Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
1997
Abstract
A review of literature was conducted to evaluate the effects of lactation length on reproductive performance of sows. As lactation length decreases there is an increase in the weaning-to-estrus interval, a decrease in farrowing rate, a decrease in subsequent litter size and an increase in pigs weaned per sow per year. Because of herd-to-herd differences in the influence of lactation length on reproductive performance, it is advised that each farm conduct a preliminary study to evaluate the effect of the considered lactation length before implementing the “new” weaning age of piglets.
Comments
Published in 1997 Nebraska Swine Report, edited by Duane Reese; published and copyright © 1997 Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.