Abstract

Genetic selection for higher prolificacy is one of the major causes for a decrease in piglet survival and reproductive health of the sow. Large litters increase farrowing duration and decrease piglet birth weight and therefore have an impact on piglet vitality, colostrum uptake, and piglet survival. Large litters also increase the incidence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) and the probability of the sow to be removed from the herd because of reproductive failure. Therefore, hyper-prolificacy challenges the performance of the sow in terms of parturition, colostrum production, neonatal survival, and fertility. In this review, we discuss the tools and protocols for management of parturition, colostrum, and sows’ reproductive health. We provide checklists for the prevention of birth complications and PDS as well as for improvement of mammary gland development and colostrum production.

Highlights

  • 1.1 Parturition and birth complicationsAbout 10 years ago, a duration of 300 min was the upper limit for a physiological parturition [1]

  • An older survey showed that dystocia was mostly of maternal origin [8], whereas a newer survey identified that dystocia is nowadays almost exclusively due to maternal causes; with uterine inertia being the most common cause [9]

  • Obstetric intervention is usually not indicated before 1–15 h has passed since the last piglet was born in sows without risk for dystocia, which are at the beginning of parturition (

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Summary

Parturition and birth complications

About 10 years ago, a duration of 300 min was the upper limit for a physiological parturition [1]. Sows are hyperprolific (average litter size > 16) with an average farrowing duration of longer than 300 min [1–7]. This means that more than half of all parturitions are longer than physiologically. This rapid increase is concerning and leads to a high incidence of dystocia with subsequent negative consequences on piglet survival and sows’ fertility and longevity [1–7]. Secondary uterine inertia is more common than primary inertia, usually occurring because of a prolonged farrowing associated with a large litter size [12]. Active birth management starts before birth in order to prevent this and continues during birth when proper response to hormonal imbalance is needed

Colostrum and piglet survival
Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome and sows’ fertility
Tools and protocols before parturition
Environment and stress
Management and hygiene
Nutrition and body condition
Prepartum assessment of mammary gland
Tools and protocols during parturition
Diagnosis of birth complications
Treatment of birth complications
Colostrum collection and quality assessment
Assessment of colostrum uptake
Assistance of colostrum uptake
Tools and protocols after parturition
Cystitis
Mastitis
Findings
Conclusions
Full Text
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