Coping with large litters: management effects on welfare and nursing capacity of the sow

Peltoniemi, Olli; Han, Tae Su; Yun, Je Moon

doi:10.5187/jast.2021.e46

Cited by 15 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…To the knowledge of the authors, similar results have not previously been quantified. Specific benefits and drawbacks of different types of crates have recently been described by Peltoniemi et al (2021) , and are supported by results demonstrated in this study.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 88%

“…Given that crate sizes have remained constant ( Goumon et al, 2022 ), this places modern sows at higher risk of poor farrowing or lactation outcomes. The main justification for using farrowing crates is to prevent the crushing of piglets by slowing sows when lying down ( Alonso-Spilsbury et al, 2007 ; Peltoniemi et al, 2021 ). At the same time, overly restrained sows can have prolonged farrowing (>4–5 h) leading to both an increased number of stillborn piglets ( Peltoniemi and Oliviero, 2015 ) and an impact on the health of sows ( Tummaruk andSang-Gassanee, 2013 ; Peltoniemi and Oliviero, 2015 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Improving sow welfare and outcomes in the farrowing house by identifying early indicators from pre-farrowing assessment

Vargović

Athorn

Hermesch

et al. 2022

Journal of Animal Science

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Poor outcomes reflect low performance during the farrowing and lactation periods and unanticipated sow removals. Since the period around farrowing has the highest risk for sow health issues, monitoring of sows in that time-period will improve both welfare and productivity. The aim of this study was to identify the most relevant risk factors for predicting poor outcomes and the implication for sow welfare. Identifying these factors could potentially enable management interventions to decrease incidences of compromised welfare or poor performance. Data from 1,103 sows sourced from two nucleus herds were recorded for a range of variables investigated as potential predictors of poor outcomes in the farrowing house. Poor outcomes (scored as binary traits) reflected three categories in a sow’s lifecycle: farrowing, lactation and removals. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors in the first instance. Predictors from univariate analyses were subsequently considered together in multi-variate models. Least square means representing predicted probabilities of poor outcomes were then reported on the observed scale. Several predictors were significant across two different environments (farms) and for all three categories. These predictors included feed refusal (lack of appetite), crate fit, locomotion score and respiration rate. Normal appetite compared to feed refusals reduced the risk of farrowing failure (13.5 vs 22.2%, P=0.025) and removals (10.4 vs 20.4%, P<0.001). Fit in the crate was significant (P<0.001) for farrowing and lactation outcomes, and was more informative than parity. Sows with sufficient space had two to three times reduced risk of poor outcomes compared to restrictive crates relative to sow dimensions. Sows with good locomotion score pre-farrowing had two to three times less risk of farrowing failure (P=0.025) and reduced piglet mortality (P<0.001), weaned two piglets more relative to affected sows (P<0.001), and were less likely to be removed before weaning (3.24 vs 12.3%, P=0.014). Sows with higher respiration rate had significantly (P<0.001) reduced risk of poor farrowing outcomes. This study demonstrated it is possible to predict poor outcomes for sows prior to farrowing, suggesting there are opportunities to decrease the risk of poor outcomes and increase overall sow welfare.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving sow welfare and outcomes in the farrowing house by identifying early indicators from pre-farrowing assessment

Vargović

Athorn

Hermesch

et al. 2022

Journal of Animal Science

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show abstract

“…On the other hand, using foster sows or artificial rearing methods to improve the survival rates of small piglets from large litters may present other animal welfare problems (56). All these considerations should prompt a serious reflection on whether the persistent focus on genetic selection for large litter sizes should be reconsidered (42, 71), for instance, in favour of breeding for resilience (e.g., litter size at weaning rather than at birth), which can also respond to environmental concerns (87). In line with this, the recent Scientific Opinion on pig welfare recommends that to avoid excessive competition for access to teats in large litters, the average number of piglets born alive in a given sow breed or line should not exceed, and preferably be lower than, the average number of functional teats (75).…”

Section: The Challenge Of Large Litter Sizesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating risk factors behind piglet facial and sow teat lesions through a literature review and a survey on teeth reduction

Chou

Marchant

Nalon³

et al. 2022

Front. Vet. Sci.

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Introduction:Piglet facial and sow teat lesions are the main reported reasons why pig producers routinely practice teeth resection. This is a painful procedure performed on piglets, where their needle teeth are clipped or ground to resect the pointed tip. The practice raises welfare concerns. In contrast to other procedures, such as tail docking, we know little about the risk factors for these two types of lesions.MethodsWe employed two methods to answer these questions: (1) reviewing the literature to identify potential risk factors, and (2) surveying pig production stakeholders worldwide to identify the occurrence of these lesions and the strategies used in practice that enable pig producers to manage or prevent these lesions while avoiding teeth resection. For the literature review, we used Google Scholar to include peer-reviewed publications and gray literature. We distributed the survey using convenience sampling and documented information on the current situation regarding teeth resection, including the methods, frequencies, and reasons for resecting piglets' teeth, the occurrence of piglet facial and sow teat lesions, and measures used to prevent and control these lesions.ResultsThe literature review identified six major risk factors for both lesions, including the presence or absence of teeth resection, housing system, litter size, piglet management, environmental enrichment, milk production and other piglet management practices. However, most studies focused on the effects of the first two factors with very few studies investigating the other risk factors. There were 75 responses to the survey from 17 countries. The survey showed that half of the respondents practiced teeth resection with many recognizing that facial and teat lesions are the main reasons behind this practice. However, many producers used other interventions rather than teeth resection to prevent these lesions. These interventions focused on improving milk production of the sow, managing large litters, and providing environmental enrichment.DiscussionMore research is needed to validate these interventions and more science-based advice is needed to bridge the gap between research and practice to help more producers further understand the cause of piglet facial and sow teat lesions to transition toward the cessation of routine teeth resection.

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“…These changes in sow conformity and sow performance have come with challenges related to sow and piglet welfare around parturition and during lactation (reviewed by Peltoniemi et al, 2021; Rutherford et al, 2013). Farrowing large litters increases intra‐uterine competition which reduces birth weight and together with increased postnatal competition for resources (colostrum, milk) during lactation, these factors compromise postnatal survival of piglets.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiology and management of the peri‐parturient sow in the context of changing production conditions

Langendijk¹,

Soede

2023

Reprod Domestic Animals

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Genetic selection has resulted in a considerable increase in litter size, paralleled by an increase in farrowing duration and perinatal mortality. This paper describes some of the physiological changes around farrowing, and how genetic trends and sow management interact with these. Compromised farrowing can be related to nutritional management, or to housing conditions and handling of periparturient sows. Transition diets, for example, can be formulated to support calcium homeostasis and alleviate constipation. The opportunity to express natural behaviours and minimize stress around farrowing can further optimize farrowing conditions and reduce piglet mortality. Loose farrowing systems are part of the answer to the challenges around farrowing; however, current systems do not perform consistently. In conclusion, increased farrowing duration and increased perinatal mortality may to some extent be inevitably related to trends in pig production; however, they can be improved by nutritional measures, housing conditions and farrowing management.

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Coping with large litters: management effects on welfare and nursing capacity of the sow

Abstract: Competing interestsNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Funding sourcesState funding sources (grants, funding sources, equipment, and supplies). Include name and number of grant if available.

Cited by 15 publications

References 61 publications

Improving sow welfare and outcomes in the farrowing house by identifying early indicators from pre-farrowing assessment

Improving sow welfare and outcomes in the farrowing house by identifying early indicators from pre-farrowing assessment

Investigating risk factors behind piglet facial and sow teat lesions through a literature review and a survey on teeth reduction

Physiology and management of the peri‐parturient sow in the context of changing production conditions

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