Josep Gasa

Characteristics of the installations, genetics, medications, feeding, etc. of Spanish feedlots based on data of 452 farms that pertain to nine of the 25 biggest pig integration companies in the country.

Various strategies are discussed: offering up to 3 different types of feed, budget feeding, density of piglets per feeder space, ...

Although dispersion in the farrowing quarters is decisive in the final dispersion, we can take steps to correct some of this dispersion in the nursery.

Energy intake based on body condition differs greatly from the energy adult sows require. Moreover, the NRC clearly overestimates the sows' maintenance requirements.

Practical implications of a study that analyzes the consequences of litter standardization by weight or number and the supply of creep feeding.

The use of a thermometer or other technologies not so usual such as thermography for diagnosing sensitive situations cheaply, easily and objectively.

The two measures studied would allow to reduce liveweight variability at slaughter by 10-15%.

How much space is needed to optimise performance with the current slaughter weights?

Do gilts with greater backfat thickness produce more milk?

Does feeding time affect reproductive performance?

In the best case, farrowing within a batch usually happens over the course of three days, and in the worst case can last longer than a week, creating different lactation lengths...

If the cost of precision feeding seems unaffordable, this system based on providing distinct feeding to specific groups of animals may interest you! Do you want to know the criteria used to make the groups?

How do nutritional requirements differ between male and female pigs, and how does this affect the cost of production?

Low birth weight increases mortality during the lactation period and affects the productive life of piglets until slaughter. This article attempts to answer the question: Is pre-weaning mortality related to a birth weight threshold?

From their respective academic and on-farm perspectives, Josep Gasa and Josep Casanovas comment on a recent study regarding the effect of heat stress on sows: Which weeks does it affect the farrowing rate the most? What about the weaning-to-first-service interval? Are there differences depending on parity?

Cross-fostering is a common practice in farrowing units. However, the emergence of hyperprolific sows has caused us to rethink the issue.

Does more available space for finishing pigs improve production? Should we aim to have homogenous weight groups? This study assesses the effect of different elements on finishing performance.

Drying and warming the piglets favors their survival only in farrowing units with moderate or suboptimal temperatures (<25ºC).

From their respective academic and on-farm perspectives, Josep Gasa and Josep Casanovas comment on a recent study about the effect of postweaning feed intake.