The main goal of raising sows is to maintain their optimal body condition and sexual performance, which leads to high fertility, efficient reproduction, and a large number of weaned pigs, ultimately improving overall production efficiency. While the number of eggs a sow can release is influenced by genetics, it is significantly affected by factors such as feeding practices, the sow’s condition after weaning, the duration of nursing, the presence of reproductive tract diseases, and whether breeding occurs at the right time.
To meet the nutritional needs of sows, it's essential to bridge the gap between their actual and potential breeding abilities. Strengthening management during the breeding preparation phase helps produce high-quality eggs, laying the foundation for better productivity.
1. Short-term nutritional adjustment: A few weeks before mating, it's important to adjust the feed and water supply to ensure sows are in good physical condition. The saying goes, “Empty sows with full bellies have a high birth rate.†For normal sows, 2.0–2.2 kg of complete feed per day is recommended. Sows in poor condition should receive more feed, while overweight sows should be given less and more green roughage to return to a moderate state quickly, promoting early estrus and successful mating.
2. Feeding green and juicy feed: Providing 5–7 kg of green or juicy feed daily or supplementing with 25 g of bone meal ensures adequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Antibiotics in the diet: Administering antibiotics like oxytetracycline, amoxicillin, or aureomycin to weaned sows can help treat infections and improve breeding success by up to 9% with an increase of 0.2 piglets per litter. However, antibiotics should not be used in pregnant sows.
4. Proper management: Maintaining clean, dry, and well-ventilated housing with temperatures between 12–15°C supports estrus. Adequate lighting (10 hours per day), fresh air, and exercise also promote ovulation. Group feeding encourages estrus, as sows in heat can stimulate others through scent and movement, making it easier for staff to detect and manage breeding.
Managing newborn piglets is equally important. Controlling suckling time allows sows to enter estrus earlier. Piglet nesting and fostering can also speed up the breeding process. Early weaning, typically around 3–5 weeks, helps sows breed sooner, but too early weaning can reduce conception rates and litter size. Therefore, a balanced approach based on piglet growth and sow health is recommended.
Promoting estrus in non-cycling sows can be done by introducing them to gilts or massaging their udders. If a sow is sick, prompt treatment is essential. Hormonal treatments like HCG or PMSG can also be used to induce estrus.
Timely breeding is crucial. Observing static estrus and timing mating sessions—first at 12–24 hours after detection, then again 8–12 hours later—increases the chances of successful conception. Breeding quality matters more than quantity. Boars should be well-fed with protein-rich feeds like fishmeal and eggs to maintain strong libido and good semen quality.
During hot weather, heat stress must be managed. High temperatures reduce feed intake, leading to weight loss, delayed estrus, and lower conception rates. To combat this, breeding and activity should occur in cooler hours, and sows should be provided with green feed, vitamin C, and water sprays. Sodium bicarbonate and fresh fat can also help alleviate heat stress and support reproductive performance.
Smart Factory - Automation Inspection - Industry 4.0
Smart Factory
Automated Precision Inc. , https://www.apiasean.com