Grumbling on-going problems in one department of the breeding herd cause further issues in the subsequent departments. This is what Helen Thoday’s Exeter and Cornwall training clubs discussed at the recent Sow Care training afternoon.
The groups were asked to identify problems in any one of the departments (farrowing service or gestation) and note the subsequent problems for the other departments. Such problems as Lameness, Mycotoxins, Mixing and Size Variation at weaning were discussed and the group soon recognised the ongoing problems they can cause the whole herd as well as individual animals. We know that chronic issues usually lead to culling or on farm euthanasia but the group really homed in on ongoing issues and their subsequent resolutions.
Another exercise asked the group to explore the reasons behind the most common reasons for culling. If we know some of the causes then we maybe able to identify resolutions and therefore save some sows from early culling.
Other aspects of the afternoon included recognising risk sows from their behaviour, what needs to be recorded to have all the information about the sow herd and breaking down the “lame” comment.
If you are interested in doing the Sow Care training workshop please contact your local KT manager.