15 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 can lead to ulcers and torsions. Infectious causes, commonly associated with sow mortality in diagnosed dead sows, are urinary tract infections, endometritis (uterine infections), pneumonia, and chronic diseases. In addition, disease outbreaks, like PRRS, are known to increase sudden death and weaken sow immunity, exposing them to secondary infections. There are two high-risk periods of sow death during the production cycle. The highest occurs in the first 10 days postpartum, and the other in prepartum, right at the end of gestation. These two periods together are called the peripartum period. Most sudden deaths (53 per cent) and the increasing incidence of pelvic organ prolapses occur during this short period. Thus, the time shortly before, during, and after farrowing is critical. Young sows (until Parity 3) are the main susceptible group, particularly P1 and P2, as they account for about 40 per cent of total sow mortality. This is unfortunate as it is commonly accepted by the industry that a sow needs to wean three litters to pay off her investment. These premature sow removals are costly and do not provide the opportunity for voluntary culling based on age or performance. General management practices Food, water, and air are undoubtedly three important pieces to raising healthy sows who will continue to provide multiple litters throughout their lifetime. Water has many important roles, such as temperature regulation, movement of nutrients into cells, removal of waste products, lubrication, and is part of almost every chemical reaction occurring within the body. Requirements for sows vary depending on stage of production, age, temperature, and diet. The amount consumed varies in literature, but it is advisable that water be supplied ad libitum. To deliver sows with enough fresh, cool, and clean water to optimize biological processes, drinkers should supply a minimum of 2.5 to three litres per minute. Along with water, feed requirements can vary and may need to be adjusted. Regular checking of sows’ body condition is a great way to ensure Resilient Ag funding is here! The new Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program supports Ontario farmers’ efforts to make their land more productive and resilient. The Program provides funding to support projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. More details at ontariosoilcrop.org Water Retention Perennial Biomass & Warm Season Pastures Wetlands Natural Grassland Establishment Reduced Tillage Tree and Shrub Planting Sow Survivability CAUSE OF DEATH Sudden Death Lameness Prolapse Other Causes 31% 29% 28% 12% Fig. 1: Cause of Death
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