Scientific Breeding of Sows
The main goal of scientific breeding is to ensure sows come into heat regularly, making breeding easier and increasing 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: sows that are too fat should be given less concentrate and more green feeds; sows that are too thin need better nutrition, with more concentrates and animal-based feeds to help them recover quickly.
Proper Feeding Before Breeding
Before breeding, sows should be fed 1-2 kg of high-quality feed 10-20 days in advance. This helps stimulate multiple ovulations, leading to at least one piglet per litter. After mating, the feed should be reduced back to normal levels, as overfeeding can increase embryonic mortality. In short, postpartum sows should not be too thin, as this delays heat cycles and reduces the number of eggs released, making it harder for them to get pregnant. On the other hand, being too fat can also cause no heat at all.
Enhancing Nutrition and Management During Pregnancy
Improving the feeding and management of pregnant sows is crucial for increasing 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 must be minimized. Sows should remain in their original pens for the first 3 to 4 weeks after breeding. The second peak of embryo loss happens around the third week of pregnancy, with a mortality rate of 30% to 40%, requiring careful attention to stress and nutritional deficiencies. Late in pregnancy, the mortality rate is about 15%, so nutrition must be improved accordingly.
Choosing the Right Age for Breeding
Breeding sows too early not only results in fewer piglets but also affects their growth and development. It's important to wait until the sow reaches the right weight, age, and has shown estrus 2 to 3 times 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 sows and boars is essential for successful conception and higher litter numbers. Most sows go into heat 7 days after weaning, while some healthy sows may show signs as early as 3 to 4 days post-weaning. Therefore, it’s best to start monitoring closely 3 days after weaning. By bringing the sow or boar near the sow house, breeders can ensure timely mating. However, the exact timing varies depending on the breed, age, season, and temperature. For example, improved sows are typically bred 3 to 4 days after the onset of estrus, when the vulva begins to subside and mucus appears. The best time to breed is when the sow stands still when pressure is applied to her hind legs.
Early Weaning of Piglets
Weaning piglets earlier helps sows come into heat sooner, mate earlier, and increase both the number of litters and the number of piglets per litter. A common practice is to begin weaning at 7 to 8 days of age, with full weaning achieved by 28 days. After weaning, the sow is moved to an empty pen, while the piglets stay in the original area, eating their own starter feed and gradually transitioning to new feed. The environment should be kept clean, and piglets should be trained to defecate in a specific spot.
Preventing Miscarriages
After 9 to 13 days of mating and 21 days before farrowing, sows are prone to miscarriage. Special care should be taken to avoid this. High-protein feeds, minerals, and vitamins should be provided, and spoiled, frozen, or contaminated feed should be avoided. Overcrowding, fighting, slipping, or scaring the sows should also be prevented. Throughout the entire pregnancy, feed ingredients must be checked for mold, as aflatoxins in moldy feed can cause stillbirths, abortions, and hinder piglet growth.
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