Management factors associated with farrowing rate in commercial sow herds in Ontario.
The objectives of this study were to determine associations between low farrowing rate and various management factors in sow herds. In 30 sow herds, a management survey, breeding observations, semen evaluation, and semen storage temperature monitoring were completed. Herds with an average farrowing rate of < 85% were classified as low farrowing rate herds while those with an average farrowing rate of > or = 85% were classified as good farrowing rate herds. Low farrowing rate herds were more likely than good farrowing rate herds to move boars into gilt pens for estrus detection, breed a high proportion of sows by artificial insemination (AI) only, start heat detection 3 d post-weaning, wipe the vulva prior to breeding, and use "hands-free" AI devices.
Young
Beth
B
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1. youngbet@missouri.edu
Dewey
Catherine E
CE
Friendship
Robert M
RM
D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000592:standards; D000818:Animals; D004972:Estrus Detection; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D006799:Housing, Animal / Q000592:standards; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary*; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D009864:Ontario; D011247:Pregnancy; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D014886:Weaning