The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: MKay on May 10, 2014, 07:17:02 pm
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Has anyone bred of sows older than ten?
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No, oldest for me was 8.
The only reason we stopped was the sows really struggled to maintain their condition (even when not in-pig/nursing) and despite upping their rations and ruling out disease/parasites, it made no difference. :'(
If she's in good health, condition and managed her last litter okay then she should be fine. The only thing with older sows is that you're best not to give them a break as this is when fertility will drop.
HTH
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Thanks Karen.
Anyone else? Or is everyone else sending them down the road before then?
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My oldest was also about 8 I had the opposite problem to Karen couldn't keep the weight off her and litter sizes got very low. She made lovely sausages though.
I know someone that has a sow still going at 11, suppose like us all different.
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Problem with older sows is that food conversion efficiency declines with age and they can't make enough milk, however much you feed them. Packing in the feed between litters just results in fat around the abdomen and/or lots of large piglets which, again, mama will struggle to feed.
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All interesting, do keep them coming.
Perhaps I should add the question what age have you bred up to? Rather than the over ten adjuster.
Marches, haven't been able to work out getting down yet so I am trying to find them a ride up, will keep you posted.