Analysis of gestation length and its influence on the reproductive performance of crossbred sows kept on a large-scale pig farm

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse gestation length in sows raised on a large-scale pig farm and its effect on the sows’ reproductive performance. The study was carried out on a total of 556 litters from 92 crossbred sows from the DanBred pig breeding company, obtained by crossing the breeds Danish Landrace and Danish Yorkshire. The research material was divided into 6 groups depending on the length of gestation: group I – gestation length 115 days, group II – 116 days, group III – 117 days, group IV –118 days, group V – 119 days and group VI – 120 days. The analysis showed that the average gestation length was 117.6 days, with the shortest pregnancy lasting 113 days and the longest 121 days. Among all cases analysed, the most (37%) were those in which the gestation period lasted 118 days. The length of the gestation period was found to influence the number of piglets born dead or mummified, the weaning-to-service interval, and lactation length. Moreover, the length of the gestation period was found to affect that of the following gestation.

Keywords

• crossbred sows
• gestation length
• reproductive performance