Litter Size Enhancement

Age of gilt at first mating:  Gilts should be 210 days

Weight of gilt at first mating:  130 -140 kg

Condition of gilt at first mating:  20 mm backfat. Feed young gilts well to build up body condition

Which estrus in the gilt: Ideally after 2nd estrus. Note essential to meet batch breeding targets. Mark gilts in each week with a different color.

Nutrition of gilt from 95 kg:  Ad lib feeding up to first mating. Note floor feeding may not provide all gilts in group with ad lib feeding

Gestation feeding the pregnant gilt: Limit to a condition score of 3.5 or this will create a second litter size drop

Maximizing lactation feed intake:  10 kg by day 18 of lactation. Ensure water supply excellent. Ensure farrowing room cool enough.

Weaning to service: Maximize to service increase protein (IE: fish meal). Possibly keep the sow in the crate and move the piglets and then feed another lactation feed. Do not feed in morning, move and feed in evening

Post-service feeding: Controversial - standard advice 2.5 kg 14% protein 18 MJ 1% lysine for the first 14 days. May be more critical - first 72 hours post-service

Feed quality: Mycotoxins can reduce litter size - increase mummified

Vitamin A injectable: 1 million units at time of weaning in sows and 5 days prior to service in gilts (15 days after last recorded heat). Retinol Palmitate used.

Lactation length: Greater than 17 days

Parity: Minimize drop-outs from herd to 10% per parity. Parity 3-5 most productive. Replacement rate needs careful management. Ensure herd parity is correct.

Genetics: Heterosis on maternal side may account for 1 pig per litter. Sows with large litters will tend to produce large litters next time. Specific - Meishan effects

Diseases: Ensure vaccination against Parvo is up-to-date. Swine influenza reduces litter size. Enterovirus and other viruses may reduce total born, decrease livebirths, increase mummified and stillbirths

Movement/stress: Move at service or at 28 days once confirmed pregnant. Implantation occurs at approximately 14 days. Do not move or stress females from 7 to 21 days

Air quality: Air temperature 16-18 degrees C. No draughts.

Boar fertility: Note - Swine influenza and heat stress (infection and environment)

Mating management: Cross-serving. Two services. Natural service and AI. Good, polite stockpeople

Light patterns: The service area in particular needs to be well lit and have a 16 hours on and 8 hours off on a time clock. 500 Lux required.

Maximize gilt litter: To maximize lifetime performance. Use gilts as foster mother.

Farrowing management: Reduced stillbirths and accurate stillbirths/pre-weaning mortality

Post-service environment: Provide quite post-service management to allow sows to sleep post-mating.