April 2004

Over the years, various swine production systems have greatly improved productivity and reduced the cost of production. But most have had relatively lesser success in controlling some of the most serious swine diseases affecting the industry today.

Also, those production methods have failed to recognize and meet the special needs of the replacement gilt population.

Those limitations gave birth to a system called parity-based management or parity segregation. First seen in Canada, and later in the U.S., it centers on separating the gilt herd from the main sow herd and growing and finishing pigs.

This 38th edition of the Blueprint series from National Hog Farmer explores the birth of this concept as well as the reproductive implications, nutritional considerations and options from health and housing standpoints.

A final story reviews the National Pork Producers Council’s Maternal Line Program, taking a closer look at longevity and performance differences between genetic lines.

Blueprint Features: Parity-Based Management

Components Of Parity Segregation

Apr 15, 2004 12:00 PM, by Camille Moore, DVM Swine Consultant, Quebec, Canada

The evolution of the swine industry over the past 20 years has been quite phenomenal. Techniques like segregated early weaning (SEW) and three-site production...

Age, Parity Impact Breeding Traits

Apr 15, 2004 12:00 PM, by Brad Belstra and Todd See North Carolina State University

A major portion of the potential benefit of parity-segregated management of sows is due to enhanced reproductive performance. This article will highlight...

Specialized Feeding of Sows, Gilts

Apr 15, 2004 12:00 PM, by Robert Goodband, Kansas State University, and Malachy Young, Gowans Feed Consulting, Alberta, Can

As production systems begin to implement parity-based segregation of the breeding herd, producers and nutritionists have been able to take advantage of...

Options For Parity Segregation

Apr 15, 2004 12:00 PM, by James F. Lowe, DVM, The Maschhoffs, Inc., Carlyle, IL; and Joseph F. Connor, DVM, Carthage Veteri

The evolution of swine production system design has been a rapid, dynamic process in the last 40 years. The progression from batch farrowing outdoors...

Tracking Maternal Line Differences

Apr 15, 2004 12:00 PM, by Rodney Goodwin, Ames IA

Improving sow herd production levels is one of the most challenging aspects of pork production. Herd production levels depend on many related, interdependent...