5 steps to minimize the effects of Fall Infertility Syndrome

Each fall, many farms are hit with Fall Infertility Syndrome. Even though symptoms usually don’t begin to appear until September, and don’t peak until November and December, mid-summer isn't too early to begin preparations to minimize this syndrome’s impact on your herd.

Seasonal infertility is characterized by low farrowing rates, fewer pigs born, smaller birth weights, and higher pre-weaning mortality. Some sows will actually look and test pregnant but fail to farrow. Only real-time ultrasound can identify these false pregnancies. Even though diagnostic laboratories receive many stillborn and mummified fetuses for analysis, this syndrome is not infectious. Rather, it seems to be the nature of the pig not to reproduce going into winter. Although there is no cure, following are some steps that may help minimize the effects of Fall Infertility Syndrome:

1. Monitor Sow Condition. Measure P2 backfat levels at weaning, then feed sows accordingly. Start 10 days post-mating to get weight back on thin sows. Because lactating sows eat less during the heat of summer, they may lose more weight than in the other seasons, and require more gestation ration. Feed intakes should be measured during lactation and rations balanced to optimize caloric and protein intake. Keep feed fresh and water readily available.
2. Monitor Feed Quality. Monitor Feed Quality. Make sure feed is always fresh by closely monitoring feeders, feed bins, and corn quality. This is the time of year when grain bins are cleaned as the old crop is used up and the new crop is harvested. Molds and mycotoxins may be present in stored corn or corn that comes directly from the field. Have corn tested and/or add inhibitors to prevent problems. See the article "Are feed molds and mycotoxins affecting your herd's performance?" for more information.
3. Provide Enough Light. Provide Enough Light. Light affects reproduction in several species through hormonal mechanisms. Some species are "short day breeders" and some are "long day breeders". Because reproduction in swine is usually better the first half of the year, swine are better long day breeders. The days start getting shorter on June 21; so provide sows with about 16 hours of bright light (enough to easily read a newspaper) per day, from June 21 through December.
4. Reduce Stress. Stress of any sort will impair sow fertility. Even a very short episode of physical or environmental stress at crucial times, such as implantation (11 – 13 days post-mating), may upset pregnancy. Use cool cells or drippers and circulating fans to keep sows comfortable.
5. Adjust Breeding Targets. Remember the best way to keep crates full and achieve optimum pig flow is through the use of breeding targets. If your farm has a history of fall infertility, plan accordingly. Monitor your mating procedures, heat checking, and pregnancy checking to reduce non-productive days. Most farms should breed at least 10% more females during summer months. This will require increasing the gilts elected six to eight weeks in advance so there is time for development and acclimation.

Reproductive efficiency has a great impact on your herd’s profitability. These steps, taken mid-summer, will help minimize the economic impact of Fall Infertility Syndrome.