The primary objective of raising sows is to produce a large number of high-quality piglets. Mr. Jiang Shaojun, a senior expert in the pig industry in our province, has summarized this goal with a concise phrase: "full, rich, live, and strong." In this article, I will share some observations on how to realize the sow's full reproductive potential—specifically, achieving maximum litter size.
1. Selection of High-Yield Sows
Choosing sows that consistently produce multiple litters is fundamental to increasing fertility. Without this, all other efforts are just empty talk.
(1) Selecting breeds with multi-litter genes is crucial. For example, it’s extremely rare to get 10 or more piglets from a native Buxia breed. Many Chinese local breeds are known for their high productivity, which is why some farms use them as breeding sows. In imported breeds, Landrace pigs are often selected due to their average litter size of around 11.
(2) Using hybrid breeding techniques can significantly boost productivity. Hybrid vigor can increase litter size by 20–40%. Many farms implement crossbreeding methods like two-way, three-way, or rotational crosses to enhance sow performance. This approach is especially effective when suitable breeding conditions are met.
(3) Focusing on the development of gilts during their growth period is often overlooked. Some farms mistakenly believe that growing gilts only involves feeding without expecting returns. However, this short-term mindset can lead to poor physical development and reduced fertility. Proper nutrition and careful management based on breed standards are essential to ensure gilts reach their full reproductive potential.
(4) Maintaining optimal reproductive health in sows is also vital. Regular culling of older or unproductive sows helps maintain a balanced herd structure. A well-managed, young, healthy, and disease-free sow herd is key to achieving high productivity.
2. Increasing Litter Density
Improving the frequency of farrowing is an important strategy to maximize the number of piglets produced annually. On average, a sow may have only one litter per year, but top farms can achieve up to 2.3 litters annually. Over four years, this results in about 9.2 piglets per sow.
(1) Early weaning can help increase litter frequency. While early weaning (around 3 weeks) is being promoted in some regions, it’s not yet widely recommended due to technical challenges. For most farms, weaning at 5–6 weeks is more practical, depending on facilities, feed quality, and management skills.
(2) Reducing the non-productive period between farrowings is essential. This can be done by ensuring timely mating after weaning, maintaining good nutrition, and using boar exposure or hormonal treatments if needed. Preventing reproductive diseases and promptly removing non-breeding sows also helps improve efficiency.
(3) Preventing abortions is another critical factor. Most abortions occur within the first month of pregnancy, often due to nutritional deficiencies, toxic feeds, illness, or stress. Providing balanced diets, avoiding moldy or toxic feed, and maintaining hygiene are key preventive measures.
3. Increasing Live Piglet Numbers
Maximizing the number of live piglets is the ultimate goal of successful breeding. This requires attention to several factors.
(1) Increasing the number of embryos is often achieved through synchronized breeding or double insemination. Sows can ovulate up to 30 eggs, and using two boars or two inseminations increases the chances of multiple fertilizations.
(2) Reducing stillbirths involves addressing causes like inbreeding, poor nutrition, or disease. Similar to the prevention strategies mentioned earlier, maintaining proper nutrition and health is essential.
(3) Ensuring smooth farrowing is crucial. Sows should be closely monitored during birth, as delays can result in loss of up to 10–30% of piglets. If a piglet stops breathing, immediate action such as clearing its airway and stimulating respiration is necessary. Providing warmth, encouraging suckling, and using insulation boxes in cold weather can greatly improve survival rates.
Achieving high productivity in sows is a complex process that requires a combination of scientific methods and careful management. It is the foundation for successful piglet production and sets the stage for future growth in the farm.
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