Managing Pile Ups
Sow reproductive performance has been improving, and now hyperprolific sows can wean 30 pigs per year. Problems with hyperprolific sows are providing space for the increased number of pigs produced, and making sure weaned pigs are still good quality. Agri-Marché has 150 farms to raise pigs, either from their own sows or bought as nursery pigs from other suppliers. In the past, raising nursery pigs from mixed sources was common practice, but the increased awareness of disease spread has reduced that practice. Agri-Marché’s farrowing barns were increasing the number of pigs produced, but as quality of these pigs started to decline the focus shifted to producing better pigs that will not lose money in finishing. Agri-Marché transitioned some of their barns to nursery facilities and created breeding facilities to supply pregnant gilts. Management technology has allowed for more complicated pig transportation routes to keep nursery, finishing, or wean-to-finish units nearly full.