How to Select Healthy Sows for Breeding.

The success of a pig breeding program largely depends on the quality of the sows chosen for reproduction. Selecting healthy sows ensures consistent litter performance, better piglet survival rates, and sustainable productivity.

Poor selection, on the other hand, can lead to weak offspring, increased disease problems, and lower farm profitability.

Selecting the right breeding females requires a careful evaluation of their health, structure, genetics, and maternal abilities. This guide explores the key traits and practical considerations for selecting healthy sows that contribute to a strong and productive herd.

Importance of Selecting the Right Sows

A well-chosen sow can produce large, healthy litters and maintain her productivity over several breeding cycles. Her ability to conceive easily, deliver strong piglets, and nurture them efficiently is a key factor in the overall success of the breeding operation.

When farmers select sows based on strong genetic and physical traits, they build a foundation for consistent growth, disease resistance, and improved feed efficiency in the herd. Good sow selection also helps in reducing culling rates, lowering veterinary costs, and improving profit margins over time.

Evaluating the General Health of Sows

Health is the most critical factor in sow selection. A breeding sow should appear alert, active, and well-nourished. Her coat should be smooth and shiny, reflecting proper nutrition and internal wellness.

Watch for signs of disease such as coughing, labored breathing, diarrhea, or skin lesions, as these may indicate underlying health problems. The sow’s body temperature, appetite, and mobility are also important indicators of health.

A veterinary health check should be done before introducing any sow into a breeding program. Blood tests can reveal infections or deficiencies that might affect reproduction. Always quarantine new animals for at least two weeks to ensure they are disease-free before joining the main herd.

Examining Body Structure and Conformation

A sow’s physical structure directly affects her ability to reproduce efficiently and move comfortably within the pen. Ideal breeding sows should have a long, wide body with deep flanks and strong legs.

The back should be level and firm, which indicates good skeletal strength and stamina. The feet and legs must be straight and well-aligned to support the sow’s weight throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Avoid selecting sows with crooked legs, weak pasterns, or swollen joints, as such issues often lead to lameness or early culling. Proper body conformation ensures that the sow can stand to nurse piglets, move easily during farrowing, and maintain long-term productivity.

Assessing Reproductive Organs and Teat Quality

The reproductive system of the sow is another vital consideration. Examine the vulva for any deformities or discharges that could signal infection. The vulva should be of medium size and properly shaped, as very small or inverted vulvas may cause farrowing difficulties.

Teat structure plays a major role in piglet survival and growth. Choose sows with at least 12 to 14 well-spaced, functional teats. Each teat should be evenly aligned and easily accessible to piglets.

Avoid sows with inverted or damaged teats since they can limit the piglets’ access to milk. A well-developed udder with soft, flexible tissue indicates good milk production capacity, which is crucial for nurturing large litters.

Considering the Sow’s Age and Parity

Age and parity (the number of litters previously produced) significantly influence reproductive performance. Young sows, typically between 7 to 8 months old, can be introduced into the breeding program once they reach at least 120–130 kilograms and show clear heat cycles. These gilts should have strong growth records and come from high-performing parent lines.

Experienced sows that have successfully raised healthy litters are often preferred for continued breeding, as they have proven fertility and mothering ability. However, very old sows may experience reduced conception rates and smaller litter sizes. Maintaining a balanced mix of young and mature sows in the herd helps sustain consistent productivity.

Analyzing the Sow’s Breeding and Production Records

Keeping detailed breeding records is essential for identifying reliable and productive sows. Important factors such as litter size, piglet weaning weight, farrowing interval, and return-to-estrus time reveal a sow’s reproductive strength and consistency.

Regular performance tracking helps detect fertility problems early and ensures that only healthy, high-yielding females remain in the breeding program.

The Piggery Manager Farm App simplifies this process by helping farmers record and monitor each sow’s breeding history, health status, and productivity from one platform. With accurate digital records, farmers can easily compare performance, improve genetic selection, and strengthen the overall productivity of their herd.

Observing Behavior and Temperament

Temperament is an often-overlooked aspect of sow selection. Calm and gentle sows handle stress better and are safer for farm workers to manage. Aggressive or easily frightened sows can injure piglets or disrupt farrowing. Observe how the sow behaves when approached or handled—stable, confident animals are preferred.

During feeding or pen cleaning, sows that remain calm and respond well to routine activities are more suitable for breeding environments. Behavioral stability is also linked to better maternal care, as calm sows tend to nurse and protect their piglets effectively.

Nutrition and Body Condition Score (BCS)

A sow’s body condition score gives insight into her readiness for breeding. The ideal body condition is moderate—not too fat or too thin. Overweight sows often experience fertility issues, while underweight ones may struggle to maintain pregnancy or produce sufficient milk.

The best time to evaluate body condition is right before breeding and again after weaning. Feed adjustments should be made to achieve a balanced diet that meets energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs. Proper feeding management supports reproductive performance and extends the productive lifespan of the sow.

Genetic Background and Breed Selection

Genetics influences the overall quality and productivity of sows. When selecting breeding females, consider the traits associated with their breed.

Some breeds are known for high fertility and excellent mothering ability, while others are valued for meat quality or feed conversion efficiency. Crossbreeding programs often enhance hybrid vigor, resulting in stronger and more resilient offspring.

Choose sows from bloodlines with minimal history of hereditary diseases and strong reproductive records. Consulting a livestock genetics expert or veterinarian can help in identifying breeds best suited to your farm’s production goals and environmental conditions.

Importance of Health Management and Quarantine Procedures

Before introducing any new sow to the herd, implement strict health and biosecurity protocols. New animals should undergo a minimum 14-day quarantine period to monitor for signs of illness. During this time, deworming, vaccination, and blood tests should be performed as recommended by your veterinarian.

Proper isolation prevents the spread of contagious diseases that could affect the reproductive performance of the entire herd. Consistent hygiene, disinfected housing, and controlled farm access contribute to long-term sow health and better breeding outcomes.

Conclusion

Selecting healthy sows for breeding is a process that demands attention to detail and a solid understanding of animal physiology and farm management. Every factor—from health and body conformation to reproductive traits and temperament—affects the sow’s ability to produce strong, viable piglets. A careful selection strategy improves herd genetics, reduces production losses, and enhances profitability.

By combining good record keeping, regular health monitoring, and sound nutritional management, farmers can build a foundation for sustainable pig production. Healthy sows are the backbone of every successful breeding program, and investing time in choosing them wisely always leads to long-term rewards.