Use of repopulation for optimizing sow reproductive performance and piglet loss

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse sow reproductive performance and piglet loss from birth to weaning before and after repopulation of a selected farm. The observation was carried out on a productive sow farm; 160 sows were included in the experiment. Before repopulation, 80 sows from the 1st to the 5th litter were evaluated. The original population of sows was removed. Repopulated (newly stocked) group consisted of 80 gilts at the 1st litter. Newly delivered gilts with a status of minimum disease were placed into a decontaminated stable with a strict batch, black and white breeding system with stringent hygienic provisions. The piglets were weaned at the mean age of 28 ± 3 days. A very highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) in favour of the repopulated group of sows was found in the evaluation of the total number of piglets, the number of live-born piglets and the number of stillborn piglets in %; a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in favour of the repopulated group of sows was found in the number of stillborn piglets. In reared piglets and losses of piglets, both in numbers and percentage, a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) was found in favour of the repopulated group. This study brings important information on the benefits of repopulation pig breeding.