Management method for extending the life of sows

Introduction There are numerous opinions regarding the factors that influence a sow’s productive lifespan, and this debate is likely to continue in the future. Research has shown that both management practices and genetic traits play a role in determining how long a sow remains in the breeding herd. However, once a young sow is moved into the breeding herd, its genetic makeup and past management history are already set—factors that cannot be altered. Despite this, breeding farms can still improve the longevity of sows by focusing on two key areas: proper gilt selection and enhanced lactation feeding strategies. The size and structure of a sow's limbs and abdomen have long been recognized as important indicators of her potential lifespan. Additionally, an older gilt should have at least 14 evenly spaced teats on either side of the abdomen. Recently, New Zealand conducted a study evaluating the growth performance of Great White sows registered in their National Record System. Their assessment includes scoring various physical traits such as hindlimbs, lateral angles, horns, and dewclaws. These scores are then combined using a specific formula to produce a seven-level index. A score of 0 indicates the best body condition, while a score of 6 represents the worst. The analysis used data from 5,077 sows over four consecutive years. On average, these sows had their first farrowing at 342 days of age, and their production life was measured as the number of days between initial breeding and removal from the herd. Sows with better hindlimb scores tend to have significantly longer production lives. Those with a hindlimb score of 0 had 48% of their sows living more than two years, compared to only 20% for those with the lowest scores. This highlights the importance of selecting gilts with strong leg structure and good body conformation. Several visual guides exist to help farmers assess these traits. For example, *The National Pig Farmer* magazine has published color pages to illustrate different sizes of gilts, though the number of available examples is limited. For more detailed information, readers can contact Ron Bates or refer to Michigan State University. Additionally, the National Pork Board provides a manual for assessing body shape, which can be a helpful resource for producers. A separate study in Switzerland explored the relationship between the number of teats and a sow’s longevity. Results showed that sows with fewer than 14 teats were more likely to be culled compared to those with 14 or more. The average lifespan of sows with 13 or fewer teats was 459 days (about 15.2 months), while those with 14 or more teats lived an average of 600 days (around 19.8 months). This emphasizes the importance of selecting gilts with sufficient teat numbers to support healthy litter development and long-term productivity. Feeding during lactation is another critical factor affecting sow performance. Pig producers know that feed intake during this period not only impacts piglet growth but also influences the sow’s return to estrus after weaning. However, there is no universal agreement on the best feeding strategy. Most agree that sows should have free access to feed within reasonable limits, without restriction. While the industry generally agrees that “sufficient intake” is essential, the methods to achieve it remain debated. In the 1990s, the U.S. National Pork Producers Council conducted a study using sow data from a maternal comparison program to evaluate the impact of daily feed intake during lactation on production life. After standardizing feed intake based on litter size, they found that increased feed consumption led to longer retention in the breeding herd. In every breed type tested, a 900g increase in daily feed intake during lactation resulted in a two- to fourfold improvement in the sow’s chances of remaining in the herd. Determining when sows should be adequately fed is still a topic of discussion. A recent study analyzed the effect of daily feed intake on reproductive performance. The average intake during lactation was 6.9 kg per day over a 19-day period. The study confirmed the importance of adequate nutrition, showing that for every additional 900g of feed consumed daily, the risk of being culled before the next farrowing decreased by 30%. It also found that feed intake during the first two weeks of lactation had a significant impact. If a sow consumed less than 3.18 kg on any given day during this time, her chances of being culled in the next cycle increased. Sows that failed to eat at all during the first two weeks had even higher culling rates. Insufficient feed intake during lactation not only affects the sow’s health but also reduces her reproductive performance. To maintain optimal milk production and ensure successful breeding after weaning, it’s crucial to monitor each sow’s daily feed intake and adjust feeding strategies accordingly. Gradual transitions to higher feed levels are essential to support the sow’s energy needs during this critical period. In conclusion, breeding farms should establish clear criteria for gilt evaluation before they enter the breeding herd. Traits such as limb strength, hoof quality, abdominal size, and teat count should meet minimum standards, with at least 14 teats recommended. Several tools are available to assist in this process. Additionally, managing feed intake during lactation is vital. On the second or third day of lactation, sows should consume at least 3.18 kg of feed daily, followed by a rapid increase to meet their nutritional demands. By focusing on these areas, producers can enhance sow longevity and overall herd performance.

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