Solutions to Summer Infertility
As soon as the temperature rises above 18°C, the adult pig will need to cool itself. If pigs struggle to stay cool, the farrowing rate can drop by as much as 25 per cent, according to the latest newsletter from BPEX, with a small drop in litter size too.
19 July 2012
2 minute read
Some solutions for both indoor and outdoor herds:
- Serve earlier or later in the day when it is cooler
- Ensure good hygiene when serving – clean vulvas pre-insemination
- Wash hands regularly or have gloves at hand
- Serve an extra 10 per cent of gilts/sows to offset lower conception rate.
Indoors:
- Check insulation, as good insulation keeps the building cooler
- Fans need to be clean to operate fully
- Check water flow rates
- Add a shower facility for the summer months.
Outdoors:
- Make wallows twice the size to ensure all sows/gilts can access them at all times
- Wallows need to be liquid, not muddy, to work best – add clean water daily when very hot
- Keep AI doses at 16-18°C in an insulated container until required and keep out of sunlight.
July 2012
