In the management of group housed sows, keeping sows in stalls from weaning until five weeks after breeding is a common strategy that serves to prevent aggression, control individual feed intake and facilitate management during breeding. However, pressure to reduce…
A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Development, Treatment and Prevention of Shoulder Lesions in Sows
Shoulder ulcers (shoulder lesions) in sows are most commonly observed in the first weeks of lactation, following farrowing. The prevalence of this problem varies greatly from herd to herd due to a range of contributing factors such as management, housing,…
Effects of Mixed and Uniform Parity Groupings on Feeding Behaviour, Welfare and Productivity of Sows in ESF Housing
Electronic sow feeder (ESF) systems are a practical method for managing sows in group housing, as they provide an automated system for controlling individual feed intake. However, increased aggression can result, especially in the initial period following mixing, as sows…
Translactational analgesia to reduce pain during piglet castration
Commercially reared piglets receive a number of routine management procedures including castration, tail docking, teeth clipping, and vaccination. Castration of pigs is done primarily to avoid boar taint, an objectionable flavor found in the meat of mature males. However, due…