Management of mating of sows and gilts

The development of intensive management systems for sows, particularly for gilts and bred sows, has lagged behind that of finishing pigs. Many producers still believe that free movement and grazing are essential for maintaining normal reproductive performance. This belief highlights a lack of understanding regarding the sow's environmental and nutritional needs. In fact, research shows that grouping or individual housing does not negatively impact reproductive performance. In many cases, limited rearing can lead to lower feeding costs, reduced aggression, and lower pre-weaning mortality. When dry sows are housed indoors, it’s important to maintain a temperature between 18-20°C. Group-housed sows can tolerate lower temperatures if provided with mats or bedding. For farrowing, partially slatted floors are recommended to keep the area dry, reducing cleaning time. The bars should be approximately 1.05 meters long, with cement slats that are 70-100 mm wide and 19-25 mm thick. The edges should be rounded to prevent hoof injuries. Sow limit systems have shown significantly lower lactation mortality compared to traditional systems, despite higher initial costs. They also tend to generate greater profit per litter. Breeding sows should not be restricted until after their first breeding, as insufficient early management can result in irregular estrus cycles, lower conception rates, and smaller litters. Tethering or limiting gilts can also cause irritability, neck sores, leg issues, and hygiene problems. After weaning and rebreeding, sows can often be successfully managed in single pens. Lighting plays a crucial role in pig reproduction, especially for modern breeds that originate from wild boars sensitive to day length changes. Some producers raise gilts outdoors, particularly in regions like western Canada, where pigs exhibit seasonal infertility similar to wild boars. Studies in Canada and Australia confirm that summer infertility affects both bred sows and gilts. It is now recommended to provide 10 hours of light per day, with 14 hours of darkness. Light intensity should be maintained at 150-200 lux, using either natural sunlight or artificial lighting. High temperatures during mating can severely affect conception rates, litter size, and weaning weight. Heat stress before mating or during early pregnancy is more harmful than heat stress later on. To mitigate this, provide shade or cooling water, and breed during cooler times of the day if possible. Weaning duration is a critical decision that impacts the number of litters per sow. Most producers wean piglets between 4-6 weeks, but studies show that weaning between 3-5 weeks can maximize production efficiency. While shorter lactation periods theoretically increase annual litters, they may also delay the return to estrus and reduce conception rates. Weaning at 3-5 weeks balances sow productivity and piglet growth. Changing the lactation pattern can help stimulate estrus after weaning. By weaning heavier piglets earlier, milk stimulation is reduced, which helps trigger hormonal signals for estrus. This method can improve breeding efficiency and reduce the number of sows culled for reproductive issues. Pregnancy detection is challenging before the eighth week post-breeding. A significant percentage of sows may not conceive during the first breeding, so checking for signs of estrus between days 19-26 is important. Ultrasound technology now offers a more reliable way to confirm pregnancy, helping producers make timely decisions.

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