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Introduction:
In the evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the quest to optimize sow performance while ensuring the vitality of piglets is a paramount concern. delves into innovative management and feeding strategies that m at mntning optimal reproductive health in sows, leading to higher viability among their offspring.
Genetic Selection for Reproductive Efficiency:
While genetically selecting sows to boost reproductive output can increase litter sizes, it poses challenges such as pre-weaning mortality due to the strn on smaller viable piglets Quiniou et al., 2002; Wolf et al., 2008. Adapting management techniques and dietary interventions for late gestation, before parturition, and post-birth is critical.
Tryptophan Supplementation:
Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin known for its sedative effect in alleviating anxiety among sows during group housing mixing periods Li et al., 2011; Polleto et al., 2014, has been explored as a dietary supplement. Although Richert and colleagues did not observe changes in sow behavior after feeding high levels of tryptophan, they found reductions in stillbirths and enhanced feed intake post-farrowing Richert et al., 2017.
Aggression Mitigation Strategies:
To reduce aggression during the shift to group housing, strategies such as mixing first parity sows with gilts instead of other sows Li et al., 2012, increasing feed intake before and immediately following the mix-up DeRouchey Tokach, 2013, or implementing a non-competitive feeding system can be effective. Yet, these methods might come at a higher cost and require substantial space.
Mntning Optimal Blood Glucose Levels:
To support sows with large litters through their farrowing process, frequent meal scheduling more than three times dly ensures stable glucose levels, providing the necessary energy during this demanding period De Leeuw et al., 2004; Feyera et al., 2018.
Fiber Supplementation for Improved Reproductive Health:
Increasing fiber content in sows' diets has shown benefits including enhanced colostrum production Theil et al., 2014, smoother farrowing processes Oliviero et al., 2009; Feyera et al., 2017, increased litter sizes, reduced stereotypic behaviors Bergeron et al., 2000; de Leeuw et al., 2008, and improved satiety levels. However, a recent study found that zinc supplementation did not impact claw health or sow mobility.
Welfare Legislation Update:
In response to European Welfare legislation requiring group housing of gestating sows post-insemination until close to parturition, new strategies have emerged. These strategies integrate fiber-rich diets, dietary supplements such as tryptophan, rubber flooring for stress reduction and improved locomotion, alongside careful consideration of claw health during selection.
:
In the pursuit of enhancing sow productivity while ensuring piglet viability, a multifaceted approach embracing nutritional interventions, management techniques, and legislative adherence is pivotal. The strategies outlined herein offer promising avenues to support sows through critical phases, thereby contributing to healthier offspring outcomes in modern livestock farming practices.
References:
Quiniou et al., 2002
Wolf et al., 2008
Li et al., 2011
Polleto et al., 2014
Richert et al., 2017
DeRouchey Tokach, 2013
Bergeron et al., 2000
de Leeuw et al., 2008
Theil et al., 2014
Oliviero et al., 2009
Feyera et al., 2018
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Enhanced Sow Management Techniques Genetic Selection for Reproductive Efficiency Tryptophan Supplementation in Pork Farming Aggression Mitigation Strategies for Pigs Stable Blood Glucose Levels for Lactation Fiber rich Diets for Improved Pregnancy