protective measures, on average only half of a litter will survive to maturity, many fall prey to predators and disease. Young are nursed for 3 to 4 months and generally become independent before the next litter is born (up to 1 year).
Breeding interval
Females give birth to one to several litters in a year, depending on the region.
Breeding season
Breeding season is dependent on regional climate.
Number of offspring
1 to 12; avg. 6
Gestation period
100 to 140 days; avg. 115 days
Birth Mass
960 g (average)
(33.79 oz)
[External Source: AnAge (http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Sus_scrofa)]
Time to weaning
3 to 4 months
Time to independence
7 months (average)
Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
18 months (high); avg. 9 months
Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
60 months (high); avg. 9 months
Mating season is a violent time, as males often fight for access to females. Male Sus scrofa are able to continuously sharpen their tusks by rubbing the lower ones against the upper ones. The tusks are used as weapons most frequently during mating season. Sus scrofa individuals develop thick tissue around the front of the belly to help protect against stab wounds from tusks. The most aggressive males have been known to secure as many as eight sows during a single mating season.
Mating systems:
polygynous (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145840.html) http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/gloss_icon.gif (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/popup/20020904145840.html).
In temperate regions females give birth to one litter in the spring. In tropical regions breeding occurs year-round but is often concentrated during moist seasons. Females have an estrous of about 21 days and are receptive for 3 days. Young are born after a gestation period of about 115 days (range 100 to 140). Mothers give birth to litters of from 1 to 12 young, generally between 4 and 8. Although sexual maturity can be reached between 8 and 10 months of age, females generally don't breed until 18 months old and males do not generally reach the size necessary to compete for females until 5 years old.
Female Sus scrofa give birth to their young in a nest constructed of grass. The young remain in the nest for some time after birth. Females are extremely protective of their young. Despite these protective measures, on average only half of a litter will survive to maturity, many fall prey to predators and disease. Young are nursed for 3 to 4 months and generally become independent before the next litter is born (up to 1 year).