Significance of light for the fertility of swine
Lahrmann, K.H.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 93(8): 347-350
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 3533498 Document Number: 277291
Data were collected on 10 084 sows on 33 breeding farms between Jan. 1980 and July 1983. In sows housed near windows, where it was light and sunny, the percentage returning to service was significantly lower (by 3 percentage units) than in sows kept in dark houses, or in shadow or away from the windows. This difference was noted at all seasons. There was a significant negative correlation between the percentage of sows returning to service and the length of the daily photoperiod. There was also a significant av. difference of 2.5 days in interval between weaning and 1st mating in favour of sows housed in better-lit conditions than in those housed in poorly-lit conditions. It is recommended that breeding sows be housed in pens with not less than 30 lux of light.