The swine heart is a low volume, low weight organ sensitive to oxygen deficiency. The stresses of obesity, parturition and hot summers predispose the animal to heart failure. Gastric lesions in sows are very common. Thin sows are predisposed to mortality. Mortality levels are too high.
Mortality is interrelated with culling practices.
Convenience may interfere with good management. Production targets may be counterproductive. Poor gilt development and acclimatization undermine long-term productivity. Feed sows correctly in lactation and gestation. Do not lower selection standards.