Shock in the flank.
Light in the groin fold.
recommended to feed at sows full feed or according to appetite (depending on genetics) all the way through to breeding. Some farms start out testing the method and then adapt it later on with good results. A challenging part for staff when it comes to feeding is also the proper amount of feed provided. Many of the farm man- agers have been to many seminars on sow feeding etc. some by domestic experts and some by foreign experts. When talk- ing to farm managers they are confused because not one of the experts say the same thing, so what strategy should be used and which one is correct? Often the feed volume recom- mended is in kg or pounds, but neither energy nor protein levels are mentioned. There is also another detail that needs to be kept in mind, which is the huge amount of different genetics there are available and being used in China. It is extremely important to know the genetics they have in order to avoid making mistakes and to utilise the potential of the genetics. Feeding a PIC gilt and sow is now the same as feed- ing a DanAvl (Danbred) gilt and sow.
3. Heat check management Some farms checking for heat is performed AM and PM, which is good management. When the farm staff heat check sows, the methods used are often questionable and produce poor results. The heat check is performed by walking across/ at the back of the sows without any stimulation but pulling a boar in front of the sows. One other method used is using a colour crayon marker and pressing into the back of the sow, getting the standing reflex without additional stimulation of the sow, often with poor results. The mistakes that are made are not because there is not enough time or the staff cuts corners, in many cases this is what has been learned from others. It is necessary to train the staff on how to utilise the boar in front of the sows, using gates to control the speed of the boar. Staff should also be taught how to recognise and observe behaviours of the gilts and sows and what to look for when heat checking. This way the staff will start to focus on observing the sow/gilts activity to the boar, their ears, their body positioning, swollen and red vulvas if any etcet- era. It is also necessary to show and explain the proper way of stimulating the sows/gilts to ensure all sows/gilts in heat are found.
22 PIG PROGRESS VOLUME 32, No. 6,2016
4. AI technique and semen quality Pig farmers in China have learned the technique of artificial insemination (AI) and use it on farms all over China. Many farms are good at performing AI but we encounter techniques that need improvement; during AI semen is seen pressed into sows, lack of boar stimulation, lack of stimulation by the herds- man/technician and the semen bag hanging from a wire until the semen bag is empty. Semen quality is often difficult to control as the semen bags are exposed to sunlight, incorrect temperature during storage and transport. Whereas heat checking using the boar properly can help with performing AI and ensure good semen transportation in the sows. At the same time it is necessary to teach them how to pro- vide proper stimulation using the five point stimulation plan, see box. This method is then used not only for heat checking but also when stimulating a sow for service. At the same time it is necessary to show them how to continue stimulation of the gilt and sow during AI to improve reproduction results. During the training, staff are instructed to make Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on the methods and routines so if and when there is a staff turnover it is easier to continue to use the right method and give the new staff training.
5. Light (lux) A common trend we see when visiting farms around China is the lack of light in the service and gestation unit. We encountered farms where staff need to walk with headlamps to see where they are walking to avoid hitting their legs on the crates in the units. At other farms the light has been intentionally turned off to save electricity costs. Other challenges are farms where some sows have enough light while others a few rows away are penned in semi-darkness. Regardless of the challenges that many Chinese pig farmers face around the time of breeding, one thing is sure, the motivation to improve and learn new techniques is high. Carthage & MHJ Consulting explains to the owners, farm man- agers, production managers and staff that if you can’t see it you can’t fix it. This also means if you can’t see the sows you can’t see if they are returners, if they are sick etc. At the same time presen- tations are given explaining the effect of light. Scientists like Chokoe and McGlone have shown good results on providing light and recommend 16 hours light and eight hours darkness per day. In some cases the staff don’t think it is too dark and what follows
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