Pig Breeding 2025 №3(83-84)

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR ENGLISH-ORIGIN SOWS IN FARROWING CRATES OF DIFFERENT DESIGNS DURING LACTATION

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UDC: 636.4.09.033

DOI: 10.37143/2786-7730-2025-5-6(83-84)4

REFERENCIS АРА style: Zhyzhka, S. V., Nechmilov, V. M., & Kozyr, V. S. (2025). Otsinka efektyvnosti system utrymannia svynomatok anhliiskoho pokhodzhennia u stankakh riznoi konstruktsii v period laktatsii [Evaluation of the efficiency of housing systems for english-origin sows in farrowing crates of different designs duringlactation]. Svynarstvo i Ahropromyslove Vyrobnytstvo [Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production]. Poltava, 5–6(83–84), 46–64. [in Ukrainіаn]. 10.37143/2786-7730-2025-5-6(83-84)4

S. V. Zhyzhka, PhD (Agricult.), Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Environmental Safety
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9645-8013
E-mail:dust.delacrua@gmail.com
Institute of Pig Breeding and Agricultural Production NAAS, 1, Shvedska Mohyla str., Poltava, Ukraine, 36009 ROR: https://ror.org/00r693281
V. M. Nechmilov, PhD (Agricult.), Research Fellow, Laboratory of Environmental Safety
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2434-4548
E-mail:nechmilov@gmail.com
Institute of Pig Breeding and Agricultural Production NAAS, 1, Shvedska Mohyla str., Poltava, Ukraine, 36009 ROR: https://ror.org/00r693281
V. S. Kozyr, Dr. Sci. (Agricult.), Professor, Academician of the NAAS, Honored Zootechnician of Ukraine, Chief Researcher
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8837-4191
E-mail:kv03031937@gmail.com
Institute of Grain Crops of the NAAS, 14, Volodymyr Vernadsky str., Dnipro, Ukraine, 49009

Manuscript was received/ 29.05.2025

Received after review/ 13.06.2025

Accepted for printing 30.06.2025

Available online/ 30.12.2025

Abstract

Objective. To conduct a comparative assessment of the efficiency of various farrowing crate designs by analyzing the reproductive performance of sows and the survival rate and growth intensity of offspring and to determine the economic feasibility of implementing these solutions. Methods. For the study, two groups of F1 English selection (PIC) sows were formed, with 60 animals in each. In the control group, a traditional manure removal system using concrete pits was used, while in the experimental group, individual polymer tanks were used under each farrowing crate. The reproductive qualities of the sows were assessed using generally accepted zootechnical methods and the calculation of some selection indices. Results. Sows kept in farrowing crates on polymer tanks had 2.8 % more piglets born, 1.5 % higher multiparity, 1.7 % higher birth weight, and 3.3 % higher litter weight at birth. At the same time, growth intensity during the suckling period was 2.8 % lower, which led to a 2.1 % decrease in the average weight of a single piglet at weaning. However, the litter weight at weaning (28 days) was 1.2 % higher than the control due to a 3.4 % increase in the number of piglets. According to comprehensive reproductive performance indicators, the experimental group outperformed the control group by 1.4–2.2 %. The use of polymer tanks increased the cost of a farrowing crate by 27.7 %, the depreciation cost of a crate per weaned piglet by 23.5 %, and the share of depreciation costs in the cost of one piglet by 27.13 %. However, this was compensated by an increase in the number of weaned piglets per year per sow and per crate (by 3.40 % and 3.38 %, respectively). The higher number of piglets reduced the operating cost per head by 2.86 % and the cost per 1 kg of live weight by 0.80 %. Despite a 2.08 % decrease in the sales value per piglet, the profitability of obtaining and raising 1 kg of live weight increased by 1.07 %, and the profitability of obtaining and raising one weaned piglet in the experimental group was 1.41 % higher than that of the control group. Conclusions. Keeping sows in farrowing crates with polymer tanks has a positive effect on their reproductive performance. Despite the increase in initial equipment costs and depreciation charges, the proposed farrowing crates design contributes to an increase in the number of weaned piglets, reduces the operating cost of production, and increases overall profitability.

Keywords: sow, piglet, farrowing crate, prolificacy, weight gain, survival rate, cost price, income, profitability.

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