Physiology and nutrition of late gestating and transition sows
The physiological processes and how they change dynamically as the sow approaches farrowing greatly affect sow productivity.
Page 3 of articles about farrowing room
Sows that wean zero piglets: A problem in the farrowing room
Sows that try to recover after weaning no piglets have markedly lower performance and a significant chance of failing in lactation again.
Characteristics of thermal images of the mammary gland and of performance in sows differing in health status and parity
Thermography coupled with Artificial Intelligence systems can help identify and orient the diagnosis of symptomatic animals to prompt adequate reaction at the earliest time.
Cross-fostering alters post-weaning pig behavioral stress response in a sex-specific manner
Results indicate that the early postnatal stress associated with cross-fostering affects cross-fostered piglets in a sex-specific manner.
New vaginal drug delivery system to control time of farrowing and allow supervision of piglet delivery
Findings confirm the efficacy of the novel vaginal drug delivery system for induction of farrowing in sows.
Comparing three types of supplemental heat sources for piglets
These results suggest electric-heated mats and heat lamps were comparable in maintaining the performance and postural behaviors of piglets.
Does nursing behaviour of sows in loose-housing differ from that of sows in farrowing crates?
Shorter nursing duration and more nursing terminations by the sow were observed in loose housing than in farrowing crates.
Denmark: Conversion of temporarily restricted farrowing crates
Denmark starts the conversion of temporary confinement crates during farrowing and lactation of sows ahead of the EU.
The Signs of farrowing: Physiology and sow behaviour
Understanding the farrowing process and recognizing the signs for the different stages of birth, help us to develop management plans to improve the likelihood for live born piglets.
Weaning without zinc oxide (2/3): Encouraging feed consumption after weaning
The ban on the use of zinc oxide starting June 2022 makes it necessary to review and improve many aspects of weaning, especially in its early stages. With Alberto García and Chretien Gielen we address key management points for successful weaning without the use of zinc oxide.
What types of free farrowing pens are there?
We describe the main alternative systems to farrowing crates for sows, from zero confinement to temporary restraint.
Weaning without zinc oxide (1/3): Good weaning starts in the farrowing room
We spoke with Alberto Garcia (Inga Food SA, Spain) and Chretien Gielen (De Varkenspraktijk, The Netherlands), to discuss aspects related to weaning management and conditions.
Tip: How to make an incubator cart for piglets
We can place the weakest piglets from each litter to dry out and warm up in this incubator while we tend to the next sows.
Post farrowing fever control to maximize feed intake in sows during lactation
Why is it important to take sow temperatures after farrowing? How does feed intake affect litter size?
How to minimize the impact of small litters
The incidence and distribution of small litters and factors affecting the number of piglets born alive on swine farms.
Free farrowing systems on commercial farms in Denmark and Spain
Confinement is strongly criticised by public opinion and the industry is moving towards innovative housing of lactating sows.