The goal 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 in a concise and insightful way: "Full, rich, live, and strong." In this article, I will focus on one key aspect—realizing the sow’s full reproductive potential and achieving the goal of high fertility.
1. Selecting High-Yield Sows
Choosing sows with a history of multiple litters is the foundation for improving sow fertility. Without this, any discussion remains theoretical.
(1) Breeds with Multi-Litter Traits. It is extremely difficult to achieve 10 or more piglets per litter using native breeds like the Buxi. However, many local Chinese breeds are known for their high productivity. Some farms use these local pigs as sows. In imported breeds, Landrace sows are often preferred due to their average litter size of around 11.
(2) Hybrid Breeding Techniques. Crossbreeding can boost fertility by 20–40%. Many farms use crossbreeding to enhance the productivity of their existing herds. Common methods include two-way, three-way, and rotational crosses, which take advantage of hybrid vigor.
(3) Proper Rearing of Gilt Development. This stage is often overlooked, with some farms believing that gilts only consume resources without producing. This short-term mindset leads to poor growth and reduced fertility. By providing balanced nutrition and careful management, gilts can be raised according to breed standards, ensuring they reach their full reproductive potential as adults.
(4) Maintaining Optimal Reproductive Health. Regular culling of older or unproductive sows is essential. A well-structured herd with young, healthy, and disease-free sows is crucial for achieving high productivity.
2. Increasing Litter Frequency
Improving the frequency of farrowing is a critical strategy for increasing annual piglet output. On average, a sow may give birth twice a year, but top-performing farms can achieve up to 2.3 litters annually. Over four years, this results in approximately 9.2 litters, maximizing productivity.
(1) Early Weaning. While early weaning (around 3 weeks) is being promoted, it is not yet widely adopted due to technical challenges. For most farms, weaning at 5–6 weeks is more practical, depending on housing, feed quality, and management skills.
(2) Reducing Non-Productive Days. To shorten the time between farrowings, proper mating timing is essential. Sows should be bred as soon as possible after weaning, ensuring adequate nutrition and optimal estrus conditions. Using boars or artificial insemination effectively increases pregnancy rates. Additionally, managing health and preventing genital diseases helps maintain a productive herd.
(3) Preventing Abortions. 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 poisonous feed, and maintaining good hygiene are key preventive measures.
3. Increasing Live Piglets
Maximizing the number of live piglets is the ultimate goal of breeding sows and lays the foundation for successful rearing later.
(1) Increasing Fetus Numbers. Techniques such as synchronized breeding and double insemination can increase ovulation success. Using two boars for breeding ensures better fertilization and higher litter sizes.
(2) Reducing Stillbirths. Inbreeding, poor nutrition, toxins, and disease all contribute to stillbirths. Addressing these issues through proper feeding, vaccination, and management reduces losses.
(3) Assisting Birth. Sows need close monitoring during farrowing, as pigs are slow and prone to complications. If a piglet is born lifeless, immediate action such as clearing its airway and stimulating breathing is necessary. Ensuring quick suckling and providing warmth with insulation boxes improves survival rates.
Achieving high fertility in sows is a complex process that requires careful planning and scientific management. It is the first step toward successful pig production and sets the stage for future growth and profitability.
Yancheng Rongtai Labware Co.,Ltd , https://www.rongtailab.com