Basic needs of the growing pig
For the animals to be comfortable it is important to know their needs. The more needs that we can fulfill the more productive the animal will be.
Page 49 of articles about management
What is the best age for weaning piglets? (3/3)
In order to carry out this economic analysis we have kept in mind the variables between the two types of weaning in the different phases: site 1 (reproductive sows), site 2 (weaning), and site 3 (fattening).
Boar control during heat checking and mating
Both for heat detection and for mating, maximum efficiency is achieved if the sow is well stimulated.
Management of the breeding chart (I)
A breeding chart would be like a type of computer without wires, screen or keyboard.
What is the best age for weaning piglets? (2/3)
Normally the productivity of the sow is valued for the number of litters/sow/year multiplied by the number of weaned piglets per litter.
Troubleshooting the environment
The most important way of examining the conditions of a building is using ones senses, since these might tell you immediately, whether an environmental problem is present.
Canada to no longer quarantine swine with H1N1
Affected animals will be managed using the same veterinary management and biosecurity practices employed for other swine influenza viruses. This includes limiting opportunities for virus to spread to susceptible animals. Canada’s slaughter system contains multiple inspection points to ensure that only healthy animals enter the food supply.
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ManagementArticleWhat is the best age for weaning piglets? (1/3)
With this article we begin the publication of a series of three unpublished articles by José Barceló for pig333.com on the age at weaning. José gave us the articles a few days before his death. As a way of paying homage to him we have decided to publish them posthumously without any alterations.
The importance of the first hours of life
Piglets are born with very limited energy reserves: compared to other newborn mammals, they have much less energy stored per kg liveweight.
TOPIGS genetics in Brazil: 28.6 weaned piglets per sow per year
Pig producers in Brazil with TOPIGS sows achieved an average production of 28.6 weaned piglets per mated sow per year in 2008.
Thompson’s tip: Hot weather check-ups
Following the recent hot weather, growth rates among growing and finishing pigs can be expected to slow. So stocking densities need particularly attention, says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd.
Preparing gruel
The use of pulped food incites consumption and allows a smoother transition from milk to feed.
Getting gilt integration right
With good returns on finished pigs, attractive cull sow prices and a contracting EU pig herd, many producers are building up their breeding herds again, some of which have been run at below optimum capacity for a long time.