Belgium: Status of sow stall conversion
Just under 36% of Flemish sow farms have so far converted, with an additional 13% having plans to do so.
Page 10 of articles about gestation
Seasonal effects on oocyte developmental competence in sows experiencing pregnancy loss
The aims of this study were to determine whether WSI and season are associated with changes in oocyte developmental competence in sows experiencing early and late pregnancy loss.
Genetic and environmental effects on piglet survival and maternal behaviour of the farrowing sow
One of the key components of survival in alternative, loose-housed farrowing systems is maternal behaviour and understanding the characteristics of sows that influence survival in such environments should be an essential component when developing new breeding indices.
Farrowing Monitoring (II)
A good result in stillbirths is difficult to achieve without inducing farrowings.
Clinical case: Altrenogest for the prevention of premature farrowings
The farm, with an elevated number of animals, had been experiencing for several days an increased number of births in gestation on the weekend before moving the sows to the farrowing pens. Mortality in these births was 100%.
Use of betaine in gilts and sows during lactation: effects on milk quality, reproductive parameters, and piglet performance
Treatment with betaine improve reproductive performance of gilts and sows, and increase body weight gain of the piglets.
Influence of gestation diet on piglet birth weight and glycogen reserves
Diets of sows did not have major impact on glycogen pools or on mobilization of glycogen by piglets.
Campaign 'Welcome to 2013' informs sow farmers about feeding stations
From 1 January 2013 all sow farmers in the EU will have to house pregnant sows in a group. In order to give a clear and complete picture of the options relating to group housing using pig feeding stations, the information campaign ’Welcome to 2013’ will be launched in September.
Incidence and prevention of early parturition in sows
The administration of altrenogest in late gestation is an effective and safe method to prevent early parturition and can counteract the reproductive losses because of premature farrowing, which may occur in a substantial part of the farrowing events.
Dietary seaweed extracts and fish oil supplementation in sows: performance, intestinal microflora, intestinal morphology, volatile fatty acid concentrations and immune status of weaned pigs
Maternal seaweed extract and fish oil supplementation from day 109 of gestation until weaning stimulates growth performance and starter feed intake in weaning pigs.
Protecting the pregnant sow from PRRS: Research findings
We evaluated the efficacy of serum inoculation to immunize gilts in prevention of reproductive PRRS following late-gestation challenge with the “homologous” virus.
The role of lean tissue in handling bodily reserves
In practice there aren’t any direct methods to measure lean reserves in the field. On an experimental level, generally, ultrasound machines are used to measure the loin thickness (LT) as an indicator of lean reserves (just as the dorsal fat measure, DFM, is taken as an indicator of fat reserves)
Effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oils to sows on colostrums and milk composition, growth pattern and immune status of suckling pigs
Supplementing sow diets with 250 mg/kg of oregano essential oils during gestation and lactation did not affect the growth potential of and immune responses in suckling piglets.
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.
Individual sow housing benefits the animals - and people
A hog farmer from Friend, Neb., explains why sows are housed individually and how that individual care benefits the animals, helps maintain herd health and ultimately provides quality pork.
Managing a 3-week batch system
On small farms it is better to group tasks on specific days, leaving other days with less tasks in order to organize days off...