Piglet losses begin in early pregnancy. The management of sow herds close to farrowing.

摘要

In 2003-2004, group farrowing was used in 54.4% of German pig herds, resulting in an annual production per sow of 22.93 piglets (vs. an overall production of 21 piglets). Sows in group-farrowing herds produced a greater number of liveborn piglets (0.32 per year) than average and reared an extra 0.25 piglets per year. An account is given of the effects of stress on embryo and piglet mortality and the use of synchronised farrowing. It is concluded that farrowing should not be induced before day 114 of gestation, since earlier induction is likely to have adverse effects on piglet birth weight and viability..