Articles - Genetics and reproduction

Use a waist bag to always have the supplies you need for farrowing assistance at hand.

In this article, we focus on the key aspects of management to optimize performance from this genetic line of sows. We talked with Carlos Martins.

Farrowing induction is needed to improve the ability of farm staff to supervise farrowing, but you need to be strategic; do not induce unless evidence says it is needed.

Previous articles addressed genetic criteria and proper management guidelines. In this article, Tim Snider, Regional Director for Veterinary Services at PIC Europe, explains the basics of PIC's health program.

The PigCHAMP Pro Europe database was used to analyze nurse sows, which wean almost twice the farm average.

Our series of articles on different genetics companies continues. This time, we talk about Hypor with Manuel Revilla.

Identifying the different stages of farrowing allows us to monitor the process and take measures to maximize the number of piglets born alive and their viability.

Sows that try to recover after weaning no piglets have markedly lower performance and a significant chance of failing in lactation again.

The use of Post Cervical AI in gilts remains a challenge due to the difficulty of passing the catheter through the cervix. In addition, the time required for PCAI compared to multiparous sows tends to be longer.

From their respective academic and on-farm perspectives, Josep Gasa and Josep Casanovas comment on a recent study regarding the effect of heat stress on sows: Which weeks does it affect the farrowing rate the most? What about the weaning-to-first-service interval? Are there differences depending on parity?

Understanding the farrowing process and recognizing the signs for the different stages of birth, help us to develop management plans to improve the likelihood for live born piglets.

Currently, only the sperm-rich fraction is used. This article analyzes the possible use of the other fractions.

Here's how ultrasound can be used to visualize ovarian structures, assess the state of puberty, and diagnose ovarian pathologies.

If my farrowing rate is low but I don't have empty sows or abortions, I must consider the culled pregnant sows.

The most frequent problems are reproductive and locomotive. What should I do if the percent among sows serviced is greater than 2%?

Each farm should analyze its historical data to quantify the effect of seasonality on its farrowing rate and prolificacy.

What should I do if the percentage of empty sows among the sows serviced is greater than 1%?

What could be causing abortions that are not seasonal and that are not affecting a certain phase of gestation in particular?

What could be causing the abortions happening at a particular point in the gestation?

We continue with the series of articles in which swine reproduction and artificial insemination specialist, Javier Gil, gives us key points about proper management to improve fertility and prolificacy. In this article we will detail important aspects about semen doses and their storage.

Since 2017 the number of gilts coming into heat (with standing reflex) has gradually fallen to levels less than 50-60% of the gilts ready to be inseminated...

What can I do if the abortion rate is greater than 2% and the abortions are concentrated around a specific time of year? How can I combat seasonal abortions?

When multiparous sows are affected, not as many need to be culled as in the case of gilts (which we saw in the last article). Generally sows will eventually show signs of heat, but with a considerable delay compared to a normal heat.

The incidence and distribution of small litters and factors affecting the number of piglets born alive on swine farms.