Do you know how and when your sows eat? To understand the regulation of feed intake and its interactions with the diet and the environment, it is important to study factors affecting the feeding behaviour of our sows’. How as a producer, you can have an impact on it.
In nursery or in wean to finish operation, we are receivers from the sow farm. We must first understand what will be receiving to tailor our efforts for the quality of weaned pig received to strive for growing pig excellence. We must also define “Quality” which includes weaning weight efficiency (weaning age/weaning weight), Thriftiness, Healthy, and Consistency.
The concept of quarantining youngstock, for sow farms, is well known and its efficiency well recognized. This procedure, largely underutilized, could prevent herd contaminations with unfortunate consequences. Let’s review the concept, its advantages and disadvantages, and the possibility of a simple application on your farm.
The knowledge in term of sow nutrition and feeding has been evolving more rapidly over the last few years. More and more research is done in order to find solution to the numerous challenge that are facing swine producer who have to work with high performing animal, but on the other end more difficult to manage, especially with lack of good and well qualified labour. Change in animal husbandry due to welfare rule and restricted usage of antibiotic are also adding to the challenge. Fibre in sow nutrition and feeding has become of great interest, but their difference in use, profit and benefit may not be very well understand as not all fibre are the same!
Numerous health or behavioural problems stem from small governance issues encountered at the farm. Often, a punctual visit by your veterinarian isn’t enough to identify everything that’s lacking. In this presentation, you’ll see how important you are in the investigation that will help solve the problem; you’re part of the solution!