Chula Researchers Develop World’s First Synthetic “Boar Scent” Pheromone to Improve Pig Breeding Safety
Researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University have successfully developed the world’s first synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural scent of a mature boar. The innovation is designed to stimulate reproductive readiness in young female pigs, helping farmers improve breeding efficiency while reducing the need for direct contact with live boars. The breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in the swine industry, where many young female pigs fail to reach reproductive maturity in time and are instead diverted to meat production, resulting in economic losses for farmers.
The research team analyzed scent compounds collected from mature breeding boars, including saliva and other secretions, using advanced chemical analysis techniques. After identifying key volatile organic compounds, the researchers formulated a synthetic pheromone consisting of 23 scent components. Field trials showed that the synthetic pheromone successfully induced estrus behavior in around 50 percent of female pigs, compared with approximately 75 percent achieved through direct exposure to live boars. Although slightly less effective than natural contact, the synthetic alternative offers significant advantages in terms of safety, convenience, and disease prevention.
The innovation could help reduce the risk of disease transmission, particularly outbreaks such as African Swine Fever (ASF), which remains a major threat to pig farms worldwide. The pheromone is easy to use, requiring only a scent-infused filter attached to a simple device for pigs to smell. The research has already been published in a Tier 1 scientific journal, and the team has filed for intellectual property protection while working with manufacturers to develop a commercial product. Researchers hope the technology will become an affordable, locally produced solution that can benefit Thai farmers and strengthen the country’s livestock industry.
