Body score condition of sows and the thin sow syndrome as health problems on commercial farms

Abstract

In this article we presented body score condition of sows and thin sow syndrome. In modern pig farming more and more attention is paid to body condition score. On most commercial farms feeding of gilts and sows is based on body condition. The goal is that sow does not gain or lose too much of a body weight between farrowing and insemination. Maintenance of body weight (condition) of sows within the optimum value (3 points in the time of farrowing and 2.5 during mating) over their lifetime can result in optimal reproductive results. In contrast, inadequate control of condition of the sow may lead to difficulty in farrowing and occurrence of health problems. The syndrome of thin sows is a disease of complex etiology. In 75% of cases, the main causes are qualitative and quantitative malnutrition, also unfavorable housing conditions for sows. Less frequently, the syndrome can be caused by presence of endoparasite Hyostrongylusrubidus. In the presenting article during a year period, the occurrence of weight loss in sows during lactation at one commercial farm was observed. The health status of lactating sows and piglets were also registered. The loss of body weight was mostly detected in sows in the second lactation. Corrections in the feeding technology and better conditions for sows during lactation period are crucial for managing the thin sow problem on the commercial farm.