How to Improve Sow Reproductive Capacity? Practical Methods Shared

In the process of pig farming, farmers place a very high degree of importance on sows. The reproductive capacity of sows determines the production efficiency and profit of the farm. If the pigs' production capacity is poor, it will cause profit losses for the farm. Therefore, the reproductive capacity of sows is particularly important. Of course, the production capacity of sows can also be directly affected by genetic factors and so on. So how can we improve the reproductive capacity of sows? Below, Shuaishuai will explain it to everyone!

I. Ensure the Semen Quality of Boars

To achieve successful breeding, the first thing is to improve the semen quality of boars. Collect semen from boars and select high-quality fresh live semen for mating. The semen must not be stored too long; use it immediately after collection. Large commercial-scale farms can mix and use semen of the same breed, which can greatly improve the reproductive capacity of sows.

II. Do a Good Job in the Feeding and Management of Replacement Gilts

The management of replacement gilts must be done properly, especially regarding feed. If the feeding amount is increased one week before the sow is bred, it is very helpful for estrus during subsequent mating, and it can also promote ovulation. The body weight of a replacement gilt at its first conception determines whether it can remain consistently productive and have an extended lifespan. Delaying the mating time of replacement gilts can increase the number of piglets per litter and increase the conception rate, so the impact of feed is very helpful. Increasing the amount one week in advance can make mating easier.

III. Nutritional Regulation of Sows

Before breeding, sows require attention not only to feed management but also to nutritional balance. The feed must absolutely not be too monotonous. The nutritional requirements of sows during lactation are very high, and the amount can continue to be increased before piglets are weaned. After weaning, regulating balanced nutrition can help them enter estrus better and ovulate in greater numbers. After the sow has been successfully conceived for four weeks, control its feed amount. In the late stage of gestation and during lactation, the sow's nutrition should mainly consist of feed rich in high-energy protein.

IV. Reasonably Cull Sows with Low Reproductive Capacity

Because the reproductive capacity of sows directly affects the efficiency and profit of the farm, we should reduce breeding costs as much as possible. We can evaluate the production performance of sows before breeding. If their production performance is very low, they can be directly culled. This can ensure the conception rate and prevent waste of sperm count. It can also save some special feed costs for sows and other unnecessary expenses, saving a large amount of breeding costs.

V. Strengthen the Health Care and Management of Sows

Before breeding, it must be ensured that sows do not have any diseases and that their health is guaranteed. This can avoid fetal death in the later stage due to their own diseases. If it goes badly, neither the large nor the small ones can be saved, which causes very large losses to the pig farm. Moreover, some diseases are contagious, so pre-breeding inspection work must be done well. Sanitation management and ventilation in the pig house must be done well so as to avoid the breeding of pathogens and bacteria and reduce various possible influencing factors and conditions.

VI. Prevention and Treatment of Endometritis

For sow reproduction, endometritis is also a highly influential disease that causes infertility. It basically occurs most frequently in summer, so this is still related to the health care work for sows. In addition, if endometritis occurs after farrowing, it must be treated first, and only after recovery can the next mating continue. During each conception, attention must be paid to hygiene; otherwise, it is very easy for sows to become infected with endometritis.

The above is how to improve the reproductive capacity of sows. After reading this, everyone should also know what to do and where the problems appear, right? In fact, most of them are caused by poor health care work for sows, which leads to a series of problems later. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please continue to follow Qinnong Web!