Farrowing performance and piglet characteristics of highly prolific sows in a tropical environment

The swine industry has witnessed a remarkable increase in average litter size in recent decades, driven by genetic advancements and breeding programs aimed at enhancing prolificacy. This rise in hyperprolificacy has presented both opportunities and challenges, particularly in tropical environments where factors such as ambient temperature and humidity can influence reproductive performance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on farrowing performance and piglet characteristics of highly prolific sows in tropical settings. Studies have reported a consistent increase in litter size globally, leading to challenges in farrowing management and piglet survival. Factors such as elevated ambient temperatures and extended farrowing durations have been observed, impacting sow health and welfare. Furthermore, the increase in litter size has led to increased variation in piglet birth weights and colostrum intakes, with larger litters often facing challenges in receiving sufficient colostrum. Management strategies such as optimizing nutrition, implementing environmental controls, and enhancing colostrum production have been explored to address these challenges. For instance, raising feed levels during the pre-farrowing period has shown promising results in boosting sow colostrum production and piglet colostrum intake. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies and mitigate the negative impacts of hyperprolificity on sow and piglet health. Overall, this review underscores the importance of tailored management practices and targeted interventions to ensure optimal farrowing performance and piglet characteristics in highly prolific sows, especially in tropical environments where environmental factors can significantly influence reproductive outcomes.