Abstract
Maternal ability represents complex interactions between different forms of behaviour and physiological characteristics. Behaviour and metabolic processes are partly under the control of endocrine and nervous systems. Sows are different from other mammals, in that sows bear a large number mature baby, capable immediately to suckling. Post partum anabolic processes become catabolic, giving priority to dairy gland in relation to other tissues. Maximum secretated milk takes place between 2. and 3. week. Sows lost in body mass and it is appeared the change in value of some bloods parameters. Haemotologic analyses have suggested the increase in total number of leukocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes and the decrease in the number of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils on the first day postpartum. In the third and fourth week of lactation a statistically significant fall in the number of leukocytes and granulocytes in relation to the first day was observed, along with a significant increase in limphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. Erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit value decreased during the lactation period. Level of glucose in plasma is low (it is decreasing for more than 50%), while the level of urea is high, due to huge proteins available. It can also be noticed that there is a high mobilisation of body fat an increasing level of NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid). Secretion of milk is under control prolactin and oxytocin. Oxytocin affects on maternal behaviour and prolactin is linked with timing of suck.
Highlights
Hormonal changes, prior and post parturition do impel the sow to build a nest
Prior and post parturition do impel the sow to build a nest. It is one of the main characteristics of sow behaviour started by an individual 24h or 15h prior parturition at the latest (Damm et al, 2003), and is the result of increased secretion of prostoglandin F2alfa (Burne at al., 2001)
The most intensive catabolic processes in sows occur in the 3rd and 4th lactation week when piglets reach the plateau in their daily liveweight gain
Summary
Prior and post parturition do impel the sow to build a nest. It is one of the main characteristics of sow behaviour started by an individual 24h or 15h prior parturition at the latest (Damm et al, 2003), and is the result of increased secretion of prostoglandin F2alfa (Burne at al., 2001). In order to avoid these stress situations, a week prior parturition it is necessary to supply sow with suitable material for nest building-up (Stanković et al, 2007). The use of jammed boxes in farrowing houses represents the problem discussed for many years to the purpose to protect the welfare of both sows and piglets (Hristov et al, 2001). Insulin and thyroid hormones indicate the presence of stress (Joksimović Todorović et al, 2007). The most intensive catabolic processes in sows occur in the 3rd and 4th lactation week when piglets reach the plateau in their daily liveweight gain
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