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.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin 16 June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin 16 June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
