CATDOLL : CATDOLL: How to solve the one-size-fits-all problem for sows from an economic and animal welfare perspective

The one-size-fits-all approach to sow culling is an important issue facing the pig industry. One-size-fits-all approach means that sows are forced to be culled after they reach a certain age of productivity. Although this approach can improve production efficiency, it also raises a series of economic and animal welfare issues. In order to find a solution to this problem, we need to consider the needs of the pig industry, economic benefits and animal welfare.

Economic perspective

From an economic perspective, a one-size-fits-all policy can bring short-term benefits, because farms can eliminate aging sows in a timely manner and replace them with younger sows to improve production efficiency and litter rate. However, in the long run, there are some problems with the one-size-fits-all policy. First, aging sows can extend their production life and reduce breeding costs through proper management and maintenance. Second, frequent replacement of sows will increase the input costs of farms, including purchase, introduction and adaptation to the new environment. Finally, the one-size-fits-all policy will also lead to unstable sow market supply, further affecting the development of the industry.

Animal welfare perspective

From the perspective of animal welfare, the one-size-fits-all policy is somewhat controversial. On the one hand, eliminating aging sows may reduce their pain and stress, because physiological changes can make them unfit for the breeding environment. On the other hand, frequent replacement of sows will bring burden and discomfort to them, because they need to adapt to the new environment, new feed and new groups. In addition, the one-size-fits-all policy will also lead to the elimination of a large number of sows, which will bring the risk of early death to these sows.

Solution

In order to solve the one-size-fits-all problem for multiparous sows, we can take the following measures:

• Establish a scientific evaluation system: formulate reasonable culling standards based on the actual production status and physiological conditions of sows to avoid premature culling and excessive retention.
• Strengthen management and maintenance: Extend the production life of sows by providing suitable feed, a good living environment and necessary health care.
• Promote superior breeds: Select and promote superior breeds with long lifespan and high litter size to improve breeding efficiency and animal welfare.
• Provide training and technical support: Provide relevant training and technical support to farmers to help them manage sows rationally and improve breeding efficiency and economic benefits.

The implementation of the above measures requires the joint efforts of the government, industry organizations, farms, veterinarians, etc. Only on the basis of a balance between economic benefits and animal welfare can a feasible solution to the one-size-fits-all approach to sows be found.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope that it will give you a deeper understanding of the one-size-fits-all approach to sows from an economic and animal welfare perspective, and provide some solutions and ideas for relevant practitioners.