The effect of backfat thickness of reserve sows on the onset of puberty

Early estrus of reserve sows and early entry into the reproductive stage can save feeding costs and improve the economic benefits of pig farms. The initial estrus period of animals is closely related to the thickness of backfat and can affect their reproductive performance. Studies have shown that too thin backfat can delay the initial estrus period of reserve sows, while too thick backfat can also have adverse effects on the initial estrus period. It is best to reach a reasonable range. The backfat analyzer analyzed the backfat thickness of 128 White and 57 Changbai purebred reserve sows. The results showed that pigs with backfat thickness between 11.00-12.00mm had the earliest onset of estrus, the latest onset of estrus below 10.00mm, and the later onset of estrus for pigs with backfat thickness above 13.00mm.

The effect of backfat thickness on estrus in sows detected by backfat analyzer

From the perspectives of nutrition and reproduction, it is believed that increasing energy levels can increase the concentration of leptin in the blood of reserve sows, and there is a highly significant positive correlation between body fat content, backfat thickness, and estrus rate (with correlation coefficients of 0.988 and 0.952, respectively, P<0.01). The body fat content and backfat thickness of estrus sows are significantly higher than those of estrus sows. The blood is a signal of animal body fat content, which acts on the hypothalamus and can affect the secretion of gonadotropins. Luteinizing hormone is an important signal for the initiation and behavior of animal estrus. However, the backfat of reserve sows should not be too thick. Excessive obesity can lead to sexual cycle disorders, poor activity of the pituitary gonadal system, and excessive fat wrapping of the ovaries, resulting in poor development and affecting estrus.

High definition imported backfat analyzer for detecting the thickness of backfat in sows

Backfat gauge detects the effect of backfat thickness on the number of live piglets and newborn litter weight in reserve sows

Only by producing more piglets and live piglets can the economic benefits of pig farms be improved. The nutritional level of reserve sows has a direct impact on the number of live piglets and litter weight, and the thickness on the back can most intuitively reflect the nutritional level of pigs. The backfat thickness during breeding and delivery should be controlled within a reasonable range to maximize the economic benefits of the pig farm.

Research has shown that within a certain threshold, the average litter size and live litter size increase linearly with the age of initial mating and backfat thickness. However, considering the cost factor of breeding, we cannot simply extend the breeding age, as it will increase the cost of feed and labor. The total number of piglets and live piglets produced by sows with backfat thickness between 18-22mm are significantly higher than those with backfat thickness greater than 22mm and less than 18mm. The backfat analyzer found that sows with backfat thickness in the range of 9-14mm have better litter giving performance. The optimal backfat thickness for different breeds of pigs varies, and in actual production, we still need to explore the indicators that are suitable for our own pig farms.

The backfat thickness of sows before delivery affects the number of live piglets and litter weight at birth

The effect of the thickness of the maternal pig's back on the birth of live piglets and the weight of the newborn litter is more significant. During the prenatal 3D measurement of maternal backfat thickness, the final result showed that sows with excessive or insufficient backfat had lower litter size and moderate dry backfat, while the number of stillbirths increased with the increase of backfat thickness.

The nutrients obtained by sows will first meet the development of the fetus, and then supply themselves. Sows will prioritize supplying nutrients to the embryo, and if necessary, the body will use its reserves to provide the nutrients needed by the embryo. If there is insufficient nutrition and body fat during pregnancy, it can lead to lower initial weight of piglets. The piglets born to overfed sows also have lower birth weight. Although overfed pigs can provide sufficient nutrition for their offspring, excessive abdominal fat leads to a reduction in the sow's abdominal volume, which affects the growth of the fetus and placenta. Excessive body fat in sows during labor can lead to excessive fat around the pelvis, reduced pelvic opening, narrow birth canal, making it difficult for the fetus to pass through, resulting in difficult delivery or stillbirth.

The reduction of backfat thickness during lactation affects weaning litter weight and sow production performance

During lactation, sows will use more of their body reserves to maintain lactation, resulting in significant negative energy balance during lactation, manifested as a decrease in sow fat. The backfat analyzer found that the larger the weaning litter weight, the greater the loss of backfat in the sow. And when the intake of feed energy cannot meet the needs of lactating sows, excessive weight loss will occur, affecting the weight gain rate and production performance of lactating piglets in the next parity, resulting in a longer interval between weaning and estrus, and a lower conception rate.

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