UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Managing reproduction in sows and gilts is an essential part of raising pigs, regardless of the size of the operation, according to organizers of an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop.

“Western Pennsylvania Swine Workshop: Selection to Settled” will take place in Washington and Mercer in May. In Washington, the event is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Arise Christian Fellowship, 682 Broad St.

The Mercer event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Penn State Extension’s Mercer County office, 453 N. Perry Highway.

This event is designed for swine producers of all sizes, individuals who want to improve reproductive practices on their farm and producers interested in learning more about the estrous cycle.

Gaining a better understanding of the estrous cycle can significantly increase the chances of a successful breeding season, organizers noted. Participants can learn how selection criteria for replacement females and techniques for improving conception rates may enhance farm profitability.

The workshop will cover:

— Selection principles for improving reproductive function in sows and gilts.

— The estrous cycle in swine.

— Proper heat detection.

— Hands-on artificial insemination training.

The workshop will not feature any live pigs due to Penn State Extension’s commitment to biosecurity.

Penn State Extension offers this event free of charge, but participants must register by 11:59 p.m. May 5 for the Washington workshop and by 11:59 p.m. May 8 for the Mercer event.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://bit.ly/3Gl178m.

–Alexandra McLaughlin, Penn State University