what are the things you all long time semen buyers look for in the PERFECT boar to use on your sows or gilts.. gonna be the 1st year and just wondering is there any thing specific you seen or look for in the right boar

I dont have the experience with AI that most of the bigger more experience breeders have, but since no one has responded so far let me give you the best advice that I can give you.

FIRST: You have to know what you got as far as you gilts / sows strengths weaknesses (how can she be better) and pedigree.

Second: Figure out which boars looks like they can improve the offspring comparing to your sow and based on what you have seen in the showring and that the judges seem to pick the most. Bone, length, width, rib, hams, back and chest. The most recent advice I got based on the recent winners was [b][b]moderation and balance [/b][/b]is key. Some say the size of the testicles and head of the sire indicate rapid growth but based on some of the pictures on these catalogs who can really tell.

Third: Use process of elimination; such as your personal budget and what other breeder claim to have had consistancy with.