Comparisons in Economic Returns between Double- and Triple Matings in Female Pigs in Commercial Herds

Abstract

The present study compared economic returns between doubleand triple matings in first-serviced and reserviced female pigs. Our reproductive performance data included 102,553 service records in 117 commercial herds. The service included a singleor more mating events during estrus. The economic models for returns over mating costs per service were constructed by using the data on reproductive performance and economic assumptions. The value for a weaned pig was estimated by the market price per pig minus the costs for feed, vaccines, veterinary treatments, transportation, slaughter fees, labor and utility per pig. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine a threshold point for the farrowing percentage in the double matings required to exceed the returns in the triple matings. In the first-service group, triple-mated gilts and sows had higher farrowing percentages and number of pigs born alive (PBA) than double-mated gilts and sows (P<0.05). In the reservice group, no differences in farrowing percentage and PBA were found between doubleand triple matings. The value per pig weaned was $101.1. For first-serviced gilts and sows, returns over mating costs for triple matings were higher than those for double matings. We recommend performing triple matings for females to be first-serviced, and double matings for females returning to estrus for maximizing profitability in Japan. Additionally, our sensitivity analysis indicates that the returns in double matings for sows would surpass those in triple matings when producers increase the farrowing percentage by 1.0%.