Premature farrowing and stillbirths in two organic sow farms due to riboflavin deficiency

Abstract

Background Riboflavin deficiency can lead to premature farrowing, stillborn piglets, weak-born piglets and neonatal death. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is considered essential for reproductive function. The longer the period on riboflavin-deficient diets, the more severe the clinical signs become. Litter size as well as body size of piglets can also be considered risk factors that may contribute to the problem. Case presentation This case report involved two organic farms of 320 (farm A) and 250 sows (farm B). Between 2019 and 2020, premature farrowing with weak-born or stillborn piglets and severe intra-litter mortality, ranging from 60 to 100% were observed. Investigations for infectious causes of reproductive disease, drinking water quality and general feed composition were performed, but showed no significant results. Feed composition was subsequently evaluated more in detail. Riboflavin levels were very low specifically 1.25 mg/kg of diet (3.75 mg/kg of diet is the NRC minimum recommended level). Riboflavin as a vitamin complex supplement (B complex) was administered to sows one month before the farrowing date and this led to a rapid improvement of the problem such that no stillbirth or intra-litter mortality was observed. Conclusions The clinical presentation, the low riboflavin levels in the feed below the recommended levels for gestating sows and the effectiveness of the riboflavin supplementation, led to an ex juvantibus diagnosis of this deficiency condition. This case report highlights that riboflavin deficiency during gestation should be considered in case of premature parturition and stillborn litters.