Elevated breeding herd replacement ratio and low performance due to stress factors result in a non-sustainable cycle and a limited production of market pigs per sow per year, resulting in reduced profitability. Welfare will also be impacted by these stress factors, especially under circumstances in which producers are planning to move sows out of crates and allocating them in pens. Ligaments, muscle and bone tissues are affected by reduced feed intake and low availability of minerals. Hoof deformation and inflammation will cause sows to become inactive, further reducing their feed intake and increasing the negative impact of mineral and other nutrients deficiencies. In a feedback effect, this will result in the sows being culled before reaching their genetic potential.
The Equalizing Sow Performance (ESP) program from Novus offers a comprehensive solution to support better production. The foundation of this program is built on chelated trace mineral technology, as well as Gut Environmental Modifiers (GEMs) that works to optimize sow health, overcome common performance inhibiting factors and balance seasonal peaks and valleys in performance.
Producers can rely on these programs to lessen the following stress factors, as well as the associated risks.
- Heat and Humidity
- Disease and pathogen challenges
- Ration and ingredient changes
- Breeding and conception rates
- Farrowing and piglet livability
- Feed intake during lactation
- Laminitis and structural integrity
- Weaning
Less affected by these common stressors, the sow herd is ready to perform above and beyond expectations.