Methods of early recognition of puerperal and fertility disorders in the sow

Abstract

Under field conditions an assessment was made of the degree to which the urine test, with quick and simple screening methods, can be used as a suitable technique for early detections of puerperal diseases in sows. Moreover, there should be a clarification of the importance of and the relationship between bacteriuria during pregnancy and puerperal diseases, as well as the influence of bacteriuria upon the breeding performance of the sow. Using the urine test, as well as test strips and dip slides, it was possible to detect a “preinfection symptom” of the mastitis, metritus, agalactia (MMA) syndrome - bacteriuria. Bacteriuria could therefore be diagnosed very early and lead to identification of the animals which were excreting microorganisms indicative of infection of the urinary tract. By the combination of several urine parameters, the demarcation between those sows which were at risk of contracting infection, and those not in danger could be improved. When optimal diagnostic accuracy is required complementary tests should be used. The most important parameters in the test proved to be the number of bacteria and the total protein content in the urine.