Page 9 of articles about sow
Improving sow feeding behaviour using feed flavour
How can we boost sow feed intake during lactation under heat stress conditions?
Hypor: A smooth transition from stalls to group housing
How the Hypor Libra* helped Haven Colony make the sow housing transition easy, allowing the animals to produce to their full potential.
Feeding behaviour and daily feed intake of sows during lactation under heat stress conditions
Sow feed intake pattern changes throughout the day depending on the season.
Low farrowing rate troubleshooter
Why is my farrowing rate less than ideal? Use this tool to discover the potential causes. Navigate using the flowchart or use the buttons within the text to access the different parts of the tool.
Are there sows returning to estrus?
If I see a farrowing rate less than 85%, the next question I should ask is, "Are there sows returning to estrus?"
Causes of irregular returns to estrus
There are several factors that can cause an abnormally long estrous cycle.
Causes of regular returns to estrus
Factors related to the semen dose, the boar, or the sow can cause regular returns to estrus.
Causes of early returns to estrus
Why do my sows come into heat soon after service?
Irregular returns: infectious causes
This article lists the main infectious causes that can lead to irregular returns to estrus.
Heat stress in sows
Heat stress is estimated to have a cost in the US pig industry alone of around $300 million.
Free farrowing systems on commercial farms in Denmark and Spain
Confinement is strongly criticised by public opinion and the industry is moving towards innovative housing of lactating sows.
The importance of water consumption for sows in lactation
During lactation ensuring the sow consumes enough water is essential, as well as maintaining the water:feed ratio needed to lessen weight loss in the sow and allow a greater daily gain in the piglets.
Are there open sows?
If the farrowing rate is less than ideal, with a normal percent of returns to estrus and abortions, we must consider the open sows.
Do I have dead pregnant sows? What could be the cause?
If my farrowing rate is low, but the returns to estrus, abortions, and culled pregnant sows are all normal, I probably have dead sows...