Cull care can lift number in litter reared
Cull care can lift number in litter reared
WITH farrowing targets to keep and difficulties sourcing gilts due to foot-and-mouth, many producers will use cull sows for another parity this summer.
Although less fertile than younger sows, careful selection and management of culls could improve the number of piglets reared.
Sow conception rates and litter sizes usually decline between the third and fifth parity, says pig vet Christianne Glossop.
"When producers have no alternative than to use cull sows, a measure of security against fertility problems is to serve more than are needed: Serve three for two farrowing places. If they all hold, one can be culled before farrowing."
Problem sows should not be served. Sows with good breeding history, although they may be older, are better, Dr Glossop adds.
Sows earmarked for culling may also have been fed less well. "To increase the number and quality of eggs produced, they must receive quality feed at higher intakes from 12 days before service."
As an alternative, Dr Glossop is aware that some producers may be holding back gilts they bred themselves to reach target farrowings. "While this can work in the short term, it will seriously compromise herd genetics and could result in in-breeding," she warns. *
Serving cull sows with good breeding histories should keep farrowing targets in sight when gilts are unavailable, says Christianne Glossop.