Avaliação do intervalo entre partos e da eficiência reprodutiva em matrizes suínas de uma unidade-escola

Abstract

Pig farming plays an important economic and productive role, and the reproductive efficiency of sows is one of the main factors associated with the profitability of production systems. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the farrowing interval and reproductive efficiency of sows in a teaching unit through the analysis of the main reproductive indicators and associated management factors. The study was conducted at the swine production sector of the Federal Institute of Alagoas (IFAL) – Satuba Campus, using zootechnical and reproductive records from six crossbred sows, including primiparous and multiparous females, raised under an intensive production system and subjected to natural mating. The evaluated variables were weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), farrowing interval (FI), and non-productive days (NPD). Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using means, absolute frequencies, and relative frequencies. The results showed variations among the evaluated sows, indicating differences in the reproductive performance of the herd. Factors negatively affecting reproductive indices were identified, including failures in estrus detection, delayed mating, prolonged lactation periods, body condition limitations, and inconsistencies in production records. It is concluded that continuous monitoring of reproductive indicators and the adoption of standardized management practices are essential to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in swine production systems.