Farrowing Management Technical Articles
Article published the July 20, 2017:
Background
Directive 91/630/EEC sets the minimum standards for the protection of pigs in the EU. It has been substantially amended several times. Directive 2008/120/EC [1] collates the existing legislation int...
Article published the November 25, 2016:
How would you feel if one day – seemingly out of the blue – someone took away your favorite beverage and replaced it with something they said was good for you? Would you scream frustration? Would yo...
Article published the August 8, 2016:
Sows face great metabolic challenges around farrowing. High energy demands for fetal growth during the last weeks of gestation and high energy output through milk production during lactation often result in a n...
Article published the February 22, 2016:
If we want to maintain a prolific and productive herd, we must continue to prioritise the introduction of high genetic merit replacement gilts into our herd. Additionally we must manage and feed them correctly ...
Article published the November 18, 2013:
Introduction
The industry definition of "Gestation Stall Free" was that sows and gilts should be kept in loose housing systems from five days after service until one week before farrowing. Associated with thi...
Article published the July 26, 2013:
Introduction
Rectal prolapse can occur in all species of domestic animals, but it is most common in the swine [1]. In pigs, it occurs if support and fixation mechanisms (fascia, muscles, ligaments) are overcom...
Article published the October 25, 2012:
Introduction
During the past few years, there has been growing concern expressed by the public over the continued use of individual stalls in gestation or pregnant sow housing systems. In the United States, th...
Article published the September 19, 2012:
Introduction
Consumer interest continues to focus on where food comes from and how it is raised. The European Union has banned the use of sow confinement stalls by 2013, and Ohio has banned the use of new ges...
Article published the July 24, 2012:
Claw and leg lesions in sows may cause lameness, and have detrimental effects on animal welfare. In the European Welfare Quality® protocol, lameness is one of the animal-based measures to assess animal welf...
Article published the January 5, 2012:
AbstractClostridium difficile is an important cause of enteric disease in humans. In pigs Clostridium difficile can cause neonatal enteritis and can be isolated from faeces from diseased and healthy animals. Ac...