Apr 7, 2024 · For those farms that are transitioning to Proposition 12 compliant facilities, new approaches need to be taken toward sow mixing and group optimization. Prior to Prop 12, sows could be weaned in stalls and groups formed either during pre-implantation (around five days before breeding) or post-implantation (after pregnancy confirmation).

Feb 9, 2024 · Fighting among sows mainly occurs during the first 2 to 3 hours after mixing. The hierarchy is primarily established within 24 hours. An important consideration will be how to mix sows and gilts in groups to reduce overall, prolonged aggression.

Mar 27, 2015 · An important consideration will be how to mix sows and gilts in groups to reduce overall, prolonged aggression. This article will provide guidelines that can be used to formulate standard operating procedures for mixing sows into gestation pens.

Ohio State University found that only 20 percent of the sampled sow diets met or exceeded the sow’s nutrient needs for crude protein, calcium and phosphorus. Thirty-four percent weren’t mixed or sampled properly. Such errors in feed can have an economic impact on swine producers.

Like many things in life, success with sow mixing is largely about timing. Since there are three points in the production process where mixing is considered safe in terms of ensur-ing pregnancy, this project mixed sows at each of the three points to compare results: at weaning, right after breeding but when

Dec 28, 2016 · This study compared the effects of three mixing strategies on sow performance in fully-slatted group pens, with sows fed daily in free-access stalls. A total of 252 sows were studied over six replicates, in groups of 14 sows per pen.

Dec 17, 2020 · Mixing sows is a critical aspect of group housing so it needs to be better understood. The three time points that mixing can occur are at weaning, right after breeding when sows are not in heat and at four weeks post-breeding when they are confirmed pregnant.

may impact on the sow and her welfare. From this discussion, the key characteristics of housing sows in groups are presented, along with guidelines on how sows may be weaned into groups after weaning and post-insemination, with special attention to mixing strategies during these.

Fighting among sows mainly occurs during the first 2 to 3 hours after mixing. The hierarchy is primarily established within 24 hours. An important consideration will be how to mix sows and gilts in groups to reduce overall, prolonged aggression.

Four focus areas for inspections of welfare in sows kept in groups under commercial conditions are highlighted: Mixing of unfamiliar pigs; Competition for resources; Restrictive feeding; and Climatic and resting comfort.