Effects of post-partum administration of ketoprofen on sow health and piglet growth

Abstract

The effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen on the post farrowing phase of sows was studied in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Ketoprofen (3mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly to 20 healthy sows for 3days post-partum (p.p.). The control group (n=20) received a saline placebo. Backfat, number of days of constipation and days before feed refusal were measured. Body condition (BCS) and shoulder sores were scored for 1week p.p. Changes in BCS, backfat and shoulder sore scores were analysed with ANOVA. Blood was collected on days −1, 0, 5 and 14 with respect to medication. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA) were quantified and analysed with a Mann–Whitney U test.BCS and backfat decreased less following ketoprofen administration than with the placebo (−0.08±0.2 vs. −0.8±0.2, 1.0±0.8mm vs. −2.0±0.9mm, respectively; P<0.05 for both) during the first 2weeks of lactation. The shoulder sore score deterioration was milder during days 4–6 p.p. with ketoprofen than placebo (P<0.05). Duration of constipation was shorter with ketoprofen than placebo (5.5±0.3 vs. 6.4±0.3days p.p.; P<0.05). Incidences of feed refusal occurred later in the ketoprofen group than in the placebos (9.6±0.9 vs. 3.8±0.8days p.p.; P<0.05). AST and SAA values were higher after ketoprofen administration than placebo on day 5 p.p. (P<0.05). It was concluded that ketoprofen appeared to benefit sows during the first 2weeks post farrowing, but caused some tissue irritation.