Factors which affect fertility rates of sows and gilts on Irish pig farms

Abstract

Fertility is defined by oestrus detection, ovulation rate, fertilisation rate, embryonic mortality, number of pigs born alive per litter, size and quality of pigs born alive per litter, preweaning mortality, conception rate, farrowing rate, farrowing index (litters/sow/year) and empty days. The experiment was carried out on a commercial sow unit owned by Rosderra in County Cavan, Ireland with 1300 sows. This is a closed unit where the pigs are on farm from farrow to finish. The sows are Large white and Landrace, a number of the sows have been crossbred with Landrace and Large White