Scientific Breeding of Sows
The goal of scientific breeding is to ensure sows have regular estrus cycles, which makes mating easier and increases the number of piglets born. During the non-pregnant period, sows should be fed more green and juicy feed to maintain a moderate body condition until they are bred. The principle of scientific feeding is: for sows that are too fat, reduce concentrate feed and increase green and juicy feeds; for thin sows, improve feeding and management by providing more concentrates and animal-based feeds to help them recover quickly.
Good Feeding Before Breeding
Feed sows with 1 to 2 kg of high-quality feed 10 to 20 days before breeding. This can stimulate multiple ovulations, increasing the chance of at least one piglet being born. After mating, reduce the feed back to normal levels, otherwise it may lead to higher embryonic mortality. In short, postpartum sows should not be too thin, as this can delay the return to estrus and reduce the number of eggs released, making it harder to get pregnant. On the other hand, overfeeding can also cause anestrus.
Improve Feeding and Management for Pregnant Sows
Enhancing feeding and management during pregnancy helps increase embryo survival rates, especially during the peak period of embryonic death. The first peak occurs between 9 to 13 days after mating, with a mortality rate of about 50%. During this time, stress factors should be minimized as much as possible. Keep sows in their original pen for the first 3 to 4 weeks after mating. The second peak of embryo loss happens around the third week of pregnancy, with a mortality rate of 30% to 40%, so attention must be given to stress and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, late pregnancy has a mortality rate of about 15%, so nutrition should be improved accordingly.
Choosing the Right Breeding Age
Breeding sows too early can result in fewer offspring and affect their growth and development. It's important to wait until the sow reaches an appropriate weight, age, and has had 2 to 3 estrus cycles before breeding. For example, a crossbred sow should be around 12 months old and weigh between 90 to 100 kg before breeding.
Timely Breeding
Timely mating between male and female sows is crucial for successful conception and a higher number of piglets. Most sows come into estrus 7 days after weaning, but some healthy sows may show signs as early as 3 to 4 days post-weaning. Therefore, it's best to start monitoring carefully 3 days after weaning. By driving the boar or the sow near the sow house, you can encourage timely mating. However, the optimal timing varies depending on breed, age, season, and temperature. For example, for improved sows, the best time to mate is 3 to 4 days after the onset of estrus, when the vulva starts to swell and the mucus becomes thread-like. The ideal time for breeding is when the sow stands still when pressure is applied to her hind legs.
Early Weaning of Piglets
Weaning piglets earlier can help sows return to estrus faster, leading to earlier breeding and more piglets per litter. A common practice is to start weaning at 7 to 8 days of age, and complete weaning by 28 days. After weaning, the sow is moved to a clean area, while the piglets remain in their original pen, eating the same starter feed and gradually transitioning to new feed. The environment should be kept clean, and piglets should be trained to defecate in a designated spot.
Preventing Abortion
After 9 to 13 days of mating and 21 days before farrowing, sows are more prone to abortion. To prevent this, provide high-protein feeds, minerals, and vitamins. Avoid feeding frozen or spoiled feed, and prevent overcrowding, fighting, slipping, or scaring the animals. Throughout the entire pregnancy, ensure that feed remains fresh and free from mold. Moldy feed contains aflatoxins, which can cause stillbirths, miscarriages, and slow weight gain in pigs.
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