Foundations for optimizing lactation
The milk production of sows is one of the parameters that has evolved the most over the last several decades.
Page 9 of articles about farrowing room
Farrowing induction IV: Guidelines
In this chapter we will take a look at some other aspects of farrowing induction...
Managing a 3-week batch system, weaning at the beginning of the week
This may be a good option when farrowings and litter control during the first days are the priority.
Effect of N,N-dimethylglycine supplementation in parturition feed for sows on metabolism, nutrient digestibility and reproductive performance
The current pilot study assessed the influence of N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) on insulin sensitivity, glucose and fat metabolism, nutrient digestibility and reproductive performance of sows in the peripartal period.
What day of the week should we wean?
A large part of the work on a swine farm can be divided into 3 key tasks: weaning, mating and farrowing. The day chosen for weaning determines the other two tasks; first, the matings, and then, as a consequence, the farrowings (the 2 ‘great events’ of which productivity of a farm depends on).
Feeding sows during labor: practical advice
It isn’t easy to compile a bibliography referring to this subject matter in specific cases; one has to search for it among the footnotes of other, more general works. The aim of this article is to sum up aspects of feeding that can be important at the time of farrowing.
In search of the ideal batch (1/2)
During the last 10 years we have been trying to optimize the different Batch Management systems (BM), searching for the most effective system. We had come to the conclusion that each one of the different traditional BM options had their pros and cons, and neither is better or worse than the other. Electing the best system depends on the necessities and the calibration of space on each particular farm. However, we have recently “discovered” a new BM option that opens the door to new possibilities.
Effects of extra feeding in mid-pregnancy for three successive parities on lean sows’ productive performance and longevity
The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of increasing feeding allowance during mid-pregnancy in sows.
Farrowing assistance (II): Dystocia
In swine, dystocia is usually caused by oversized piglets (or by a narrow birth canal) instead of foetal positioning problems.
Farrowing assistance (I): Piglet extraction
A correct supervision is one of the key points of a farrowing.
Energy-saving heat pump keeps piglets comfortable
A Lancashire farming partnership has come up with a novel way of reducing energy costs on their pig unit.
Positioning crates: Alternative options: Aisles both in front and behind the crates, crates on both sides of the aisle (II)
In the last chapter we examined the advantages of positioning crates facing inwards and outwards. Now we are going to explore two other options: Aisles both in front and behind the crates and crates on both sides of the aisle.
Effect of dose of equine chorionic gonadotrophin on the estrus responses of gilts and weaned sows and effect of the interval between equine chorionic gonadotrophin and luteinizing hormone injections on sow performance
Objectives: To determine estrus and ovulation responses of gilts and sows to different doses of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG), with different intervals between eCG and luteinizing hormone (pLH) injections.
Positioning crates: Which is better: facing inwards or outwards? (I)
When designing farrowing rooms, sows can be placed in different ways: facing inwards, facing outwards, with aisles both in front and behind the crate, or on both sides of the aisle.
Farrowing programming III
Next we will consider some aspects that can be taken into account in order to adjust the day to induce farrowing.
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.