Sow Retention: Building Success Over Time, By Dr. Debora Holanda, Masterfeeds

Sow Retention is not a new notion, but it is gaining renewed attention as the industry continues to question whether long-standing concepts still hold true to the modern high-prolific sow. One thing, however, has not changed: keeping sows in the herd for longer is more profitable—as long as performance remains strong.

Considering sow lifetime productivity as the total number of quality piglets weaned per sow over her lifetime, producers already know what “good” looks like. The real challenge is consistently achieving it. Success requires focus and discipline across a few critical pillars: excellent gilt recruitment, precision feeding, robust health and welfare systems, skilled and consistent stockmanship with rapid corrective action when things drift off target. Top‑performing herds around the world consistently apply these evidence‑based principles.