Key Feeding and Management Points for Raising Pregnant Sows Well in Summer

Pregnant sows are extremely sensitive to external stimuli. The heat stress brought by high temperatures can easily cause miscarriage and stillbirth in sows. The first 20 days of pregnancy and the 30 days before farrowing are the danger periods for stillbirth and miscarriage, so feeding and management must be strengthened to ensure the safe farrowing of pregnant sows.

Create a cool environment by thickening the roof with materials such as straw curtains that have good insulation performance, so as to block the sun's heat radiation, which can reduce radiant heat by more than 40%. At noon when the temperature is above 30°C, water can be sprayed on the roof to cool it down. In addition to opening the north and south doors and windows of the pig house for ventilation, exhaust fans should also be used to increase air convection, so as to take away body heat from the pigs and keep them cool. When necessary, cold water mist spraying or evaporative cooling pads can be used to lower the temperature. When the barn temperature is above 35°C, the sow's body can be showered with cold water, and brushing the sow's body can also be done at the same time. When the weather is even hotter, the frequency of showering and brushing the sow's body should be increased to keep the sow's body from overheating. In stuffy weather with little wind, pregnant sows should be driven to a shaded exercise area under trees to rest. More trees should be planted and grass grown around the pig farm to create a cool microclimate environment. Manure should be removed frequently from the pig house, which can not only eliminate pollution, but also maintain pig house hygiene, and also avoid manure fermentation generating heat and raising the barn temperature.

Do a good job in feeding pregnant sows. Within the first 20 days of pregnancy and the 30 days before farrowing, nutrient supply should be strengthened, the nutritional level should be raised, and their needs for protein, vitamins, minerals and trace elements should be met. In the late stage of pregnancy, not only their nutritional needs but also the quantity requirements should be met, and 24 grams of concentrated feed can be added daily to meet the needs of rapid fetal growth and increase birth weight. In addition to normal feeding, the sows should be given appropriately larger amounts in the early morning and evening when temperatures are lower. At the same time, more green feed with low fiber content should be fed, and roughage with high fiber content such as rice bran should not be fed, so as to avoid increasing body heat. When dietary energy is insufficient, 3%-5% oil can be added. In summer when the weather is hot, pigs' thirst increases and their water intake is large, so water should be supplied in large amounts.

Strengthen sow management and pregnancy protection. Pregnant sows are especially sensitive to sudden changes in the environment. Exercise, feeding, catching, overheating and so on are all adverse stress factors that may cause miscarriage in pregnant sows. A normal routine must be established. Pregnant sows must not be driven quickly, and should be kept in single pens, managed individually and fed individually to prevent sows from biting and fighting each other and causing miscarriage.