Correlation between reproductive performance and sow body weight change during gestation

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Swine Production

Background:

• Sow body condition influences reproductive efficiency and offspring development.
• Understanding the dynamics of sow body weight change (BWC) during gestation is critical for optimizing piglet outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between sow body weight change (BWC) during specific gestational periods and subsequent piglet performance.
• To identify key sow physiological indicators that predict piglet growth and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 70 sows for body weight change (BWC), backfat thickness change (BFC), caliper score change (CALC), feed intake, and weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI).
• Analyzed data based on gestational periods: 35-70 days, 70-105 days, and overall 35-105 days.
• Correlated sow physiological parameters with piglet birth weight, weaning weight, average daily gain (ADG), and mortality.

Main Results:

• Piglet birth weight, weaning weight, and ADG positively correlated with sow BWC, particularly during the 35-70 day period.
• Sow BFC and CALC also showed correlations with piglet performance, while piglet mortality was strongly linked to BFC.
• Higher sow BWC during 70-105 days, combined with good BWC gain from 35-70 days, resulted in greater piglet weight gains and weaning weights.

Conclusions:

• Sow body weight change (BWC) during early gestation (35-70 days) is a significant predictor of piglet performance from birth to weaning.
• Maintaining optimal sow BWC throughout gestation is essential for maximizing piglet growth and minimizing mortality.
• Gestational BWC management strategies should prioritize early-stage gains for enhanced reproductive success.