The lid is placed over the thermos and this thermos then placed into a pre-warmed carrying container with the gloves, towels and cleaning materials for transportation to the collecting area. The collecting area should be clean, have a non-skid floor, be free from drafts and dampness and be free of projecting surfaces which could cause injuries to either the boar or the operator. For most semen collection, a dummy sow is used to stimulate the boar. Dummies can be made or purchased, must accommodate a variety of sizes of boars, and should, at a minimum, have footrests for the boar and preferably a bend in one back leg to permit easy collection. The semen collection procedures are straightforward but require care and practice to protect both the semen and the operator.
Boars show typical behavioral signs on entering the breeding pen.
They will often froth at the mouth, champ their jaws, nose the dummy and grunt. When the boar mounts the dummy, the prepuce should be massaged to remove contaminated fluid that collects there. The preputial hairs can be clipped to avoid grabbing them during collection and causing discomfort. You are removing any dirt and fecal material from the underline so wipe only from front to back. Then repeat with water.