Raising gilts and sows: Part 3
Farmer's Weekly|16 June 2023
The first month after mating is a critical time during production. Stress or incorrect nutrition at this stage may lead to the deaths of embryos.
Raising gilts and sows: Part 3

The sow or gilt should be mated twice, 12 to 18 hours apart, and the second service date recorded, say Graeme Taylor and Greg Roese, livestock officers at The Pig Site (thepigsite.com).

They add that during the interval, she should be returned to a pen or stall on her own. If she has to be returned to a group of sows, this should only be done after she has gone off heat. Check the sow 18 to 23 days after mating to check for any signs of a return to oestrus.

FEEDING REGIMEN

Sows 

The feeding programme will not only affect the sow’s performance in that particular pregnancy; it will affect her future performance as a breeder, say Taylor and Roese.

The feeding rate is determined by body weight, sow condition, stage of pregnancy, housing and temperature.

Gilts

Even though the gilt is still growing, she should not be fed too much in the first month of pregnancy, as this can increase embryo mortality.

For most gilts, a rate of 1,8kg to 2,3kg feed/day will achieve the desired backfat reading of 25mm by farrowing time and a 15kg body weight increase after weaning.

The rate should be increased by 1kg to 1,5kg during the last two weeks of gestation.

“At no stage, however, should the gilt be overfed,” say Taylor and Roese. This is wasteful, and leads to difficulties at farrowing time and significant weight loss during lactation.

When it comes to second and third litters, give the sow an energy-dense diet during lactation. A lactating sow ration should provide at least 100MJ DE (digestible energy), 700g crude protein and 50g lysine a day. If a special lactating-sow ration is not available, feed a grower ration.

This story is from the 16 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 16 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FARMER'S WEEKLYView All
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Farmer's Weekly

The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
Farmer's Weekly

Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake

This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
Farmer's Weekly

Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25

In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Farmer's Weekly

From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story

Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Farmer's Weekly

Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat

Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
Farmer's Weekly

Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals

For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 07, 2025
The origin of the Bonsmara
Farmer's Weekly

The origin of the Bonsmara

The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
Farmer's Weekly

The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice

While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
Farmer's Weekly

Age catches up with the Nissan Navara

The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Growing onion sets
Farmer's Weekly

Growing onion sets

Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025