Topigs Norsvin opens Innova Canada
The new nucleus farm will be part of a bigger plan to upgrade and expand the nucleus capacity in Canada.
Page 6 of articles about sow
Sow behavior during introduction to a large dynamic group is influenced by familiarity and method
If small groups of sows are allowed to freely interact with each other prior to mixing into a larger dynamic group they can transition into the new social group with reduced rates of harmful aggressive behaviors.
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.
Build a chute to move sows
This corridor allows sows to be moved with minimal intervention from the staff.
Heat stress affects the sows' reproductive cycle
From their respective academic and on-farm perspectives, Josep Gasa and Josep Casanovas comment on a recent study regarding the effect of heat stress on sows: Which weeks does it affect the farrowing rate the most? What about the weaning-to-first-service interval? Are there differences depending on parity?
The Signs of farrowing: Physiology and sow behaviour
Understanding the farrowing process and recognizing the signs for the different stages of birth, help us to develop management plans to improve the likelihood for live born piglets.
Weaning without zinc oxide (2/3): Encouraging feed consumption after weaning
The ban on the use of zinc oxide starting June 2022 makes it necessary to review and improve many aspects of weaning, especially in its early stages. With Alberto García and Chretien Gielen we address key management points for successful weaning without the use of zinc oxide.
What types of free farrowing pens are there?
We describe the main alternative systems to farrowing crates for sows, from zero confinement to temporary restraint.
Who has better production indexes- Spain or the United States? (2/2)
We continue our comparison of production data between sow farms in Spain and the United States. This time we focus on replacement rate, pre-weaning mortality, and weaning weight.
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?
Administration of cloprostenol to sows improves WSI and farrowing rate
The application of cloprostenol after farrowing improved fertility rates and reduced non-productive days.
Vaginal microbiota differences associated with pelvic organ prolapse risk during late gestation in commercial sows
Sows with greater pelvic organ prolapse risk have unique vaginal microflora.
Evaluation of sow thermal preference across three stages of reproduction
The thermal comfort zone of sows may be narrower than current recommendations indicate.
Precision ultrasonography in sows: There’s much more than pregnancy check!
Here's how ultrasound can be used to visualize ovarian structures, assess the state of puberty, and diagnose ovarian pathologies.
Genomics of response to PRRSV: antibody response and performance following natural infection vs. vaccination
Selection for antibody response to PRRSV can increase litter size in purebred and commercial sows.
Do I have culled pregnant sows?
If my farrowing rate is low but I don't have empty sows or abortions, I must consider the culled pregnant sows.