Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The longevity of sows is an important factor from both an animal welfare and an economic perspective. Nearly 50% of the sows in herds are culled annually. One factor that can influence the longevity of sows is how farmers view them. Factors that influence farmers’ views of their animals include gender and educational level.
The purpose of this study was to investigate farmers’ perceptions of factors affecting sustainable sow management. This study utilized 34 pre-recorded interviews with farmers in Sweden that were part of a previous research project.
The results suggest that several farmers identified areas for improvement in sow management, as this was a recurring theme in what they themselves wanted to improve. The most common reasons for culling were related to udder health, low production, leg health, and age. This indicates that the farmers’ own descriptions partly align with known challenges related to sow longevity and culling.
Several farmers were satisfied with their routines regarding gilts and sows; points raised included that they could observe the individual animals and fostered social animals, which is important for a sustainable sow. However, a few farmers wanted to improve their routines regarding gilts, indicating that they are aware of the challenges and are working toward improvement. The housing environment was also something several farmers highlighted as an area they wanted to improve, specifically by building new barns to provide more space for their sows, which means that the sows’ sustainability can also be improved.
However, the work toward sustainable sow management is a complex area where several different factors interact. The farmers themselves described animal health, the housing environment, and daily routines as crucial for sustainable sow management.