Reasons and Solutions for Sows Not Coming into Heat in Summer
High temperatures in summer are a major hidden danger for pig farms. During this time, sows often fail to come into heat because of the hot and humid environment, which seriously affects the productivity of the pig farm and reduces the economic benefits of the farmer. So what are the reasons why sows do not come into heat in summer? Let's find out together.
1. Seasonal influence
Sows are polyestrous livestock and can come into heat and be mated year-round, but during the hot summer season, their estrus rate for a period after piglets are weaned is lower than in other seasons, and this is even more obvious in first-litter sows. In addition, lean-type sows and two-way crossbred sows are more sensitive to high temperatures; above 30 degrees it affects their estrus, while also reducing feed intake and the number of ovulations, and above 32 degrees they stop coming into heat.
Solution: When temperatures are high, the first thing is to control the temperature and keep it from getting too high. For sows that do not come into heat, an induction method can be used, continuously stimulating the sow's pituitary gland through the boar's courtship sounds and mating behavior, thereby inducing estrus in the sow.
2. Insufficient nutrition
In the high heat of summer, sows have poor appetite and take in insufficient nutrients, so sows often show irregular estrus, as well as few ovulations. In addition, at high temperatures sows lose water quickly, and when green feed supplementation is insufficient, constipation may occur from time to time, which is also a reason for the low conception rate of sows.
Solution: For lean sows, nutrition should be strengthened by adding vitamins and fish meal to the feed, changing from dry feed to wet feed, and feeding 3-4 times a day to improve the insufficient nutrition situation.
3. Sows being too fat
Some sows have low milk production during lactation and have few piglets, and some pig farmers also feed a high-energy diet. Such long-term unlimited feeding causes sows to not lose weight at weaning; on the contrary, they deposit a large amount of fat, leading to excessive obesity, which causes the sow's follicles to stop developing and affects normal estrus.
Solution: For sows with low milk production, feeding should be restricted and the feed formula adjusted. At the same time, sows should be kept exercising appropriately and their body weight controlled, so that being too fat does not affect estrus and mating.
4. Infection with disease
Summer is a time of high temperatures and active bacteria, so the possibility of disease infection is relatively high at this time. Common diseases include parvovirus, blue ear disease and endometritis. Sows infected with parvovirus may have stillbirths, while blue ear disease and endometritis may cause sows to miscarry, which also affects the sow's next estrus.
Solution: Do a good job with the environmental hygiene of the pig house, clean frequently, and disinfect regularly to prevent a large buildup of bacteria. Do a good job with vaccination to prevent disease, and treat diseases promptly when they occur.
The above is an introduction to the causes and solutions for sows not coming into heat in summer. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.