Integration of factors affecting sow efficiency: a modeling approach.
A dynamic, partially stochastic mathematical model describing the reproductive performance of a sow herd is presented. The model stimulates a herd that averages 17.27 sow days/pig produced, with a mean of 9.06 pigs weaned/litter and 2.327 litters produced/sow each year. Several alternative options are simulated. Of these, the ones that increase the litter size at weaning appear most beneficial in terms of both biological and economic efficiencies.
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D007774:Lactation; D008098:Litter Size; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D014886:Weaning