Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

This thesis examined the impact of management strategies on performance and condition of sows and piglets owned by smallholder farmers in Lao PDR. A survey was performed on smallholder pig farms (SHPF) and larger-scale pig farms (LSPF) to identify factors with potential to improve performance. Sows on SHPF produced fewer litters per year, with a small number of weaned piglets per litter compared with sows on LSPF. Piglet mortality was the main problem on SHPF, especially in remote villages. Sow feeding on SHPF was based on rice bran and piglets were fed rice bran only. On around 70% of SHPF, water intake was limited to that included in the feed and only 7- 25% of sows were given nesting material.
Studies investigating the effect of providing extra water, nesting material, and simple cooling to Moo Lath sows showed that sows provided with nesting material and extra water (NMW) had higher water intake and lower body weight (BW) loss from two weeks prior to farrowing until weaning than the untreated Control and sows only given nesting material (NM). Total plasma protein concentration (TPP) declined from farrowing until 21 days of lactation in NMW sows, whereas it increased (indicating dehydration) or was unchanged in NM and Control sows. Re-mating period was shorter and number of litters per year greater in NMW than in Control and NM sow. Piglet mortality was lower in treatment NMW than in Control and NM.
Body weight increased from mating until weaning in sows provided with cooling, whereas BW decreased in sows without cooling (Control). Weight loss from two weeks prior to farrowing until weaning was smaller in sows with cooling than in Control and TPP was maintained from farrowing until 21 days of lactation in sows with cooling, but steadily increased in Control. Piglet mortality at weaning was lower in sows with cooling than in Control. Analysis of plasma cortisol concentration in blood samples from sows showed that provision of a cooling system had no effects, while restricted water intake increased cortisol concentrations.
Thus the performance, condition and welfare of sows and piglets on smallholder farmers in Lao PDR and other countries with similar conditions can be markedly improved by simple means such as providing cooling and water ad libitum and providing nesting material.
Keywords: cooling, pig, management, survival, growth, plasma protein, water.