Wild boar are seasonal breeders and certain species of domestic pigs also retain some seasonal traits. While conducive to offspring survival in the wild, it could be a bar to herd productivity in the farm situation.
This paper reviews the many factors concerning oestrus , onset of puberty, conception and litter size, with particular reference to the effects of environment, management, nutrition, mating and time of year. Overall, the authors have conducted an in-depth study into the popularly held belief that season may influence fertility of domestic pigs.
Source: The Pig Journal (2006) 58, 55-66.