Reproductive female replacement rates continue to be a challenge within the swine industry. The most common reason for culling is associated with lameness. Sow longevity and lameness can be improved by ensuring appropriate nutritional management.
Here are six ways to work towards improving sow longevity.
1. Start early.
Bone development is occurring throughout the female’s lifetime. Solid nutrition programs should be started shortly after weaning and not just at the time of selection into the entry of the sow farm. If purchasing replacement females, discuss the nutrition program from the facility that you are purchasing replacement gilts.
2. Focus on bone growth.
Setting up nutrition programs that maintain good levels of calcium and phosphorus will need to start while the replacement females are in the nursery and extend into the finisher phase prior to selection. Calcium and phosphorus should be fed at levels to optimize bone development. These requirements are higher than that of optimal lean growth. In addition, higher-producing sows will deplete bodily stores quicker and because of this, calcium and phosphorus should be kept at appropriate levels once they are in the sow herd. Tracking feed intake in gestation and lactation can help a nutritionist formulate diets appropriately to ensure that they are consuming the appropriate grams per day. Be cautious when formulating for calcium and phosphorus. High levels of inorganic phosphorus can result in elevated calcium which can alter pH and potentially increase urinary and reproductive tract infections.
3. Think beyond calcium and phosphorus.
Multiple studies demonstrate the use of organic minerals (selenium, zinc, copper and manganese) can improve foot health and strengthen ligaments and tendons. Using these organic minerals in the gilt developer and continuing throughout a sow’s lifetime not only can improve sow longevity, but also help her reproductively in both conception rate and total born.
4. Flooring and environment.
Surfaces in which an animal may slip or become injured should be repaired. Sows and gilts raised in group pens will engage in behaviors of social hierarchy and may also mount each other as a sign of estrus. During these times, the female is more likely to slip if the flooring is not well maintained. Evaluation of the environment (dry concrete) and watching for any protruding pieces of metal or sharp surfaces should be done as part of routine barn checks.
5. Breed at the right weight.
Data supports gilts bred too young or too old do not remain in the herd as long as those bred within an appropriate weight range of around 300-320 pounds. Breeding gilts at approximately 300 pounds should result in the female being bred at either her second or third heat cycle which also can increase total sow lifetime performance. Breeding a gilt at a heavier weight than this results in higher feed costs prior to her first breed and throughout her lifetime as her maintenance levels for feed will be higher.
6. Avoid the body condition roller coaster.
Regular evaluation of body condition is essential to maximize sow longevity within the herd. Sow body condition should be set by the nutritionist and should be evaluated approximately every 30 days during gestation. An over-conditioned sow entering the farrowing house will not have a strong appetite and will typically utilize body stores during lactation resulting in a lower-than-ideal body condition at weaning. The producer will then have to provide additional feed in gestation to get the female back to appropriate body condition, which may result in reduced subsequent total born. Sows that have the continual weight gain and weight loss cycle are more prone to issues such as shoulder sores, too.
Implementing a few production practices and working with your nutritionist to create a balanced diet that supports bone and ligament growth can improve sow longevity and reduce potential lameness issues.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Stiffness Isn’t Normal: A Field Perspective on Lameness in Grow-Finish Pigs
Calcium digestibility Varies During Gestation
Keep Sows in the Herd Longer: A Look at Lameness and Longevity
