Management of mating of sows and gilts

The development of intensive management systems for sows lags behind that of finishing pigs, particularly in the rearing and breeding stages. Many producers still believe that exercise and grazing are essential for optimal reproductive performance, which reflects a lack of understanding of the sow's environmental and nutritional requirements. In fact, studies have shown that grouping or individual confinement does not negatively impact reproductive performance. In many herds, limited housing can lead to lower feeding costs, reduced aggression, and fewer pre-weaning mortalities. When dry sows are housed in pens, it's important to maintain a temperature between 18–20°C. Group-housed sows can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, especially when provided with matting. For farrowing, partially slatted floors are recommended to keep the area dry and reduce cleaning time. The slats should be 70–100 mm wide and 19–25 mm thick, with rounded edges to prevent hoof damage. The restricted farrowing system has been shown to reduce lactation mortality compared to traditional methods. While the initial construction cost is higher, the profit per litter tends to be greater. Breeding sows should not be tethered before their first breeding, as insufficient management during this period can lead to irregular estrus cycles, lower conception rates, and smaller litter sizes. Tethering also causes behavioral issues such as irritability, neck ulcers, and mobility problems. Lighting plays a crucial role in sow reproduction. Modern domestic pigs, descendants of wild boars, are sensitive to changes in daylight length. Some producers raise gilts outdoors, especially in northern regions, where seasonal infertility is common. Recent research shows that extended daylight delays puberty, so it’s now recommended to provide 10 hours of light daily. This can be achieved using natural sunlight or artificial lighting, with a minimum intensity of 150–200 lux. High temperatures during mating significantly reduce conception rates, litter size, and weaning weight. Heat stress before mating and during early pregnancy is more harmful than later stress. To mitigate this, provide shade, cooling water, and breed during cooler parts of the day. Lactation length is a critical decision affecting litter frequency. While shorter lactation periods theoretically increase annual litters, practical benefits are less clear. Lactation shorter than 10 days can lower conception rates. Weaning at 3–5 weeks typically offers the best production efficiency, balancing sow feed intake, piglet growth, and litter numbers. Changing the lactation pattern can help sows return to estrus faster after weaning. By adjusting milk stimulation through early weaning of heavier piglets, hormonal signals can be enhanced, promoting quicker heat cycles. This method reduces the number of non-cycling sows and improves breeding schedules. Pregnancy detection remains challenging until the eighth week post-mating. A second check between days 19–26 after breeding helps identify non-pregnant sows. Ultrasound technology now provides a more reliable and accurate way to confirm pregnancy.

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