Why is a knowledge of the sow’s reproductive system important?
Reproductive efficiency is highly related to profitability of a pork production system.
- In general, for a 500 sow farrow-to-finish operation, a 5% increase in farrowing rate results in an additional $15,000 net profit .
- Increasing litter size by 1 additional pig is worth about $32 per litter.
Reproductive traits have low heritability estimates, however, they respond to both positive and negative management practices.
Some employees are paid a bonus based upon their ability to manage the female herd to for high reproductive performance.
It is a interesting topic and you will enjoy your work more and be able to do a better job if you have a basic understanding of the reproductive process.