Management practices to optimize the parturition process in the hyperprolific sow.

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the litter size of most European domestic pig breeds has approximately doubled (Oliviero et al., 2019). In the same period, the average duration of farrowing has extended considerably in those breeds, from a bit more than 2 h per 12 piglets (Madec and Leon, 1992) to 6 h 40 min per 19 piglets born (Figure 1; Yun et al., 2019). The difference is even larger if the point of reference is the wild pig with only five piglets and a duration of farrowing of just 1 h 20 min (Harris et al., 2001). Therefore, there is good reason to question the implications that such an extended duration of parturition holds in terms of physiology, pathology, immunity, behavior, welfare (extended time in pain), resilience, and performance of the pig. All of these essential aspects are profoundly affected by the present increase in litter size. A prevailing question is what could be done at the farm level in terms of management of parturition in order to alleviate the current problems. On the other hand, crossbreeding with less productive but more robust breeds may actually be a better alternative to improve the survival and immune state of newborn piglets and the health and welfare of the sow during the postpartum period.