Linking lactation feeding patterns, litter performance and sow characteristics to sow efficiency metrics.
U.S. swine farms generate more data today than ever before, yet too often this information is fragmented across separate programs. The opportunity is not simply to “collect more,” but to use existing integrated data to pull actionable strategies that improve sow efficiency, defined as reduced wean-to-estrus interval, increased likelihood of subsequent farrowing and larger subsequent litters. Our study demonstrates how integrating commercial sow farm data can translate into targeted, barn-level actions to enhance productivity.
This analysis used six lactation trials conducted in 2021–2022 on a single commercial sow farm using a single genetic line and negative for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus during the study window. In total, 4,300 sow-lactations were captured with details on daily lactation feed intake, sow and litter weights, pre- and post-farrow caliper, cross-fostering information and subsequent sow performance. Generalized mixed linear models evaluated 23 variables for each outcome, with trial considered as a random effect to absorb any between-trial variation.
Factors associated with wean-to-estrus interval included: parity, feed intake in the first three days of lactation and the number of piglets loaded onto a sow (nursed piglets) (Fig.1). Season was a confounder, reminding us that heat and environmental variation can amplify or mask management effects. Sows that were loaded with more than 15 piglets had 1.3 days longer WEI. Equally, less than 10 pounds/day lactation feed intake in the first three days of lactation, extended WEI by one day compared to >10lbs/day feed intake in the first three days. Inadequate feed intake during early lactation, particularly the first 72 hours post-farrowing can impair metabolic recovery, compromise uterine involution and negatively affect subsequent reproductive performance. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake during this window is therefore essential.
Subsequent farrowing – the simple “is she going to farrow again?” – was associated with piglets nursed, stillborn rate, lactation ADFI in the first week (seven days) and body weight change. Sows with at least one stillborn showed a 7% decrease in subsequent farrowing compared to those with no stillborns, while sows with more than 15 piglets nursed after cross-fostering had a 12% decrease in farrowing rate compared to those with <12 piglets nursed (Fig.2). The barn-level response is to treat stillborn as a flag for follow-up rather than a statistic to file away. A sow with any stillborn merits close monitoring during lactation period including body condition and caliper checks, as well as lactation feed intake and subsequent rebreeding.
For subsequent total born, parity and prior litter size followed expected patterns, as sows that farrowed more than 14 piglets previously averaged one additional piglet in the next litter (Fig. 3). However, two additional metrics deserve attention. First, the stillborn percentage in the prior litter is an indicator of future performance. Notably, sows with more than 5% of stillborn in the total born were associated with a decrease of two pigs in subsequent farrowing compared to those with a <5% stillborn rate. Second, caliper change was influential: sows gaining ≥1 caliper unit during lactation farrowed two more piglets subsequently than those losing a unit. This analysis also revealed an interaction between sow body weight change and litter wean weight, indicating that achieving heavy weaned pigs at the expense of sow body reserves negatively influences performance in the subsequent cycle.
To optimize efficiency, prioritize early lactation feed intake, ensuring sows hit at least 10 lbs/day in the first three to seven days. Monitoring cross-fostering practices to avoid overloading sows, as larger litters compromise both WEI and the likelihood of subsequent farrowing. Furthermore, tracking caliper changes during lactation to identify sows needing targeted nutritional support and reducing stillbirth risks is essential.
Kirwa, E., Peterson, B., Grohmann, C.J., Silva, G.S., Ulguim, R.R., Mellagi, A.P. and Frizzo, M., 2025. 215 Assessment of the relationship between lactation feeding patterns, litter performance measures, and sow characteristics on sow farrowing efficiency metrics. Journal of Animal Science, 103 (Supplement_1), pp.50-52.
Early adopters have been amassing and recording data for a quarter-century or so. How do we turn that data into information, and information into knowledge?
Finding the right balance between taking beneficial preventative measures and not spending an over-budgeted amount on pharmaceuticals
As a pork producer, you can’t personally control how far north the New World screwworm advances, but you can protect your own operations and interests as much as possible.
Finding the right balance between taking beneficial preventative measures and not spending an over-budgeted amount on pharmaceuticals
Finding the right balance between taking beneficial preventative measures and not spending an over-budgeted amount on pharmaceuticals
Finding the right balance between taking beneficial preventative measures and not spending an over-budgeted amount on pharmaceuticals
Finding the right balance between taking beneficial preventative measures and not spending an over-budgeted amount on pharmaceuticals
Finding the right balance between taking beneficial preventative measures and not spending an over-budgeted amount on pharmaceuticals
Dustin Coleman raises wean pigs under contract on his farm in Missouri.
Producers are extremely good at several things: working hard, caring for their animals, and planning.
