Hypor’s guide for effective farrowing management

Our technical experts have worked closely with several of our customers to combine research, farrowing management approaches, and our Hypor Libra* to compile several strategies for improved farrowing room success. This can give you more piglets born alive after farrowing and more piglets weaned – in addition to the genetic progress you have come to expect from Hypor.

Moving the sow to the farrowing room:

• The room should be properly cleaned, disinfected, dried and empty for as many days as possible between each batch of sows
• Proper environmental control (programmed based on day of lactation)
• Move sows 4 to 7 days before farrowing for acclimatization
• Back fat at farrowing:
  • Gilts: 18-20 mm (0.71 – 0.79 in) and Sows: 16-18 mm (0.63 – 0.71 in)

Farrowing process:

• Ideal: quick, smooth, at term
• Monitor the farrowing process closely: record all events and timing
  • Only intervene when needed, not in a systematic way
  • E.g. blockage of the cervix or uterine inertia
• Target of <6% stillborn

First moments of life:

• Appropriate environment for piglets (i.e. warm, dry, and clean)
• Stimulate suckling and ensure adequate colostrum intake (e.g. split suckling)
• Identify piglets that require extra care (e.g. hypothermia, navel bleeding)
• Cross-fostering: only when needed and within 12 – 24h after farrowing
• Target of <10% pre-weaning mortality

Lactation management:

Goal to maximize milk production and minimize the amount of body condition lost during lactation

• Monitor and stimulate feed intake of the sows: never fully restrict around farrowing, gradually increase allowance in early lactation, and eventually ad libitum feeding
• Back fat thickness at weaning: 13 mm (0.51 in) minimum

If you’re interested in maximizing performance in your farrowing room by incorporating our Hypor Libra* farrowing management strategies, please contact your local representative today or email Hypor@hendrix-genetics.com.