title: Optimizing longevity in sows and boars.
abstract: Longevity of sows and boars affects the productivity and economics of the herd. Implement a culling program that is tailored to the specific needs of the producer and the characteristics of the farm. Evaluate the removal policies regularly, estimate the longevity of breeding animals, calculate the nonproductive sow days associated with culling, and determine the major causes of culling and death. Once a longevity problem and its extent have been identified, the underlying problems and predisposing factors can be more easily corrected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: D'Allaire
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Leman
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Drolet
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D005260:Female; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*