Page 45 of articles about management
Organization of replacements V
On many farms the introduction of gilts is not homogenous. However, the introduction of a similar number of gilts to each productive batch would be ideal. How can we do this?
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.
Denmark - Less salmonella in outdoor pigs
In a survey from the Food Institute of Danish Technical University (DTU) there were salmonella in over ten percent of conventional indoor slaughter pigs, in seven percent of organic pigs, and in only five percent of outdoor pigs.
European Union - Commission publishes detailed data about organic farming
The area under organic agriculture has increased significantly over the last years and represents about 4.3% of the utilised agricultural area of the EU (in 2008), with particular high percentages in the Austria, Sweden, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Latvia.
Environmental control in the growing phase (II): Environmental needs
In order to try to control the environment, it is important: - Be able to evaluate it. - Be familiar with the needs of different types of animals. - Implement corrective measures to adapt to those needs.
Fattening: Manipulable material and lighting
Is the lighting in warehouses up to standard? Are the manipulable materials the right ones?
Organization of the replacements IV
Another convenient option for controlling the replacement entry is to incorporate the information on the breeding chart.
Piglet castration
At what age can we castrate piglets? Is it possible to castrate without a general anesthetic? The new test on castration tries to resolve these doubts.
Ulcers in swine livestock (2/2)
Nutrition is considered to be a clear factor that increases the risk of ulcers appearing.
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.
Organization of the replacements III
In the previous chapter we began to describe several systems for recording clearly and quickly the dates that gilts come into heat and for planning gilt service.
The weaner as currency
The pig’s reproductive cycle lasts for 20 weeks, with weaning at 21 days: 16,5 gestation period + 3 lactating + average time on heat. Supposing that the sows wean 10 piglets, we can then come to the following conclusion: it takes two weeks to produce a piglet.
Thompson’s tip: Regular worm monitoring
Worms can still be a cause of financial loss in pigs. The main species of concern are ascarids (roundworms) which, in the course of the migration through the body, damage lungs and cause coughing.