April 2004 Blueprint Focus - Parity-Based Management
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.