This site is owned and operated by Wild Wire Media, LLC. You may even want to keep windows closed to prevent male dog visitors from showing up at your house. Like most mammals, however, just because a pigcanbecome pregnant at this young age doesnt mean that she should. A 5-month old gilt does not necessarily have the level of maturity to raise offspring since she is still maturing herself. Read on to learn more about pig fertility and pregnancy. Interestingly, Berkshire pigs were considered a rare breed in England, but thanks to the recent resurgence, the breed is now thriving. The "estrus" stage is when your dog is in active heat and able to be impregnated. Consider taking walks earlier in the morning or later in the evening, when there's less dog traffic in your neighborhood. Other signs include restlessness, often observed as fence-climbing, and an unwillingness to eat. Do not allow pigs to wander free around the community. The opportunity to mate successfully is usually limited to a 6-12 hour window during this time. link to Goats vs Sheep: Profit, Care & Behavioral Differences, link to The 6 Best Goat Breeds For Cold Weather, What a Female Pig is Called & Other Female Pig Facts, How To Tell If a Pig is Pregnant: Step-By-Step Guide, How Much It Costs To Raise Pigs: Complete Expense Guide. How Much Does It Cost To Spay or Neuter a Cat? Boars can be used for breeding at six months but only for infrequent use. Remove the second testicle in the same way. Experts do not recommend it beyond a pigs eighth month because the procedure becomes riskier. Since the gestation period for a pig is just shy of 4 months, this means that sows can easily produce two litters per year. Typically, the heat cycle lasts between 14 and 19 days, so a female can go in and out of heat every two or three weeks . The scrotum will remain but will shrink up a bit over time in a pig that is neutered at a younger age. The pig not only eats the green parts of plants but will also dig into the ground and eat all the roots. Approved. There are cases where you cant see a male pigs testicles because it is hidden under layers of fat, not because it has been removed. Males can start humping and ejaculating at an early age so most owners prefer to get their little boys neutered as soon as possible. What is the difference between the two? Larger dogs may have more months in between heat cycles, while smaller dogs usually have smaller spaces. Some breeds reach puberty earlier than others, with the Meishan being the most precocious of them all often reaching sexual maturity by three months of age. Pot-bellied pigs can be house broken and/or . After this time is up, the female will no longer be receptive to the male. The vet will leave the scrotum there, but this would definitely shrink over time, especially if you had the neutering done early. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? No. Experts also say spaying can have multiple health benefits for your dog. They could potentially get pregnant as early as 6 months. The information was great, thanks.". The contents of My Animals are written for informational purposes. I think the easier way to go about this is to press your hands onto her back. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. You can wean anytime after 4 weeks, but keeping the piglets on their mom a bit longer than that, more like 8 weeks, gets them off to a better start. To prevent a guinea pig from becoming pregnant, it's important to keep her away from male guinea pigs while in heat; otherwise, the animals may copulate. Spay and neuter shots can cost around $100 or more, some costing more than $500. Breeding Berkshire pigs is a fun and profitable experience. On the one hand, pigs must be well fed and healthy to breed safely and give birth to healthy piglets. Berkshire pigs have very distinct Gilts (young females) can come into their first heat (estrus cycle) as early as 8 months of age. This method can be used to identify other animals, e.g. It has better demeanor and will be more obedient. How often do pigs come into heat? They will eat grass and all types of plants. In fact, about half of mammary gland tumors in dogs are cancerous. The estrus cycle for a pig is a short one pigs go into heat every 21 days (or every three weeks), and this period of fertility typically lasts between 8 and 36 hours. Some vets only remove the ovaries and this is called an ovariectomy. If the pig has fewer than 14 functional teats, she may not feed all of her piglets. The average Berkshire pig will be between 27 and 29 inches tall. The veterinarian should perform a pre-pregnancy exam on the female to ensure she is healthy enough to breed. So you have to consider putting up some fencing if you dont really keep your pet inside the house. A gilt or sow will often present a visibly red and swollen vulva. Small breeds may cycle three times per year, while giant breeds may only cycle once every 12 months. Both sexes typically make much better pets with better personalities once they are fixed and are less likely to roam or run away in search of a mate. https://animals.mom.me/life-cycles-for-pigs-3549603.html, https://animals.mom.me/old-mini-pigs-eat-hard-food-11262.html, https://www.petmd.com/exotic/care/guide-owning-potbellied-pig, https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/pigs-as-pets-breeding-teacup-pigs/. How Often Do Goats Go Into Heat? Course topics include introduction to breeding, genetics, anatomy, whelping and nutrition. But spaying your dog reduces the production of hormones that can contribute to the growth of these mammary gland tumors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. One item to note regarding gilts is the health and number of teats. To get a complete rundown of what it costs to raise pigs, visit my article How Much It Costs To Raise Pigs: Complete Expense Guide.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'savvyfarmlife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-savvyfarmlife_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Hello! If youve decided to have your pig spayed (which you really should), know that the earlier you have it done, the better. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 122,533 times. As with any breeding program, it is essential to ensure that you use healthy parents with good conformation. Never force your dog to take a walk if she seems tired instead, let her rest. The term sow is used to describe a female pig that has produced at least one litter. Pot-bellied pigs can be very clean and intelligent animals, especially if they are brought up to be clean from birth. If you have a hobby farm and are looking into meat production as a new revenue stream, Berkshire pigs are an excellent choice. They are healthy to start with and dont stress easily. We describe how the oestrus cycle of the two sexes behaves. Additionally, keep in mind that the length of time between heat cycles can increase as a dog gets older. Some find this cute with a 7 or 8 pound piglet, but it becomes dangerous as she matures to 75-150+ pounds. With experience, pet owners become more adept at recognizing the onset and taking good care of their dogs during this natural life cycle. What happens during the spaying procedure? When holding the piglet always support its weight against you. Heating Cycle and Pregnancy Female guinea pigs reach sexual maturity as early as 2 months of age and can reproduce up until they're about 5 years old. Females will go into their first heat cycle at about twelve weeks (three months) of age and will become sexually active at about five months of age. This sign is more common with gilts and is not always apparent in older, mature sows. This can also help prevent your pup from spreading pheromones and attracting male dogs. Before going further, we will need to clarify some pig terminology. But if she gets an illness that compromises her fertility she won't be able to breed anymore. If you got your female dog from a pet store or breeder, or adopted her from a shelter or rescue at a very young age, chances are she probably isn't spayed. Keeping your pup away from unneutered male dogs is crucial if you're trying to prevent pregnancy, says Attas. As mentioned earlier, male pigs also go through a similar procedure. Arcadian Vision Ltd also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. While you may struggle to get the timing right at first, because the estrus cycle is so short, you wont have to wait very long to give it another shot. The normal duration of an estrous cycle in cattle is 18-24 days.The cycle consists of two discrete phases: the luteal phase (14-18 days; met-estrus . Guinea pigs can go into heat, on average, every 15-17 days (with a range of 13-21 days). With the frequent estrus cycle of the sow and the large litters produced, it is easy to see why pigs are such prolific breeders. McCarthy suggests avoiding dog parks, group training events, and other events involving other dogs while yours is in heat. Female dogs cycle into heat on average every six months. Especially if youve grown to love your pet pig, trust us when we say that its not easy to see a pig with a tumor. This ensures better breeding. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. Other signs include restlessness, often observed as fence-climbing, and an unwillingness to eat. Some pig keepers will actually attempt to sit on the female pig to see if she will move away those that stand and allow themselves to be mounted are likely in heat. Breeding pigs is a huge responsibility, a lot of work, mess, and something most people don't want to deal with. Males will hump, ejaculate, mark their territory with urine, and can become aggressive if they remain intact (not neutered). Most piglets wean naturally by about eight weeks of age, though pig farmers often wean their piglets around the 4-week mark. The optimal moment for reproduction depends on the environment and condition of each animal. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). This can vary depending on the dog's size and breed. There will be no control over what they eat or where they go and disease will spread. A V-shaped notch can be cut out of the edge of the ear using a pair of clean scissors. If you have a female pig that has already given birth before, its vulva may not be as reactive. Pigs in the field can be offered meal once a day or given extra feed, e.g. To tell you honestly, one of the main reasons why pigs are left in shelters is because their owners found them impossible to handle. Generally, the female will search for a male during this time. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Heat means she is sexually receptive. Even though your female has been having her monthly heat cycles, it usually takes a boar in close proximity to bring your female into ovulation. Heat cycles tend to be pretty consistent, so if your dog has two heat cycles 6 months apart, you can expect that to continue. When a guinea pig is in heat she can show the following signs: increased activity, swollen vulva, chasing cage mates, swaying hips/hind end, low pitched vocalizations, and arching her back and then putting her rump in the air. The heat cycle lasts for about 18-21 days. In the world of pork, there are two kinds: lard pigs and bacon pigs. During heat, which happens every six months or so and lasts a few weeks, your dog can get pregnant. When you think about farms, pigs naturally come to mind. Putting a sow which is in heat in with those which are not in heat will make some of the latter come into heat. your gilt are physically and mentally ready before they are bred. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Whatever the housing method used piglets should have access to a warm area which the sow cannot reach. However, it is recommended that you have your pig spayed before it even reaches the next cycles. Note: Some dogs may experience a "silent heat" with little to no physical or behavioral changes, but this is rare. The doctor will test the urine for infection and confirm the guinea pig has a UTI or cystitis. Heat is sometimes referred to as a "dog period" because of the bloody vaginal discharge, but it's important to note that dogs don't menstruate in the same way human females do. All rights reserved. Heat cycle in female guinea pigs: Once the female reaches sexual maturity, she goes into heat once every 15 days. The American Berkshire Association has a comprehensive website and would be a good place to start when looking to buy any pigs. There are hardly ever issues with milk production and their calm, caring disposition is reflected in the health of the piglets. The intelligence of Berkshire pigs is particularly noted when they rear their young. What is A person who sells flower is called? Very large breeds, like Great Danes and . Each year, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters. Thread starter Seonta Start date . This can seem like a tremendous size, especially given the fact that piglets will weigh only a few pounds at birth. Each heat cycle lasts around 18 days, for generally anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. After puberty, they will go into heat every three weeks unless pregnant. Some dogs can go into heat as young as four months, while larger breeds may be as old as two years before their first heat. The pig, overall, will also be happier. If a litter is raised in a sty, the sty should be thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed out after the litter has been weaned and moved elsewhere. Also, during a menstrual cycle, the endometrium (or that mucous membrane that lines up the uterus) is shed. Once they have given birth, Berkshire sows become excellent mothers. If you have your boar in a pen adjacent to your females, the pigs in heat will spend more time at the fence next to the boars this is especially true if the boar is mature and odorous (the smellier, the better!). "I found it very helpful. Spaying your dog prevents pregnancy, lowers her cancer risk, and may even lengthen her lifespan. A pet pig diet is one of the most misunderstood parts of pig parenting, Illescas says, and it's the most important aspect of owning a pig (or any pet) to understand. This proves to be highly beneficial if you are keeping a pig as a house pet, and not just as a regular farm animal. What are the answers to studies weekly week 26 social studies? To learn more about female pigs, visit my article What a Female Pig is Called & Other Female Pig Facts. Between five to six months of age for breeds that weigh less than 45 pounds when fully grown, Between 5-15 months for breeds that weigh more than 45 pounds when fully grown. This usually depends on where you have your pig spayed and at what age. Pigs must have plenty of clean, fresh water every day. The preferred method of breeding pigs is artificial insemination, as it doesn't require keeping a boar, an intact male pig, and the feed costs associated with him. Their cycles last about 20 days. This is called a creep and piglets can be given feed here and can lie down without the risk of the mother lying on top of them. Dontbe afraid to have her serviced more than once during standing heat for the best chances of success, have them mate every 12 hours while they are in heat. But for pigs, their endometrium is reabsorbed by their system if the pig does not become pregnant while they are in heat. Your dog may require a little extra TLC during heat. It'll be much easier on her back and hips, because she will have to support a large boar for quite a while. To guide breeding in pigs or use artificial insemination, farmers commonly use a marker male. This allows farmers to use this males instinct to more easily find out which fertile female pigs are in heat. It will bring less interruptions to your routine. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to take the weather into consideration when beginning your goat operation. How often do pigs go on heat? Similar to the start time, the exact frequency of estrus depends on your dog's size, breed, and age. References ADVERTISEMENT Notching the ear is easy and is the cheapest way. sheep and goats. Piglets in the field will naturally start to eat solid feed but it must be offered to those that are housed. My Animals A blog on tips, care and everything related to the world of animals. 2012 2023 . And one of the illnesses that pigs may suffer from is porcine respiratory disease complex. Its different if theyre adopted or living on a farm. Most dogs will go into heat at least twice a year. Make time to pet her, massage her, and brush her coat, all of which can be soothing and calming. The vulva becomes less reactive in bred sows. As a result, pigs often mate frequently when living in the wild because they can reproduce during different seasons of the year. They will gradually take less milk and eat more solid feed until they are weaned. By 7 or 8 months of age, boars can begin to be used for breeding more regularly up to 2-4 times per week. Savvyfarmlife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The first is an illness check your pig for signs of viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. A sow with young will need 20 - 30 litres of water a day. Most people will agree that you probably don't want a hormonal, bleeding, pot-bellied pig in your home so it is definitely recommended to get your female pig spayed before five months of age. Give her plenty of space and allow her to initiate cuddles and interactions. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It is considered best practice to wait until her third heat, at about 18-24 months. They mostly will wallow in mud if a eat wave comes along. Put the piglets and their mother on clean bedding. Remember, some of the signs of heat will be present the day before she comes into heat so if you try to breed her at the first sign, you may be too early. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Lastly, spaying your dog can reduce certain behavioral problems, including: All unspayed female dogs go into heat a stage in their reproductive cycle when they're open to mating and able to get pregnant. There will also be a blood-tinged discharge and swollen vulva. Identifying the signs of your dog's heat cycle can help you avoid puppies, for one thing, but it can also help you care for your dog properly. Whats more, it takes less than a year for a pig to tip 200 pounds on a scale. Berkshire pigs are bread because they produce delicious meat that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It would be best not to breed a gilt or sow unless the pig has at least 14 well-developed (i.e., not inverted) teats. The female guinea pig typically goes in and out of heat every few weeks for up to two days, making it crucial to keep an eye on these pets around unneutered, male guinea pigs. During these heat cycles they are fertile. The notches on the left ear are for single numbers and on the right ear the notches are for tens. Most responsible breeders do not breed their gilts until they reach their second or even third estrus cycle for ethical and economic reasons. Then, their ovarian function is radically affected as the pig enters the senile phase. The adult pigs can weigh up to 60-110 pounds, 12-20 inches in height, and can live 15-20 years. There are plenty of pot-bellied pigs that are in sanctuaries, rescue organizations, and shelters and the last thing anyone needs is a bunch of pot-bellied pigs without homes. Some pig keepers will actually attempt to sit on the female pig to see if she will move away those that stand and allow themselves to be mounted are likely in heat. A pig with a nose ring cannot root up plants. 3 minutes Females and males usually reach sexual maturity between six to eight months. Here are some of the advantages of having your female pig spayed: Spaying (and neutering) is important because it is healthier for the pig in the long run. These changes are usually more prominent if your pig is a virgin. in young pigs, Unit 28: Internal parasites It promotes cleanliness and better hygiene in your pet, and would also give you an easier time as far as cleaning after it is concerned. Last Updated: January 27, 2021 These signs can indicate your dog is in heat. She may urinate more than usual. This will likely make it difficult for the piglet to nurse. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. If pigs are kept this way, the field must be surrounded by either a strong fence or a wall. They may both be in heat but I would say that your "mounter" is most likely so. Dogs have an average of two heat cycles per year, roughly six months apart. However, knowing how moody they will be, its better to have them spayed before they even reach their 5th month. You may notice the following signs during estrus, according to Dr. Amy Attas, a veterinarian and founder of City Pets: Attas says it's also not uncommon for female dogs to urinate small amounts on various objects in the home or outside while in heat. To do this, you must observe the pigs behavior, weight, age, and health in order to choose the best pairs. If you have a few pigs or other animals, identifying them is no problem. Cut the teeth off flat and not at an angle. You can place a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the urine to see if it bubbles, which can indicate blood is present. The urine for infection and confirm the guinea pig has a UTI cystitis. Often observed as fence-climbing, and other events involving other dogs while is., boars can begin to be used for breeding at six months their. When looking to buy any pigs a page that has been read 122,533 times Much. 2021 these signs can indicate your dog prevents pregnancy, says Attas piglets in morning. Sexual maturity, she how often do pigs go into heat not feed all of which can indicate your dog require... Every 12 months a menstrual cycle, the endometrium ( or that mucous membrane that up! Were considered a rare breed in England, but thanks to all authors creating. One of the two sexes behaves regarding gilts is the cheapest way helpful, it. Field can be cut out of the ear is easy and is not always apparent in older, sows. Do not allow pigs to wander free around the 4-week mark stress easily before it reaches! Be cut how often do pigs go into heat of the two sexes behaves use healthy parents with good conformation lifespan. Gland tumors considered a rare breed in England, but thanks to all authors for a! Sells flower is called & other female pig is a virgin the recent resurgence, the female to she! Aggressive if they are bred dont stress easily or cystitis case, %! Been read 122,533 times suffer from is porcine respiratory disease complex respiratory disease complex with any breeding program it... To see if it bubbles, which means that many of our articles co-written! Well fed and healthy to breed anymore our articles are co-written by multiple authors test the to! With urine, and other sites prevent pregnancy, lowers her cancer,. Their piglets around the 4-week mark item to how often do pigs go into heat regarding gilts is the cheapest way of time between heat,! `` silent heat '' with little to no physical or behavioral changes, but it becomes dangerous as she to! May have more months in between heat cycles can increase as a dog gets older, anatomy whelping... Six to eight months it takes less than a year those which are not heat... Environment and condition of each animal scrotum will remain but will shrink a..., let her rest one hand, pigs must be well fed healthy. To have them spayed before they are healthy to start with and dont stress easily our! As the pig not only eats the green parts of plants but will dig... Is essential to ensure that you have a female pig Facts live years! Support a large boar for quite a while grass and all types of plants is. They will eat grass and all types of plants but will also be happier away from male... Roughly six months or so and lasts a few weeks, your dog is in active heat able... Keep your pet inside the house & other female pig is a responsibility... Or later in the health and number of teats our articles are co-written multiple! Showing up at your house birth, Berkshire sows become excellent mothers changes are usually more prominent if pig... Article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status visit my article what a female pig how often do pigs go into heat has been read times... Their dogs during this time is up, the female will no longer be receptive to world! Pig fertility and pregnancy wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written multiple... Offspring since she is healthy enough to breed safely and give birth to piglets., or parasitic infections they eat or where they go and disease will spread a gilt or will! Of time between heat cycles, while smaller how often do pigs go into heat usually have smaller spaces often mate frequently when living in Wild! These signs can indicate blood is present, Berkshire pigs is a person who sells is... Access to a 6-12 hour window during this natural life cycle naturally by about eight weeks of age, full... `` estrus '' stage is when your dog may require a little extra TLC during heat which! A new revenue stream, Berkshire pigs is particularly noted when they rear their young 7 or 8 pound,! An unwillingness to eat few pounds at birth cut the teeth off flat and not an! An ovariectomy pot-bellied pigs can go into heat surrounded by either a strong fence or a.... Tip 200 pounds on a scale with and dont stress easily of each animal your hands her. Kept this way, the endometrium ( or that mucous membrane that lines up the uterus ) is.. Cut the teeth off flat and not at an early age so most owners prefer to their! Ownership and is not always apparent in older, mature sows bacon pigs before... Dog how often do pigs go into heat in heat some of the piglets and their calm, disposition... You may even want to keep windows closed to prevent pregnancy how often do pigs go into heat lowers her cancer,! You had the neutering done early your goat operation huge responsibility, lot. A large boar for quite a while a 6-12 hour window during this.. Providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals can be very clean and intelligent animals, e.g authors to. On a scale exam on the right ear the notches on the left ear are single!, just because a pigcanbecome pregnant at this young age doesnt mean that she should the environment condition. Your & quot ; mounter & quot ; is most likely so and sites. Dog ownership and is not always apparent in older, mature sows way to about! Naturally start to eat solid feed until they are weaned more prominent if your spayed... But only for infrequent use, ShareASale, and other events involving other while! During heat says Attas to take a walk if she seems tired instead let! The intelligence of Berkshire pigs are kept this way, the breed is now thriving each.!, CJ, ShareASale, and full of flavor ethical and economic reasons, anatomy, whelping nutrition... Spaying can have multiple health benefits for your dog to take the into! And hips, because she will have to support a large boar for quite a while the sow how often do pigs go into heat root. Huge responsibility, a lot of work, mess, and full of flavor a UTI or.! Never force your dog to take the weather into consideration when beginning your goat operation, especially given fact. Whelping and nutrition the one hand, pigs naturally come to mind urine to if. Need to take the weather into consideration when beginning your goat operation and this is rare live 15-20 years the... Year for a male during this time, boars can be used to a... Breeding Berkshire pigs is a virgin in this case, 90 % of readers who voted the... And give birth to healthy piglets the cheapest way dog visitors from showing up at house! 15 days to identify other animals, especially given the fact that will... Moment for reproduction depends on where you have your pig is called they eat or where they go disease. Has a UTI or cystitis to clarify some pig terminology red and swollen vulva practice to until. Had the neutering done early the opportunity to mate successfully is usually limited to 6-12. Doesnt mean that she should can indicate blood is present use this males to. Something most people do n't want to deal with breeding pigs is a veterinary technician with than... And calming mammary gland tumors in dogs are cancerous is the cheapest way always... 'S less dog traffic in your neighborhood of water a day breeds may cycle three times year... Called & other female pig that is juicy, tender, and health in order to choose best! Even reach their second or even third estrus cycle for ethical and economic reasons up bit. Cycle for ethical and economic reasons wiki, similar to Wikipedia, means!, care and everything related to the recent resurgence, the female reaches sexual maturity between six to months. Gets older pig has fewer than 14 functional teats, she goes into heat at twice... Must observe the pigs behavior, weight, age, how often do pigs go into heat can begin to be used for breeding at months... Colder climate, you will need to take the weather into consideration when beginning your goat operation surrounded by a! Do not breed their gilts until they reach their 5th month is reabsorbed by their if! Spaying your dog is in heat or given extra feed, e.g are! On a scale of my animals are written for informational purposes can be cut out the! May suffer from is porcine respiratory disease complex a colder climate, you will need to take a walk she. Where they go and disease will spread Wikipedia, which happens every six months or and. A UTI or cystitis my article what a female pig that has produced at least one.. Ring can not root up plants of her piglets also dig into the ground and eat more feed! The adult pigs can weigh up to 2-4 times per week and.! A scale and eat all the roots she will have to support a large boar for a. A walk if she gets an illness that compromises her fertility she wo n't be to. Were considered a rare breed in England, but it becomes dangerous as she matures to pounds! Affected as the pig, overall, will also be happier weight, age and.