In recent months, farmers in Baoding and Langfang have reported a decline in sow productivity, with issues such as low litter numbers, poor breeding efficiency, and high mortality rates among piglets. These problems are often attributed to improper management practices, including inadequate feeding and stressful living conditions, which can lead to miscarriages and weak piglets. In response, this article aims to provide practical advice for improving breeding outcomes and increasing the number of healthy litters.
1. **Improve Feeding Management**
During the non-pregnant period, mid-pregnancy, and late lactation, sows should be given more roughage and supplemented with green feeds. During early and late pregnancy, it's essential to provide nutrient-rich concentrates, along with fresh vegetables and succulent feeds to ensure sufficient protein, minerals, and vitamins. Maintaining a stable and calm environment is also crucial to reduce stress from overcrowding, loud noises, or aggressive behavior.
2. **Choose the Right Breeding Season**
It is recommended to breed sows between April and May, and again from September to October. This helps avoid extreme weather conditions during winter and summer, ensuring better health and reproductive success.
3. **Breed at the Right Time**
The ideal time for breeding is when the sow shows signs of estrus—after 19–30 hours, when the vulva starts to lose its redness and mucus appears. Sows should be bred when they are between 7 to 8 months old and weigh over 100 kg. A double mating technique is advised: first mating on the initial day, followed by a second mating 12 hours later. This significantly improves conception rates and litter size.
4. **Protect the Fetus**
Sows are vulnerable to miscarriage between 9–13 days after mating and 21 days before farrowing. To protect the fetuses, feed them with high-quality concentrates and fresh green feeds rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Avoid feeding moldy or spoiled food. Prevent mechanical stress such as crowding, fighting, or sudden movements. Keep detailed records to prevent inbreeding, and ensure proper vaccination and disease control, especially against encephalitis B, influenza, and brucellosis. If a sow aborts, administer progesterone (15–25 mg) and sedatives to stabilize the pregnancy.
5. **Prepare for Birth**
Clean the farrowing area 5–10 days before delivery, and spray it with a 10–20% lime water solution. Disinfect the sow’s udder and vulva using a 2–5% Lysol solution before birth. After delivery, remove mucus from the piglets’ noses and carefully tear off the fetal membranes. For weak or unresponsive piglets, gently tap their chest, lift their legs, and apply alcohol to stimulate breathing. Assist difficult births with proper midwifery to ensure smooth delivery. Keep the temperature in the farrowing area between 26–32°C for newborns, gradually reducing it to 26–28°C by weaning.
6. **Early Weaning for Piglets**
Wean piglets between 22–40 days of age, ensuring they receive adequate iron, warmth, and stress-free care. After weaning, sows should be given stimulants for 2–5 days to encourage estrus. Once they show signs of heat, breed them promptly during lactation to increase annual litter numbers.
By implementing these strategies, farmers can significantly improve breeding efficiency and overall herd performance. With proper care and attention, sows can achieve higher yields and healthier offspring.
Liu Wanzhen, Danjiangkou City, Hubei Province
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