Evaluating the productivity in sows in order to optimise sow performance should not be limited to litter performances determined by litter size and preweaning mortality. Analysis should include reproductive performances, sow feed consumption and sow replacement rates for a full picture in the assessment of the production costs. Analysing production cost in the sow herd leads to a closer look at sow longevity and sow feed consumption or sow feed costs. Sow longevity, body condition and reproduction performances are very closely related as sows with a lower weight loss during first lactation have a significant larger litter size in the subsequent reproductive cycle and fewer days open.
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