Cross fostering and nurse sows (II): How to do the movements?
We focus on moving surplus piglets, which forces us to use nurse sows. We explain two ways to do this in a very visual video.
articles about lactation
Effects of early intermittent maternal separation on behavior, physiological, and growth performance in piglets
Early intermittent neonatal maternal separation created stress and affected the growth performance of piglets during suckling. However, the growth rate was improved by compensatory measures during late weaning.
The impact of functional teat number on reproductive throughput in swine
Results suggest increasing functional teat number would enhance both piglet survival and reproductive throughput.
Effects of farrowing hut design on maternal and thermoregulatory behavior in outdoor housed sows and piglets
The metal hut appears to be the best compromise considering thermal environment, behavior, and litter survival.
What is the best age for weaning piglets?
Enric Marco examines the reasons why the average age at weaning has not yet reached 28 days in Spain.
Video about split suckling: The importance of the first few hours
To ensure that each piglet intakes enough colostrum and to help the smallest piglets get it, split suckling should be used.
Hypor dam lines: Key management aspects
In this article, we focus on the key aspects of management to optimize performance from this genetic line of sows. We talked with Carlos Martins.
The effect of supplementing l-Arginine, l-Glutamine, and a combination of both in the diet of multiparous sows
L-Arginine and L-Glutamine supplementation as a dietary strategy to improve performance in multiparous lactating sows.
The effect of a high-energy diet and Spirulina supplementation in gilts
Spirulina supplementation in gestation and lactation diets may affect colostrum quality and litter performance.
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.
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.
Impact of birth weight and daily weight gain during suckling on the weight gain of weaning piglets
Piglets with 1.25 to 2.30kg BW and low weight gain during suckling presented a partial compensatory growth during the nursery phase.
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.
The new challenge of crate-free housing in farrowing
Europe is preparing to eliminate farrowing crates in the next few years... Are farmers ready? Will this benefit the sows? What about the piglets?
Fish oil in sow diets as a strategy to modify immune components in colostrum and milk
The n-3 fatty acids supplementation in gestation and lactation diets may affect colostrum and milk composition and the immune response.
Milk supplementation in the farrowing room: an alternative strategy with hyperprolific sows?
A much higher percentage of piglets prefer milk supplement over creep feed. Here are the results of the latest studies on this subject.