One of the most common mistakes in sow management is improper selection. Some farmers opt for cheaper breeding pigs to save costs, leading to mixed-breed herds that include binary, triple, or even multi-hybrid pigs. This results in poor uniformity, with pigs of different colors, growth rates, and body types. It also leads to abnormal growth patterns, low breeding efficiency, and reduced birth rates. The overall production efficiency drops significantly, with meat yield increasing by up to 20% and daily weight gain decreasing by 100–200 grams per day.
Another issue is the purchase of sows that are already unsuitable for breeding. These sows may be older, have poor reproductive performance, or carry pathogens that can spread within the herd.
Incorrect feeding practices also play a major role in reducing sow fertility. Many farmers feed sows with finishing pig feed, which is not nutritionally balanced for breeding sows. Some farms use self-made feeds that lack essential nutrients, relying too much on local ingredients like roughage and green fodder without proper supplementation. This can lead to deficiencies in protein and energy, negatively impacting reproductive performance.
Poor feeding and management practices further compound the problem. For example, some farmers treat gilts as finishing pigs, allowing them to eat freely, which causes obesity and affects their future reproduction. Others restrict feed too much, resulting in thin sows that fail to conceive. Poor hygiene in the pig house increases the risk of skin diseases and pathogen transmission to piglets through milk or direct contact. Delayed culling of unproductive sows, such as those with low litter sizes or chronic infections, also reduces overall productivity.
An irrational sow population structure—such as too many older sows or an imbalance between sows and boars—can lower breeding success. Many farms neglect vaccination programs against serious diseases like pseudorabies, parvovirus, and swine fever, leaving sows vulnerable to infections that impact fertility.
To improve reproductive performance, it’s essential to implement a strong immunization program tailored to local conditions. Regular disinfection, clean housing, and targeted vaccinations are key. Feeding should follow a structured plan: increasing feed after weaning, adjusting quantities during pregnancy, and ensuring a steady supply of green feed. Maintaining optimal body condition is critical, especially during lactation, to avoid excessive weight loss.
Proper management of gilts, including timely mating and controlled feeding, helps ensure better reproductive outcomes. Managing the interval between estrus cycles and stimulating estrus through methods like boar exposure can boost conception rates. After mating, careful monitoring and appropriate feeding help increase litter size and birth weights.
Improving fertility involves reducing the number of returns after mating. This includes ensuring good boar semen quality, avoiding overfeeding, and managing stress. Sow culling should be based on age, health, and reproductive history, with a focus on maintaining a balanced age structure. Eliminating unproductive sows promptly ensures a healthy and efficient breeding herd.
By addressing these issues, farmers can significantly enhance sow reproductive performance, leading to better productivity and profitability in pig farming.
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