🐖 Pig Gestation Calculator: Accurate Planning for Every Swine Breeder
🔍 Introduction: Why Predicting Farrowing Dates is Critical
Whether you’re managing a large-scale swine farm or raising pigs in your backyard, predicting a sow’s due date is essential. The Pig Gestation Calculator takes the guesswork out of breeding timelines. With just a breeding date input, farmers can plan for farrowing, optimize nutrition, and improve piglet survival rates.
Swine gestation management is about more than just knowing when to expect piglets — it’s the foundation for healthy herds and efficient production cycles.
📅 How Long is a Pig’s Gestation Period?
The classic guideline is “3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days” — or 114 days on average. This can slightly vary depending on breed, age, and overall health:
| Pig Type | Average Gestation |
|---|---|
| Domestic Sows | 114 days |
| Wild Boars | 115–118 days |
| Miniature Pigs | 112–114 days |
🧠 According to Merck Veterinary Manual, gestation may range from 112–116 days with variation due to litter size and genetics.
📈 Pig Gestation Calculator: How It Works
Our tool helps you plan farrowing schedules precisely:
- Enter the breeding or AI date
- Click “Calculate Due Date”
- Instantly view your sow’s estimated farrowing window
✅ It’s a must-use tool for:
- Small-scale pig raisers
- Commercial swine operations
- 4-H and FFA youth programs
- Veterinary and agri-science professionals
📊 Monthly Gestation Chart for Swine
Here’s a quick reference for planning based on typical breeding months:
| Breeding Month | Expected Farrowing |
|---|---|
| January | May |
| February | June |
| March | July |
| April | August |
| May | September |
| June | October |
| July | November |
| August | December |
| September | January (next year) |
| October | February |
| November | March |
| December | April |
Need precise predictions? Use our interactive Pig Pregnancy Tool.
🐖 Pig Pregnancy Stages: Week-by-Week Development
Understanding embryo and fetal development helps farmers detect issues early and provide targeted care.
| Week | Development Stage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fertilization; zygote travel to uterus |
| 2 | Embryo implantation begins |
| 3–4 | Vital organs begin forming |
| 5–6 | Skeletal and muscular development |
| 7–9 | Piglets begin rapid growth |
| 10–11 | Hair develops; features become defined |
| 12–13 | Final growth and maternal prep for farrowing |
💡 Tip: Keep a close eye around day 100+ for behavioral and physical signs of upcoming birth.
🧬 Early Signs of Pregnancy in Sows
- No return to heat 18–24 days post-breeding
- Swollen vulva and early teat formation
- Increased appetite and calm demeanor
- Pregnancy confirmed via ultrasound at day 28
- Slight abdominal swelling visible by week 6
📘 Learn more from University of Minnesota Extension on Swine Reproduction.
🚼 Farrowing Preparation: What to Expect
Around day 110, move your sow to a sanitized farrowing crate. Signs of imminent birth include:
- Restlessness or nest-building
- Teat enlargement and milk let-down
- Mucous discharge from vulva
- Refusing feed
- Frequent lying down and grunting
Ensure clean bedding, controlled temperature, and access to clean water. Farrowing kits should include iodine, towels, gloves, heat lamps, and a scale.
🛠️ Sow Management Best Practices
🐖 Nutrition
- Use a gestation-specific diet (14% protein, extra fiber)
- Increase feed slightly in final 10–14 days
- Add supplements like folic acid and biotin for litter health
🧼 Environment
- Keep pens dry, clean, and well-ventilated
- Provide shade in summer; avoid heat stress
💉 Health Protocol
- Deworm at 6 weeks and 2 weeks pre-farrowing
- Vaccinate per vet advice (E. coli, Parvovirus, Lepto)
📘 Check Iowa State University Swine Medicine for disease management updates.
🐷 Common FAQs
How long is a pig pregnant?
Most sows are pregnant for about 114 days.
How many litters can a sow have per year?
Typically 2–2.5, depending on breed and recovery.
When should I move a sow to a farrowing crate?
By day 110 to reduce stress and prepare for piglet arrival.
How many piglets per litter?
Average is 8–14. Some commercial breeds can exceed 16.
Can sows farrow without assistance?
Yes, but supervision is vital. Intervention may be needed in difficult births.
🔗 Related Animal Gestation Tools
Planning to raise more than just pigs? Try these:
- 🐄 Cow Gestation Calculator
- 🐇 Rabbit Gestation Calculator
- 🐕 Dog Pregnancy Calculator
- 🦌 Deer Pregnancy Estimator
- 🐐 Goat Gestation Tracker
- 🐑 Sheep Pregnancy Calculator
- 🐎 Horse Due Date Calculator
- 🦙 Llama Gestation Calendar
- 🦝 Ferret Breeding Calculator
📌 Final Thoughts: Smarter Pig Breeding Starts Here
Accurate breeding records and a reliable Pig Gestation Calculator give you more control, less stress, and healthier piglets. From AI planning to farrowing crate readiness, your operation depends on precise timing and preparation.
Explore more species-specific tools and breeding insights across our platform — all designed to help farmers, hobbyists, and vets alike.