Pig Notes September 2011

It’s that time of year again!  The time of year when sows are slower coming on heat, more turn out not in pig, gilts don’t cycle and there is an increase in repeats and abortions.

Very often these problems are referred to as autumn infertility. However, it is probably more accurate to call the syndrome summer / autumn infertility as problems can start as early as the end of July.  Most years, however, it is mid August before they occur and they can continue through to October.  The time of year problems begin is linked to light levels during summer months.  During bright summers the onset is delayed, whereas in cloudy summers, similar to what we have this year problems occur earlier in the year.

As light plays such an important part Jesus Borobia, Pig Veterinary Consultant, recommends installing a light timer in both service and dry sow houses, with the timer set to provide 12 to 16 hours of ‘good’ light per day.  By ‘good’ light Jesus means the light is adequate to read a newspaper at sow eye level.  Jesus also suggests painting the walls with a bright, light colour or whitewash to reflect the light.  Cleaning lights, washing windows and, if possible, the ceiling will also brighten up houses.

The benefit of a gilt pool becomes even more important at this time of year.  Having an adequate gilt pool allows you to serve an extra 10-15 percent gilts during the expected period of infertility. The extra gilts served will compensate for the increase in repeats.

During a recent farm visit the owner showed me his new farrowing house.  In addition to the use of PVC pen divisions, side opening crates, plastic slats, heat pads and corrugated plastic ceiling the owner installed a ventilation system reasonably new to Northern Ireland.  The system which is called ‘nose’ ventilation directs air down through a pipe onto the sows head.  The idea behind the system is that is creates a cooling effect which encourages sows to eat more in the farrowing house.  The importance of increasing feed intake in the farrowing house is well known. Temperature plays a key role with high temperatures depressing intake.  

During the visit the farmer also reminded me of the importance of trough design.  The design of trough in this house was such that some sows were unable to clear up all the feed especially that along the front of the trough. Troughs should be designed so that access to feed is not restricted.  Sows should be able to fit their head comfortably into the trough.  Quite often troughs are not large enough and this also restricts access to feed.  There is no point investing in a ventilation system that is designed to encourage sows to eat more if access to the trough is restricted or the trough is not large enough!

What do you use to slap mark your pigs – paste or ink? Experience has shown that slap marking pigs with ink produces a much clearer mark that is easier to read.  As slap marks are used to identify your pigs, not only for grading and payment, but also for Salmonella and health schemes it is in your interest to make sure that the mark is clear.  If you are still using paste may I suggest that when the tin is empty you change to ink.