How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2015 Wild pig (Sus scrofa) reproduction and diet in the Rolling Plains of Texas
Peter E. Schlichting, Calvin L. Richardson, Brian Chandler, Philip S. Gipson, John J. Mayer, C. Brad Dabbert
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that can negatively impact arid environments. Their invasiveness mainly stems from two aspects of their behavior: diet and reproductive ability. We examined the stomach contents (n = 89) and reproductive tracts (n = 78) taken from wild pigs from June 1996 to October 1998 in the Rolling Plains of Texas. Pigs showed variation in forage categories among seasons. Agricultural crops were used with high frequency in all seasons. Farrowing peaked between December and February, with an average fetal litter size of 4.75 ± 2.67. Older and larger sows tended to have larger litters, but sows as young as 8 months of age were reproductive. We recommend limiting pig access to agricultural crops when possible and trapping when pigs are most nutrient stressed (summer). Control efforts should be most effective immediately preceding the farrowing peak and focused on females >8 months of age.

Peter E. Schlichting, Calvin L. Richardson, Brian Chandler, Philip S. Gipson, John J. Mayer, and C. Brad Dabbert "Wild pig (Sus scrofa) reproduction and diet in the Rolling Plains of Texas," The Southwestern Naturalist 60(4), 321-326, (1 December 2015). https://doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909-60.4.321
Received: 27 March 2015; Published: 1 December 2015
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top