EFFICIENCY OF PIG‑BREEDING COMPLEXES DEPENDING ON THE DURATION OF LACTATION AND FEEDING RATIONS

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study examining the impact of the duration of the suckling period on sow productivity and piglet survival at an industrial pig farm in the Minsk region. The study was conducted on three groups of 10 sows each, with piglet weaning dates of 21, 28, and 35 days. The study assessed zoohygienic parameters (temperature, humidity, ammonia concentration), productivity parameters (live weight, average daily gain, survival rate), and the reproductive cycles of sows. Elements of differentiated feeding were also developed, taking into account the animals' body and physiological condition. It is established that the optimal weaning period is 28 days of age, ensuring a balance between the reproductive efficiency of sows and the health of piglets. The annual weaning yield in this group was 516 head, exceeding the figures for 21-day (508 head) and 35-day (491 head) weaning. Increasing the daily feeding rate of milk sows to 8 – 10kg of compound feed on days 15 – 27 of lactation contributes to increased milk yield and litter survival. Furthermore, a significant role of behavioral factors has been identified: taking into account the species-specific psychological characteristics of pigs by staff allows for a reduction in piglet losses in the critical first days of life by 2-3%. Conducted studies confirm that the 28-day weaning period is technologically optimal, and the introduction of differentiated feeding is a prerequisite for realizing the productive potential of animals and sustainable growth in the industry's efficiency.