European Union: pig herd has been decreasing since 2006
The pig herd has been decreasing since 2006 and stood at 147 million heads in 2012 (a reduction of 16 million heads or 10%, in seven years).
Page 24 of articles about sow
Pen housed sows with electronic feeding stations
Stage of gestation is the critical point when the sows in a pen with electronic feeding system.
Use of special diets during the pre- and postpartum periods
The use of two different feeds for the sows in the farrowing quarters is not always easy at a logistical level.
Use of special diets during the weaning-to-service interval
The weaning-to-service interval is a short but vital period regarding the productivity of the sow.
Denmark: the number of fattening pigs drops
As of October 1st, the total swine census in Denmark was 12.3 million heads.
Differences in muscle characteristics of piglets related to the sow parity
The results of this study indicate that parity influences the pre-natal development of piglets.
The use of DDGS in gestating sows kept in a group-housed system or individual stalls
The use of DDGS in gestating diets may creat controversial response on animal behaviour depending on the housing system.
Reproduction in gilts inseminated with PCV2-spiked semen. Protection by gilt vaccination with a sow PCV2 vaccine
PCV2 vaccination of the gilts prior to insemination with PCV2 spiked-semen showed a clear decrease of viral load in the gilts as well as a much lower viral excretion that were compatible with foetus protection.
Colostrum management
This video by BPEX explains how to provide colostrum to the piglets correctly.
Nature is wise II
In a system with 2.35 farrowings/sow/year, more than 14 piglets born per farrowing, more than 11 weaned piglets/farrowing and around 1% of losses at weaning; what can we do to improve this?
Valine supplementation improves immune and endocrine function of lactating sows
Dietary valine supplementation increases serum albumin, IgM, IgG and prolactin concentrations.
Farrowing interval: how does it affect productivity?
The farrowing interval is one of the production parameters more commonly used as an indicator of the production efficiency of a farm.
Intrauterine growth restricted piglets defined by their head shape ingest insufficient amounts of colostrum
The present study showed that the physiology of piglets in the colostrum period was affected by IUGR status at birth, and their intermediary metabolism was altered due to different colostrum intakes.
Space in the farrowing quarters
Knowing how to make the most of space in our farrowing rooms is a key point, not only when using foster sows, but also for increasing the age at weaning. The farrowing pen is the most expensive pen at the farm, and we must obtain the maximum possible efficiency out of it.
Prenatal flavour exposure through maternal diets influences flavour preference in piglets before and after weaning
Prenatal flavour exposure decrease neophobia for specific flavours.
Main problems with pregnant sows housed in groups (II)
This article suggests some solutions to the main problems encountered in pregnancies with group housing.