After 4 to 6 years of use, sows typically experience a decline in reproductive performance, which necessitates the replacement and rearing of new sows. When selecting and raising new sows, six key factors should be considered to ensure they are healthy, productive, and suitable for long-term breeding.
First, the physical appearance of the sow is crucial. A good sow should have a large body size, a straight back, wide and well-developed hindquarters, and strong, long limbs. The overall body structure should be balanced, with a moderate amount of hair and no signs of being overly fat or too thin. Additionally, she should have at least six pairs of functional teats, evenly spaced and arranged neatly. Any missing, malformed, or inverted teats should disqualify the sow from selection.
The arrangement of the teats is also important. They should be symmetrical or arranged in a straight line, with no deformities such as "nail milk" teats, which are small, pointed, and inefficient for nursing. Instead, "bubble milk" teats—long, thick, and rounded—are preferred because they allow for better milk flow and storage, which benefits the piglets, especially during mid- and late lactation. Sows with these types of teats tend to produce more milk and support better growth in their litters.
When choosing sows, it's essential to look at the performance of their lineage. Ideal candidates should be of the correct breed type, with a strong build, high litter numbers, good lactation ability, and high survival rates among piglets. They should also have a strong appetite and good overall health. Specific physical traits include a light and attractive head and neck, a flat lower jaw, and a meat proportion of about 18–24% of the body length. A small head or underdeveloped features may disqualify a sow from being selected.
During the lactation period, it’s important to purposefully raise 2–3 piglets per sow, placing them on the front side where there are 2–4 functional teats. This helps the sow develop proper nursing behavior and ensures the piglets get adequate nutrition. Disease prevention and treatment should be carefully managed throughout this time.
New sows should be kept in pens that provide space for exercise, promoting better metabolism and overall health. The housing environment must remain clean, dry, and regularly sanitized. Insecticides and vaccinations should be administered according to a schedule to prevent diseases.
After weaning, new sows should gradually transition to a diet rich in green roughage, especially legumes, which contain natural estrogens that can improve fertility. Green feed helps develop the gastrointestinal system and prepares the sow for high productivity later in life. To ensure balanced nutrition, it's also important to mix in bran-based feeds and supplement with protein sources like oil cakes or fishmeal.
Spicy Taste Dried Alaska Pollack
Russian Dried Fish Snack,Pollock Alaska Fish Delicious,Seasoned Dried Fish Delicious
yanbian zhenxiang foods , https://www.driedpollock.com