Postpartum Sows Research Articles

Influence of Grazing on the Gestation Phase of Sows and the Birth of the Piglet

The present investigation was carried out in the “Rancho Rubén” pig farm, located in the Panecillo site of the Casacay Parish of the Pasaje Canton, Province of El Oro, Coastal Region of Ecuador. The aim of this work was to determine the possible benefits of grazing in pregnant breeders and newborn piglets. For the field experiment, the regulations of the Guide to Good Swine Practices (Agrocalidad-Ecuador) were taken into account. The variables evaluated were: initial weight of the sow, prepartum sow’s weight, postpartum sow’s weight, weight of the sow at weaning, number of piglets at birth, weight of the piglet at birth, mortality on the first day and feed consumption during gestation. A completely randomized design was used, with 2 treatments, each with a replica of 5 females, for a total of 20 animals; treatment 1 (balanced feeding and management in individual pens); and treatment 2 (feeding with balanced, and grazing). The statistical analysis was based on the book by Blasco [1], applying an ANOVA, prior to assumptions of normality and homogeneity, establishing the differences through the Bonferroni multiple comparison procedure (95% confidence). The statistical program used was Statgraphics Centurión XVI. The results show that there is no difference between the treatments with respect to the variables evaluated, except for the consumption of concentrate feed, which is observed to be reduced in grazing animals, assuming that the grazing system is beneficial by facilitating a more natural behavior and greater animal welfare.

Use of chorionic gonadotropins during lactation to optimize postpartum sow reproductive performance: a review.

Treating lactating sows with chorionic gonadotropins may allow controlling their post-weaning reproductive function, despite the occurrence of anestrous during lactation. This article reviews the potential effectiveness of treatment with both equine and human chorionic gonadotropins (eCG and hCG, respectively) during lactation on the control of estrus expression and ovulation in weaned sows. The use of 1,000 IU hCG at 24 and 48 h postpartum may induce ovulation in the treated sows, but the ovulation rate may be variable. Pregnancy rates may be improved with combined treatment after the second week of lactation with both chorionic gonadotropins: 1,500 IU eCG plus 500 - 1,000 hCG; or 1,000 IU eCG plus 1,000 IU hCG. Treatment with eCG (1,000 - 2,000 IU) at the end of lactation may result in acceptable estrus expression and ovulation rates, although with marginal benefit for pregnancy rates. The subsequent response to treatments with chorionic gonadotropins during lactation is likely influenced by the treatment period, the suckling frequency during lactation, and the boar exposure during the weaning-to-estrus interval. A better understanding of the efficiency of such steroid-free treatments is increasingly relevant due to the constraints of the use of steroid hormones in livestock reproductive management.

Impacts of supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition period on behaviour, feed consumption, constipation levels, colostrum production and piglet performance in hyperprolific sows

In the modern swine industry, inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing represent a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is rich in fibre. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods (7 days before and after farrowing) on various aspects including postpartum behaviour, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into two groups, i.e., control (n = 54) and treatment (n = 46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet at 3.0–3.5 kg per day for a period of 7 days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150 g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analysed and contained 0.24 % (w/w) cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360 mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fibre content of 4.3 %, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher dietary fibre content of 16.9 %. Video cameras were used to observe and document the behaviour of sows within the initial 24 h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5 °C was considered indicative of fever. The faecal score of the sows was assessed, and a faecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0 % and 38.9 % respectively, P = 0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, overall, sows without constipation issues spent more time consuming feed than those experiencing constipation (P = 0.006). The prevalence of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (17.4 % and 81.5 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the postpartum sows demonstrated increased feed intake following supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts (P < 0.05). Sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, piglet mortality and other piglet traits did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition periods in peri-parturient sows under tropical conditions resulted in a reduction in constipation issues and improved sow activities, such as increased time spent standing and consuming feed within the first 24 h postpartum.

Effect of pregnancy and lactation on the serum lipid profiles: cholesterol and triacylglycerol ratios of apparently healthy large white sows

This study evaluated the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the serum lipid profiles of large white (LW) sows. Twenty (20) sexually matured LW sows and three (3) LW boars, of mean weight 45.38±1.29 kg, aged between 8 and 10 months were used for this study. The sows were randomly assigned to five groups (A to E) of four sows per group in a completely randomized design (CRD). Group A: Non pregnant (control), Group B: Early gestation (38 days), Group C: Mid gestation (78 days), Group D: Late gestation (112 days) and Group E: Post gestation (14 days postpartum). Blood samples were collected during five stages of gestation. The mean total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations of group A (non-mated or control group) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher than groups B and C. The mean total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol:high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratios of the postpartum sows were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower than group C. There were however no significant (p &gt; 0.05) variations in the mean triacylglycerol (TAG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triacylglycerol:high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TAG/HDL-C) ratio and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations among all the groups. This present study has presented preliminary information on the changes of serum lipid profiles, cholesterol and triacylglycerol ratios during gestation in LW sows that can be sought by the scientific community

Administration of ketoprofen in postpartum sows to control the incidence of post-parturient disorders and improve piglet survival rate.

Inflammation and pain management in postpartum hyperprolific sows is currently an important animal welfare issue in the swine industry. The present study investigates effects of ketoprofen treatment on the incidence of post-parturient disorders, feed intake, colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and piglet mortality rate during the first 3 days of postnatal life. In total, 61 Danish Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred sows and their offspring (n = 833) were included in the experiment. The sows were randomly distributed into two groups: i) control (n = 31), sows were treated with tolfenamic acid 2 mg per kg for 2 days postpartum; ii) ketoprofen (n = 30), sows were treated with ketoprofen 3 mg per kg for 2 days postpartum. The farrowing process of the sows was monitored for 24 h daily, and data associated with farrowing were collected. Piglet colostrum intake, sow colostrum yield and colostrum IgG were determined. During the first 3 days postpartum, the incidence of sows that had fever did not differ between control and ketoprofen groups (51.6% and 56.7%, respectively, p = 0.692). Piglet colostrum intake did not differ between control and ketoprofen groups (p = 0.736). However, the proportions of piglets that had inadequate colostrum intake were 71.3%, 22.6%, and 5.4% in those with birth weights of <1.0 kg, 1.0 to 1.29 kg, and ≥1.30 kg, respectively (p<0.001). The piglet mortality rate did not differ between control and ketoprofen groups (p = 0.808). Administration of ketoprofen in postpartum sows for 2 days can control the evidence of post-parturient disorders in sows as effectively as the use of tolfenamic acid. No deleterious effect of ketoprofen was detected on sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake and piglet mortality. Therefore, ketoprofen can be recommended as an alternative anti-inflammatory drug used in postpartum sows.

184 Correlating Microbial Community Membership of Cervical Fluid, Vagina and Feces in Post-Partum Sows

Abstract Postpartum metritis, or the inflammation of the uterus after parturition, is often a direct result of bacterial infection and considered to contribute to agalactia / dysgalactia in multiple species. Diagnosing metritis has included evaluation of vaginal and cervical fluid (CF) discharge for signs of infection (i.e., purulent discharge, strong odor, and discoloration). Metritis in sows results in economic losses for the swine industry due to increased numbers of sows requiring repeat inseminations to establish pregnancy, longer weaning to estrus intervals, association with increased abortions, and is also linked to agalactia. This study aimed to compare the microbial communities of the CF, the vaginal cavity, and feces from sows shortly after parturition, to identify similarities and differences in relative microorganism abundance between these body sites. Fecal and vaginal swabs were collected from 82 sows within 24-36 hours post-parturition. Additionally, CF was collected from each sow and classified based on color and consistency. Extraction of DNA was performed from all 246 samples and used for 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Sequence analysis was conducted using MOTHUR (V1.43.0). No changes in CF microbial community composition or structure were determined related to CF color but differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were detected relative to CF consistency. Taxa were compared across body sites to identify correlated phylotypes using CoNet (V1.1.1). The abundances of several phylotypes harboring metritis-relevant pathogens were correlated with common commensal microorganisms across body sites (including Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Staphylococcus) suggesting interactions between these body sites exist. This work provides initial insights into postpartum sow CF microbial communities, and the interconnectedness with the vaginal and fecal microbiota. This project was supported by Zoetis (TI-07021).

Continuous, subjective sonographic grayscale analysis of uterine involution in sows during the postpartum period

The aim of this study was to analyse the continuous and subjective evaluation of echogenicity, echotexture of the puerperal uterus as well as the presence of intrauterine fluid in sows of differing parity stages. The goal was to determine associations between grayscale values and simultaneously assessed uterine diameter, body condition, and additional performance parameters such as farrowing duration, placenta expulsion duration, placenta weight and litter weight. The study population included 95 sows housed either in free farrowing (n = 46) or crated (n = 49) stables. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed daily between postpartum days 2-14 (p. p.) and the day before weaning. Echogenicity (ranging between anechoic (1)-hyperechoic (6)), echotexture (homogenous/heterogeneous), and the presence of intrauterine fluid (yes/no) was evaluated on three cross-sections of the uterine horn/sow/day. In the first week p.p, most sows showed a medium (median = 4.0) echogenicity, whereas from day 7 p. p., echogenicity decreased (median = 3.5 to 3.0). Echotexture between days 2-7 p.p was mainly heterogeneous, whereas between days 8-14 p.p, it proved to be mostly homogeneous. Intrauterine fluid was detected until day 9. Echogenicity exhibited significant association with farrowing duration (FD) on days 8-14 p. p. (p = 0.048). Sows with FD > 300 min showed slightly lower echogenicity (median = 3.0) than sows with FD ≤ 300 min (median = 3.5). There was a positive correlation between uterine diameter and echogenicity on day 2-7 p. p. (r = 0,359, p < 0.001) and days 8-14 p. p. (r = 0,381, p < 0.001). Subjective grayscale analysis by ultrasonography is suitable in characterizing uterine echogenicity and echotexture as well as intrauterine fluid in post-partum sows. The presented findings suggest that this may aide in assessing patterns of the sow's puerperium. The subjective grayscale analysis is suitable in clinically assessing echogenicity and echotexture during the postpartum phase. The subjective grayscale analysis provides initial indications concerning status of uterine health and involution in sows. Based on the ultrasonographic findings, treatment may be initiated and subsequently evaluated. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with further performance characteristics can be implemented to cull breeding sows. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with additional performance characteristics may be used in order to cull/reject sows exhibiting pathophysiologic findings from further breeding.

Effects of Dietary Modified Bazhen on Reproductive Performance, Immunity, Breast Milk Microbes, and Metabolome Characterization of Sows.

Bazhen is a classic prescription used for the prevention of qi and blood deficiency. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with modified Bazhen powder (MBP) on sows during lactation. Forty pure-bred Yorkshire sows on day 100 of gestation were randomly fed a standard diet supplemented with 20 g MBP per sow per day (MBP group) or without (control group) during -14 to 7 days relative to parturition. Results showed that the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG were higher, whereas IL-10 level was lower in sows fed with MBP diet than in controls on day 7 postpartum. A significantly elevated proportion of serum CD4+ T cells and a slight increase in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells in the MBP group were also observed. Furthermore, MBP supplementation improved gastrointestinal function of postpartum sows, evidenced by increased levels of motilin, gastrin, and nitric oxide. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a quadrupole time of flight and tandem mass spectrometer identified a total of 21 absorbed milk components. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data revealed that the microbiota diversity of the colostrum and transitional milk in the MBP group was increased. At the genus level, relative abundances of Enterococcus and Anaerostipes were significantly lower in the MBP group on day 0 of lactation. Metabolomic analysis showed that 38 metabolites were upregulated, and 41 metabolites were downregulated in the transitional milk; 31 metabolites were upregulated and 8 metabolites were downregulated in the colostrum in response to MBP. Metabolic pathways, protein digestion and absorption, and biosynthesis of amino acids were enriched in the colostrum and transitional milk. Our findings provide new insights into the beneficial effects of MBP, highlighted by the changes to the microbiota and metabolomic profile of breast milk from sows fed with an MBP-supplemented diet. Thus, MBP should be considered as a potential dietary supplement for lactating sows in pork production.

Piglet Viability: A Review of Identification and Pre-Weaning Management Strategies.

Simple SummaryNeonatal piglet viability is decreasing in concert with the selection for ever-greater numbers of piglets born per sow per year. Their survival depends on the early intervention and management strategies used by production staff. This paper will review current and novel methods used to identify these piglets, some of the factors affecting their viability, and management strategies commonly used within production systems to improve their survival.Increased attention on the effects of the global push for a larger litter size has focused on the increased occurrence of piglets with decreased viability, which have lighter birthweights and a reduced ability to thrive in early life. To improve their odds of survival, interventions must be timely and targeted. This requires the early identification of low-viability pigs and appropriate strategies to manage them. Using novel measures such as abdominal circumference and crown to the rump length in conjunction with birth weight may provide an improved protocol for the identification of those at most risk of preweaning mortality. Further, identifying these at-risk piglets allows interventions to increase their colostrum intake and heat provisions shortly following birth. The appropriate management of the pre- and post-partum sows will improve the chances of decreasing the number of piglets born with lower viability. However, this outcome is constrained by limitations in resources such as technology and staffing. If these challenges can be overcome, it will allow for greater control and increased effectiveness in the implementation of current and new management strategies.

Hematological Changes Associated with Pregnancy in Domestic Sows (Suis domesticus)

Background: Pregnancy involves complex biological interaction and communication between the developing conceptus and maternal uterus, which may alter the blood cellular elements. The present investigation evaluated the hematological changes associated with pregnancy in domestic sows. Methods: Blood samples were collected by auricular venipuncture from twenty sexually mature domestic sows from four pig farms. Hematological analyses were carried out on the blood samples following standard procedures. Result: The mean packed cell volume (PCV), the red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and absolute lymphocyte count were higher during pregnancy and lower following parturition, whereas, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was lower during pregnancy and declined further following parturition. The mean total white blood cell (TWBC) count and the absolute neutrophil count were higher during pregnancy and further elevated postpartum while the absolute monocyte count was lower during pregnancy and elevated postpartum. The absolute eosinophil count was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in the pregnant sows (0.35 ± 0.13) and postpartum sows (0.21 ± 0.15) than in the non-pregnant sows (1.06 ± 0.27). These hematological alterations could assist in monitoring the physiological and health status of the dam, fetuses and pregnancy diagnosis.

Isolation and identification of Candida tropicalis in sows with fatal infection: a case report

BackgroundCandida is the common conditionally pathogenic fungus that infected human and animal clinically. C. tropicalis had been isolated from the skin and hair of healthy pigs, but with no report of fatal infection in gastrointestinal diseases.Case presentationIn a pig farm in Henan Province of China, about 20 % of pregnant and postpartum sows suffered from severe gastrointestinal diseases, with a mortality rate higher than 60 % in the diseased animals. The sows had gastrointestinal symptoms such as blood in stool and vomiting. Necropsy revealed obvious gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal perforation, and intestinal hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract, but no lesions in other organs. The microbial species in gastric samples collected from gastric ulcer of the diseased sows then was initially identified as Candida by using routine systems of microscopic examination, culture characteristics on the medium Sabouraud dextrose agar medium. The fungus was further identified as C. tropicalis by species-specific PCR and sequencing. This study revealed an infection of C. tropicalis in sows through gastrointestinal mucosa could cause fatal digestive system disease and septicemia.ConclusionsFor the first time, a strain of C. tropicalis was isolated and identified from the gastric tissue of sows with severe gastrointestinal diseases. PCR and sequencing of ITS-rDNA combined with morphology and histopathological assay were reliable for the identification of Candida clinically.

The Effect of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products and Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome on Litter Performance Traits, Milk Composition, and Fecal Microbiota in Sows.

Simple SummarySupplementation of probiotics can shape the gut microbiota of sows and further influence their offspring’s gut microbiota. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is a common disease in sows worldwide. Sows with PDS have depressed milk production and increased piglet mortality. The bacterial pathogen is an important factor in the etiology of PDS. Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) containing probiotics and antimicrobial substances can prevent disease and improve growth performance in broilers and weaning piglets. However, little is known about the effect of BLFP, PDS, and interaction on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows. In this study, the effects of BLFP and PDS on sows were evaluated. Results show that BLFP supplementation in the diet of sows improves the piglet body weight at weaning. Dietary supplementation of BLFP or PDS differentially regulates the fecal microbiota of sows.This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows in a commercial farrow to finish pig farm. Fifty multiparous cross-bred pregnant sows were randomly assigned to two groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet (pregnancy and nursery diet) as control and basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/kg of BLFP. Sows with PDS in the two groups were further verified 12 h post-partum. Results show that the piglet body weight at weaning was increased in sows fed the BLFP compared to those fed the control diet. The milk fat content of prepartum sows was reduced in sows fed the BLFP. Postpartum sows with PDS had increased milk solid content compared with healthy sows. Microbial composition and species relative abundance analysis indicated distinct bacterial clusters between the groups. The abundance of the family Prevotellaceae in the feces decreased in sows with PDS. BLFP increased the average abundance of the genus (Eubacterium) coprostanoligenes group in feces of sows. These findings demonstrate that BLFP in the diet of sows can improve the piglet body weight at weaning and modulate the fecal microbiota of sows. PDS also has an impact on milk composition and fecal microbiota in sows.

The Endocrinology of The Post-Partum Sow

The Endocrinology of The Post-Partum Sow

Hot environment on reproductive performance, immunoglobulins, vitamin E, and vitamin A status in sows and their progeny under commercial husbandry.

Hot environments can affect feed intake and lactation, and the subsequent unavailability of important micronutrients to the newborn piglet can impair piglet growth, reduce the viability of newborn piglets and limit their subsequent performance. This work addresses the effects of hot environments (summer season) upon the reproductive performance of sows during gestation and lactation as well as on the serum levels of vitamins and the concentration of immunoglobulins in their litters in comparison with the winter season. Fourteen sows were evaluated over 100 ± 2 days of gestation in each season. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was used as an indirect measure of heat stress during gestation. The reproductive performance, milk yield, and body condition of the sows were recorded. The concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin A in piglets and in sow serum, colostrum, milk and feed were determined by HPLC; immunoglobulins were assessed by an ELISA. The THI index indicated that animals were subject to heat stress only in during the summer. Although the effect was not significant, there were a lower number of piglets at birth and at weaning and the milk yield in summer compared with winter. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the body condition of sows between seasons. Season had an effect (p < 0.05) on the vitamin A concentration of postpartum sow serum (0.29 μg/mL in winter vs 0.21 μg/mL in summer) and on the vitamin E concentration before birth (2.00 μg/mL in winter vs 0.90 μg/mL in summer). Vitamin E in milk was higher (p < 0.05) in winter than in summer (2.23 vs 1.81 μg/mL). Serum levels of vitamins A and E in piglets at birth were lower (p < 0.05) in winter than in summer. The concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in colostrum and milk were similar between seasons (p > 0.05), but the IgA in piglet serum was higher in winter than in summer (p < 0.05). High temperatures produced heat stress in sows, which affected certain aspects of production that can be translated into economic losses for this sector.

Influence of mastitis metritis agalactia (MMA) on bone and fat metabolism.

Mastitis metritis agalactia (MMA) is a common disease in post-partum sows and has a negative effect on sows' longevity as well as on sows' and piglets' health. MMA leads to an inflammatory state. The aim was to investigate the impact of MMA on bone and fat metabolism. The hypothesis was that it is possible to predict MMA by measuring ketone bodies and bone markers. Blood samples from 175 sows were taken within 72hr after farrowing. Serum was analysed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)-D), serum crosslaps (CTX-I), osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), triglycerides (TG), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and haptoglobin. Spontaneous urine was collected, and pH value was measured in addition to Ca and P. A proximate analysis of the sows' diets was performed. Age, litter size, body condition score (BCS) and clinical signs of MMA were recorded for each sow. A multivariable logistic regression was undertaken with disease status (MMA or healthy) as the dependent variable. Significance was accepted at p<.05. MMA sows had a poorer BCS (p<.001) in relation to healthy sows. Age and number of piglets did not differ. MMA sows showed increased serum CTX-I (p=.004) and decreased serum OC (p<.001). Concentrations of P (p=.007), activity of ALP (p=.002) and BHB (p=.019) as well as TNF-α (p<.001) and haptoglobin (p=.048) concentrations were increased in MMA sows. No difference in urinary pH value between MMA and healthy sows was found. Our results are in accordance with the known fact that sows are in an extreme catabolic state peripartum. Bone metabolism in MMA sows is much more negatively affected than in healthy sows post-partum, due to inflammatory processes shown by higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Dietary fat and reproduction in the post partum sow

Dietary fat and reproduction in the post partum sow

The Effect of Sows' and Piglets' Behaviour on Piglet Crushing Patterns in Two Different Farrowing Pen Systems.

Simple SummaryFarrowing crates—narrow cages where sows are kept during lactation—impede the sow in the expression of natural behaviours and, therefore, cause animal welfare concerns. However, piglet losses due to crushing by the sow are effectively reduced by farrowing crates. Hence, there is an urgent need to find a practical compromise between sows’ and piglets’ welfare. The aim of this study was to test two farrowing pens without fixation of the sow in comparison to pens with a farrowing crate. Piglet mortality, piglet crushing and sow and piglet behaviour in the first 72 h after birth were analysed. Piglet mortality was higher due to increased levels of piglet crushing in the free-farrowing pens. However, the majority of crushing occurred in the first three days after birth. The recorded active and resting behaviour of sows in the first 72 h after birth hardly highlighted differences between the three systems, i.e., sows in free-farrowing pens hardly used the offered possibilities for activity in the first 72 h after birth. In conclusion, our results suggest that a temporary fixation for a few days after birth could be sufficient to significantly reduce piglet crushing and could represent a practical solution for future farrowing systems.Pens with farrowing crate (FC) and two differently designed free-farrowing pens (LH-pens: 7.3 m², plastic flooring; GH-pens: 5 m², cast-iron and concrete flooring) were compared regarding piglet losses and postpartum sow behaviour (all treatments) and reasons for piglet crushing and postpartum litter behaviour (LH and GH). One-hundred-and-three crushing events were analysed in eight batches concerning sows’ posture changes that crushed piglets and age of crushed piglets. Posture change frequency, amounts of single posture changes and total time spent in different body postures were evaluated for 41 sows (14 FC-sows, 13 LH-sows and 14 GH-sows) in six batches. Litter behaviour (location, active/inactive scoring, resting behaviour next to the sow) was analysed during sows’ posture changes and piglet crushing. Piglet mortality was higher in LH (25.6%) and GH (19.9%) compared to FC (12.3%) due to higher levels of piglet crushing. Most crushing occurred during the three days postpartum in LH (92.7%) and GH (83.9%). However, crushing patterns differed between LH (rolling: 68.2%; sit-to-lie: 18.2%; stand-to-lie: 11.4%) and GH (rolling: 38.2%; sit-to-lie: 30.9%; stand-to-lie: 16.4%) and varying piglet behaviour may be the cause for this. The postpartum period was characterized by inactivity of the sow and behavioural differences were rarely seen between systems.

Factors affecting piglet mortality during the first 24 h after the onset of parturition in large litters: effects of farrowing housing on behaviour of postpartum sows

The present study aimed to identify the factors that affect immediate (within 24 h after farrowing onset) postnatal piglet mortality in litters with hyperprolific sows, and investigate their associations with behaviour of postpartum sows in two different farrowing housing systems. A total of 30 sows were housed in: (1) CRATE (n=15): the farrowing crate closed (0.80×2.20 m) within a pen (2.50×1.70 m), and (2) OPEN (n=15): the farrowing crate open (0.80×2.20×1.80 m) within a pen (2.50×2.40 m) with a provision of 20 ls of hay in a rack. A total of 518 live born piglets, produced from the 30 sows, were used for data analyses during the first 24 h after the onset of parturition (T24). Behavioural observations of the sows were assessed via video analyses during T24. Total and crushed piglet mortality rates were higher in OPEN compared with CRATE (P<0.01, for both). During T24, the OPEN sows tended to show higher frequency of postural changes (P=0.07) and duration of standing (P=0.10), and showed higher frequencies of bar-biting (P<0.05) and piglet trapping (P<0.01), when compared with the CRATE sows. During T24, the mortality rates caused by crushing were correlated with the piglet trapping event (r=0.93, P<0.0001), postural changes (r=0.37, P<0.01), duration of standing (r=0.32, P<0.01) and frequency of bar-biting behaviour (r=0.51, P<0.01) of the sows (n=30). In conclusion, immediate postnatal piglet mortality, mainly due to crushing, may be associated with potential increases in frequency of postural changes, duration of standing and incidence of piglet trapping in postpartum sows in the open crate system with large litters.

Influences of climatic parameters on piglet preweaning mortality in Thailand.

The objective of the present study was to determine the influences of temperature, humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on piglet preweaning mortality in a conventional open-housing system commercial swine herd in Thailand. The analyzed data included 11,157 litters from 3574 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. The daily temperature, humidity, and THI data were collected from a meteorological station near the herd. The associations between temperature, humidity, and THI for periods before and after farrowings and piglet preweaning mortality were analyzed. Piglet preweaning mortality (log transformation) and the proportion of litters with piglet preweaning mortality greater than 20% were analyzed by using general linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models (GLIMMIX), respectively. On average, the piglet preweaning mortality and the proportion of litters with piglet preweaning mortality greater than 20% were 14.5% (14.2 to 14.8% CI) and 26.4% (25.5 to 27.2% CI), respectively. Piglet preweaning mortality was positively correlated with the mean temperature (r = 0.028, P = 0.003), humidity (r = 0.038, P < 0.001), and THI (r = 0.036, P < 0.001) during 0-7days postpartum. In primiparous sows, piglet preweaning mortality increased from 12.1 to 18.5% (+ 6.4%, P < 0.001) when the mean temperature during 0-7days postpartum increased from < 25.0 to ≥ 29°C. However, the influence of the temperature during 0-7days postpartum was insignificant in multiparous sows (P = 0.569, P = 0.593, and P = 0.539 in sows parity numbers 2, 3-5, and 6-9, respectively). Likewise, piglet preweaning mortality increased from 10.7 to 16.7% (+ 6.0%, P = 0.012) when humidity during 0-7days postpartum increased from < 60 to ≥ 80% in primiparous sows but it was insignificant in sows parity numbers 3-5 (P = 0.095) and 6-9 (P = 0.219). Moreover, the proportion of the litters with piglet preweaning mortality greater than 20% in primiparous sows increased from 18.3 to 32.4% (+ 14.1%, P = 0.017) when the THI during 0-7days postpartum increased from < 73 to ≥ 81. In conclusion, the negative influences of temperature, humidity, and THI on piglet preweaning mortality were more evident in primiparous than multiparous sows. These findings implied that strategies to reduce temperature for postpartum sows in the open-housing system in Thailand are inadequate, and the proper management of postpartum primiparous sows should be emphasized.

Serum haptoglobin and C-reactive protein concentration in relation to rectal and vaginal temperature of early postpartum sows

Various attempts were made to improve the diagnosis of the periparturient hypogalactia syndrome in sows. A new approach was the detection of elevated concentrations of acute phase proteins. The objective of our study was to investigate the serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sows on Day 7 postpartum and relationship to body temperature. From Day 1 to Day 6 postpartum, 199 sows were clinically examined and a blood sample was taken for measuring Hp and CRP at Day 7. The median of Hp and CRP were 1.83 mg/mL (interquartile range: 1.42–2.13 mg/mL) and 60.0 μg/mL (interquartile range: 15.2–216.5 μg/mL). We did not find a correlation between Hp and CRP (ρ = 0.11, P = 0.12) nor a difference between sows categorized as ill and healthy sows in Hp concentration (P = 0.1) and CRP (P = 0.34). Sows with Hp > 2.13 mg/mL had a higher rectal temperature than sows with Hp ≤ 2.13 mg/mL (P = 0.037), but there was no difference in vaginal temperature (P = 0.24). Regarding CRP, sows with CRP greater than 216.5 μg/mL had higher rectal temperature (P = 0.017) and vaginal temperature (P = 0.02) than sows with CRP ≤ 216.5 μg/mL. As demonstrated in this study, Hp and CRP do not support the detection of early postpartum disorders in sows.