FACTORS THAT AFFECT PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOWS

This review collect information related to various factors that affect the productive and reproductive characteristics of sows, with the purpose of get information to assist and promote the maximization of reproductive performance of sows. The swine production is one of the most advanced areas of the livestock sector, especially by their high increase, efficiency and competitiveness and, in the last decades, the sows passed by an enormous increment in their capacity to produce piglets, accompanied by profound physiological changes, behavioral and consequently management production. Currently, the genetic selection of sows and the crossing prioritizes characteristics related to increase productivity, aiming use the best available races, in conjunction with genetic improvement by selection and crossbreeding systems, are the principal means to improve reproductive and productive efficiency of sows. With the advent of new technologies developed in modern swine production, the genetic improvement programs have advanced substantially in order to contribute to greater productive and reproductive efficiency of pigs, but also for industry profitability. However, continuous research in the area should be carried out in order to maximize the productivity of female and reduce the economic losses.