Projectnumber

Responsible

Duration

Partners

8 private organic pig producers

Description

It is important that satisfactory reproduction results can be obtained in organic sow herds to ensure development and extension of organic piglet production. The systems has to be managed and organised in a way that make it possible for the sows to fully express their genetic potential for production. Information about the level and variability in reproduction results in organic piglet production does almost not exist in the literature, but experiences from practice indicate very large between- and within-farm variations. Reported problems are prolonged weaning to breeding intervals, poor pregnancy rates and low litter sizes.

The aim of the project is to:

• Identify between- and within-farm variability in reproduction performance in organic sow herds
• Identify important causes for poor reproduction performance in organic sow herds
• Elaborate recommendations for managers of organic sow herds regarding control of reproduction under various conditions

Eight commercial organic sow herds participate in the project. These herds represent both outdoor dynamic service systems, outdoor and indoor controlled insemination systems and systems, which utilize lactational oestrus by introducing a boar in the lactation period. Methods employed are analyses of farm data combined with back fat measurements and behavioural observations.

Contact persons: Anne Grete Kongsted and John E. Hermansen