With the development of animal husbandry, the reproductive performance of sows has become the focus of the industry. The litter number of live piglets is an important index to measure the reproductive efficiency of sows, which directly affects the economic benefit of the farm. Therefore, increasing the litter number of live sows is very important for the sustainable development of animal husbandry. At the Leman China Swine Conference, some experts put forward a series of practical measures through a detailed analysis of feeding management, breeding management and piglet management, providing useful references for the majority of farmers.

The importance of increasing the number of live litter of partriparous sows

The number of live litter is one of the important indicators to measure the reproductive performance of sows. Improving the number of live litter is of great significance for the economic benefit, production efficiency, cost reduction, population optimization and meeting the market demand.

Factors influencing the low number of live litter of parturient sows

（1） Poor feeding management

The feeding and management of sows have a direct effect on the number of litter born alive. First, the amount, frequency and feed quality of sows can affect their reproductive performance, and improper feeding management can lead to poor nutrition or over-fertilization of sows, which can affect the number of live litter. Secondly, sows may be affected by various stress factors during the breeding process, such as environmental changes, high feeding density, transportation, etc. Stress can lead to hormonal imbalance in sows, affecting conception and embryonic development, and thus reducing litter size.

（2）Poor feeding condition

Breeding environment, seasons and climatic conditions may also affect the litter number of live sows. In some areas, the reproductive performance of sows may decrease during high summer temperatures or cold winter. Sows are more sensitive to environmental temperature, too high or too low temperature may lead to sow stress, reduce its feed intake, affect the intake of nutrients, and thus have a negative impact on the development of the fetus, too low temperature may also make the sow cold, increase the risk of abortion, affect its reproductive performance.

(3) Poor epidemic prevention and control

Epidemic disease control affects the number of live litter of parturient sows. The main manifestations are as follows: first, reproductive disorders; Second, vaccination is not standardized; Third, the disinfection is not thorough; Fourth, the introduction quarantine is not strict; Fifth, disease surveillance is not timely.

Measures to increase the number of live litter of parturients sows

（1）Strengthen feeding management

Sow feeding management includes feeding quantity, feeding frequency, feed quality, feeding time, feeding method, drinking water management, feed additive use and so on. According to the sow's weight, body condition and breeding stage, determine the feeding amount at each stage; Appropriate increase of feeding frequency is helpful to increase the feed intake of sows. Ensure that the feed is nutritionally balanced and contains sufficient protein, energy, vitamins and minerals. By refining feeding management measures, the feeding effect of parturients sows can be improved and the litter number of live piglets can be increased.

（2）Optimize feeding environment

Optimizing the breeding environment is one of the important measures to increase the number of live litter of partaking sows. The following points should be done: first, reasonable pig house design; Second, health management; Third, sow group; Fourth, environmental stress control.

（3）Scientific reproduction management

Scientific breeding management is the key to increase the number of live litter of parturient sows. First, we should do a good job of scientific breeding management; Second, arrange a reasonable breeding cycle; Third, timely elimination of sows; Fourth, do a good job of data recording and analysis. Through scientific breeding management measures, the number of live litter of parturients sows was increased.

（4）Optimized piglet management

Optimizing piglet management is an important step to increase the number of live piglets produced in the litter of parturient sows. Attention should be paid to the following points: first, newborn piglet care; Second, piglet feeding; Third, weaning of piglets; Fourth, piglets living environment management. Fifth; Group the piglets.

Summary

To improve the litter size of parturiating sows, the above factors need to be comprehensively considered, and corresponding measures should be taken, including strengthening feeding management, optimizing the breeding environment, scientific breeding management and piglet management, further solving the problems that may occur in the breeding process, ensuring the live litter size of parturiating sows, and thus promoting the development of pig breeding industry.

If you would like to learn more about the pig industry, please visit the Leman China Swine Conference website for more information.

Source: SWINE INDUSTRY SCIENCE)

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