{"id":3580,"date":"2023-11-16T16:04:41","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T16:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/genus-develop.go-vip.co\/pic-gb\/?post_type=resources&p=3580"},"modified":"2023-11-16T16:21:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T16:21:15","slug":"improving-sow-robustness-reproductive-success","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/genus-develop.go-vip.co\/pic-gb\/resources\/improving-sow-robustness-reproductive-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Improving Sow Robustness: Reproductive Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Reproductive success is a critical aspect of pig production that directly influences the overall profitability and sustainability of a swine operation. Efficient breeding and successful rebreeding are essential for maintaining consistent and robust piglet production.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Reproductive Success?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the ability of the gilt\/sow to get pregnant and produce a litter in a timely manner. By improving reproductive success, we can increase the probability of retention in the herd whilst increasing throughput and profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most farms encounter challenges with rebreeding in second litters also known as Second Litter Syndrome (SLS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Second Litter Syndrome (SLS)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Second Litter Syndrome (SLS) refers to a reduction in reproductive performance during a sow’s second litter, as compared to her first. It is characterized by lower fertility rates, litter size, decreased piglet survival rates, compromised sow health and increased Wean to Fertile Service Interval (WFSI). Sows with SLS on average also have a lower performance in later parities and increased chances of early culling. Repeat breeders in second parity are on average culled 2 parities earlier compared to non-repeat breeders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Second Litter Syndrome and poor rebreeding?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Feed intake during the first lactation in some cases cannot cover the energy demand for maintenance, milk production, growth, and reproduction. Using energy for reproductive means is a luxury \u2013 if an animal cannot cover their basic energy requirements the body will shut down the reproductive cycle as a mechanism to keep herself alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is more to that, reduced feed intake in lactation is a consequence of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Gilt Management\n