In pig farming, sows that produce large, healthy litters not only increase the number of piglets but also help reduce input costs and shorten the production cycle. So, how can sows achieve optimal reproductive performance?
Do you want your sows to produce large, healthy litters and maximize profits every year? Discover these 5 golden secrets to help your sows farrow 14 to 20 piglets per litter.
1. SELECT THE RIGHT BREED
The first key is to choose high-prolific sow breeds.
Prioritize breeds such as Yorkshire, Landrace, and Duroc – all renowned for their prolificacy, often farrowing 14 to 20 piglets per litter. Additionally, consider commercial hybrid gilts from reputable breeding companies for optimal performance.
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2. TIMING OF BREEDING IS CRITICAL
Gilt breeding should begin at 7–8 months of age, ideally during the 2nd or 3rd estrous cycle. For sows post-weaning, the optimal time for mating is around 5 days later. Move sows to individual breeding pens at this stage.
Administer Intermectin for deworming prior to breeding. For synchronized estrus, use hormone protocols (e.g., Cloprochem) and supplement with ADE vitamins (e.g., Vitol 140 or Vitol 450 by Interchemie Holland).
When the sow exhibits the standing reflex (remains still when pressure is applied to the back), she is ready for insemination. Other signs include vulvar swelling, behavioral changes, and vocalization. However, ovulation typically occurs 1–2 days later, when the swelling subsides.
Ovulation happens during the latter two-thirds of estrus. The best time to breed is within 24 hours after the standing reflex first appears. Recheck the sow’s standing reflex by applying pressure to the back. For example, if a sow first stands in the morning, breed (or artificially inseminate) in the afternoon, then repeat after 12–16 hours.
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3. STANDARDIZED BREEDING TECHNIQUE
Select only healthy boars and sows, neither underweight nor obese.
Limit each boar to one mating per day to maintain semen quality.
Breed sows 2 – 4 times, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon, until the sow no longer shows signs of estrus.
Ensure the breeding area is clean, dry, and non-slippery to reduce stress and injury.
4. REPRODUCTIVE DISEASE PREVENTION
Vaccinate against Erysipelas and Porcine Parvovirus – two major reproductive diseases that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and total litter loss.
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5. RECORD-KEEPING AND HERD SELECTION
Keep detailed records of mating dates, farrowing dates, and litter size.
Cull sows that consistently produce small litters or crush piglets.
With proper data management, you can identify and select highly productive sows to improve overall herd performance.
Applying the above 5 tips will not only help increase the number of piglets per litter but also improve the health of the sow herd and minimize risks during the raising process.