Donald G. Levis
Summary and Implications
A review of literature was conducted to evaluate the effects of lactation length on reproductive performance of sows. As lactation length decreases there is an increase in the weaning-to-estrus interval, a decrease in farrowing rate, a decrease in subsequent litter size, and an increase in pigs weaned per sow per year. Because of herd-to-herd differences in the influence of lactation length on reproductive performance, it is advisable that each farm conduct a preliminary study to evaluate the effect of the lactation length being considered before implementing the "new" weaning age of piglets.
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