Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

Wild Boar Housing, Fencing and Feeding

Wild boar require minimum housing. Mature breeding stock develop a thick coat during winter and require the least shelter of all. Some producers claim that heavy bush for shelter from the wind and the use of round straw bales for bedding is all that is required for providing shelter for mature wild boar in winter.

Piglets, feeders, and replacement gilts need protection from cold, drafts, winds, sun, rain and snow. Cattle shed and other semi-enclosed shelters along with lots of bedding will provide adequate protection.

Fencing

Fencing is required which will prevent burrowing, confine piglets, keep out predators, and separate mature males from females. Some fencing types which work well include wire-mesh - barbed wire, wire-mesh - electric combination, barbed wire - electric combination or solid fencing.

Handling facilities may be desirable for moving, separating and loading animals.

Feeding

Most operators make maximum use of pasture as a feed source. Grasses and/or legumes may be grazed. Supplemental hay and grain are often fed.

There is a lack of nutritional research on wild boar. Because of their lower productivity and slower growth rate, the daily requirements of wild boars will be less than for domestic hogs. During winter, when pasture is not available, commercial hog mineral premixes may be used to supplement the wild boar's vitamin, mineral and salt requirements.

Sows during gestation and nursing require more energy. This can be provided by increasing the grain intake.

Creep feeding piglets with grain or a commercial hog creep feed is advisable.

The grower ration is higher in energy than the finishing ration. Grower is usually fed to 12 months of age.

A clean water supply is important. Troughs and/or automatic waterers may be used. Sows should be supplied with water in winter while feeders may utilize available snow supplies.