Farrowing programming II
The gestation period in the majority of sows is usually around 113 to 115 days. However, a percentage of sows can farrow normally up to 3 days before or after.
Page 10 of articles about farrowing room
Longitudinal field study to assess sow level risk factors associated with stillborn piglets
The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for stillborn piglets at sow level in commercial pig herds in northern Belgium. In total, 545 sows of 22 pig herds were included in the study. Stillborn piglets were observed in 48.3% of the litters and the mean stillbirth rate of the sows was 7.5%.
Proportion of the litter farrowed, litter size, and progesterone and estradiol effects on piglet birth intervals and stillbirths
Stillbirth in swine ranges from 2 to 9%, resulting in a significant loss of piglets. Previous studies clearly indicate a relationship between prolonged birth intervals and stillbirth, but factors influencing birth intervals are not fully known. To characterize birth intervals and stillbirth, farrowing was recorded during three farrowing seasons.
Environmental and sow-related factors affecting the duration of farrowing
Allowing the sow to move freely before farrowing, reducing the constipation state and avoid excessive fattening during late pregnancy all appear to be key factors in shortening farrowing time and reducing perinatal mortality.
Benefits of synchronizing ovulation with porcine luteinizing hormone in a fixed-time insemination protocol in weaned multiparous sows
Double insemination of multiparous sows, timed to coincide with optimal sow fertility, may improve litter size.
Farrowing batches: keeping the breeding groups full
In the last chapter we looked at the importance of achieving homogenous farrowing batches (age distribution + nº sows). In this chapter we will begin to see how to achieve this.
TOPIGS: Flushing results in heavier piglets
An increased feeding of sows during the insemination phase results in a higher piglet birthweight.
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ArticleControlling time of sows farrowing
Injecting prostaglandin F2α (PGF) or its analogues is effective for induction of farrowing, although a large range in the interval between treatment and farrowing is usual. Experience has shown that only 50% to 60% of PGF-treated sows farrow during the working day after injection and only these sows are candidates for farrowing supervision.
Sow parity structure (II)
Until now we have spoken about the general parity structure of the herd, but in an ideal situation this optimum distribution should be put into practice in each of the productive batches of sows.
Thompson’s tip: Beware ‘parity drift’
In the last few years a significant number of producers have restocked or expanded their herds through organic growth.
Farrowing programming (I)
In this chapter we will look at how hormones can be used to influence the time of farrowing according to our needs.
Additive effects of L-carnitine and chromium picolinate on sow reproductive performance
Dietary carnitine and chromium supplementation may increase farrowing rate and thus total number born alive
Hormone management (II)
When the sow is pregnant, the corpus luteum remains and continues to produce progesterone. While the levels of progesterone are high the sow does not become in heat and maintains gestation.
Hormone management (I)
For hormones to be efficient it is essential to use them with the right approach. For this we must know the reproductive cycle of the sow and the hormones that are involved.
Piglet colostrum intake
Colostrum offers 3 essential properties to the piglet: very useful energy source (vital for generating movement and avoiding temperature loss), immune supply (protects against germs that the piglet begins to come into contact with) and natural growth factors (complete the maturity of the piglet).