FARROWING
Farrowing is a term specific to swine that refers to the action of giving birth. Another general term for this is parturition. Remember farrowing management begins months before piglets are born. Apart from breed, genetical traits and history of a gilt or sow, pre-management plays an important role in litter size.
PRE-FARROWING PREPARATIONS
The breeding(Service) date will determine farrowing date.you can synchronize weaning dates so that sows are bred and subsequently farrow around the same date. Remember the average gestation length is 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days (114 days).
Record Service dates and mark the projected farrowing date on a calendar so the date does not catch you by surprise and you can be prepared.
FARROWING HOUSE CONSIDERATIONS
Gilts or sows should be moved into a controlled environment that allows optimum success for her and her litter. This typically means that special housing is provided to the gilt/sow.
STOCKMAN DUTY IN FARROWING PEN
Once delivery begins pigs can be expected to arrive about every 15 minutes. Sometimes delivery timing is slower and sometimes two pigs will arrive at the same time. About half of the pigs will arrive head first and half tail first. It is ideal management to attend and monitor farrowings. Pigs may give birth in the night too. Have “mid-husbands” 24hrs on your farm especially when farrowing dates approaches.
Farrowing is a term specific to swine that refers to the action of giving birth. Another general term for this is parturition. Remember farrowing management begins months before piglets are born. Apart from breed, genetical traits and history of a gilt or sow, pre-management plays an important role in litter size.
PRE-FARROWING PREPARATIONS
The breeding(Service) date will determine farrowing date.you can synchronize weaning dates so that sows are bred and subsequently farrow around the same date. Remember the average gestation length is 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days (114 days).
Record Service dates and mark the projected farrowing date on a calendar so the date does not catch you by surprise and you can be prepared.
FARROWING HOUSE CONSIDERATIONS
Gilts or sows should be moved into a controlled environment that allows optimum success for her and her litter. This typically means that special housing is provided to the gilt/sow.
STOCKMAN DUTY IN FARROWING PEN
Once delivery begins pigs can be expected to arrive about every 15 minutes. Sometimes delivery timing is slower and sometimes two pigs will arrive at the same time. About half of the pigs will arrive head first and half tail first. It is ideal management to attend and monitor farrowings. Pigs may give birth in the night too. Have “mid-husbands” 24hrs on your farm especially when farrowing dates approaches.
