Reproductive health of the sow during puerperium

Abstract

The modern hyperprolific sow is susceptible to metabolic disease and chronic inflammation. The most sensitive phase is parturition, when the sow experiences systemic inflammation and stress, and major changes in metabolism and endocrinology. Resolution of inflammation and stress needs to happen quickly to ensure good reproductive health during puerperium. If the sow fails to adapt to these changes, puerperal disease may occur. The economically most important puerperal disease complex is the postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS). Other puerperal diseases include infections of the urogenital tract. Diagnosis of PPDS and urogenital disease on‐farm is challenging but several diagnostic methods, including clinical examination, behavioral observations, ultrasonography and biomarkers are available. Ultrasonography is an excellent tool for monitoring the health of the urogenital tract, the mammary gland, and uterine involution and guide further diagnostic interventions. Biomarkers such as Chromogranin A, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6 represent promising tools to monitor general health and the systemic state of inflammation and oxidative stress of the sow. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, dopamine antagonists, and oxytocin are promising to address the symptoms of PPDS. Reducing of stress, improving nutrition and intestinal health, and supporting animal welfare‐friendly husbandry help in the prevention of PPDS.

Impacts of Fiber Supplementation in Sows during the Transition Period on Constipation, Farrowing Duration, Colostrum Production, and Pre-Weaning Piglet Mortality in the Free-Farrowing System

“…These findings emphasize the significance of addressing constipation issues in peripartum sows as they are primary and crucial factors contributing to the development of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows, subsequently leading to elevated mortality rates among piglets prior to weaning. Björkman et al [ 26 ] proposed that the most effective strategies for decreasing the incidence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome involve optimizing animal healthcare, feeding practices, and overall management. This includes the use of a prepartal transition feed containing expandable raw fiber to prevent constipation.…”

Lactation in swine: review article

“…Most of these criteria fit the postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS), which is the major puerperal disease in sows. The PPDS affects both the sow and her litter and, therefore influences animal health and welfare in the peripartal period ( Farmer et al, 2017 ; Kemper, 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ). The predominant clinical sign of PPDS is reduced milk production with or without mastitis and wasting piglets, which leads to an increased piglet mortality rate and therefore reduced number of weaned piglets ( Koketsu et al, 2017 ; Niemi et al, 2017 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Kemper, 2020 ).…”

“…The predominant clinical sign of PPDS is reduced milk production with or without mastitis and wasting piglets, which leads to an increased piglet mortality rate and therefore reduced number of weaned piglets ( Koketsu et al, 2017 ; Niemi et al, 2017 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Kemper, 2020 ). Hence, this multifactorial disease complex has a major impact on the economic output of a sow herd ( Papadopoulos et al, 2010 ; Jenny et al, 2015 ; Niemi et al, 2017 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Grahofer et al, 2020 ; Kemper, 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ). A lack of crude fiber in the diet, reduced water consumption, prolonged farrowing, and urogenital tract infection are some of the main risk factors leading to PPDS in sows ( Papadopoulos et al, 2010 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Grahofer et al, 2020 , 2021 ; Kemper, 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Hence, this multifactorial disease complex has a major impact on the economic output of a sow herd ( Papadopoulos et al, 2010 ; Jenny et al, 2015 ; Niemi et al, 2017 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Grahofer et al, 2020 ; Kemper, 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ). A lack of crude fiber in the diet, reduced water consumption, prolonged farrowing, and urogenital tract infection are some of the main risk factors leading to PPDS in sows ( Papadopoulos et al, 2010 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Grahofer et al, 2020 , 2021 ; Kemper, 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ). The incidence of PPDS within a herd varies from only few sporadic cases to epidemic outbreaks up to 60% ( Pendl et al, 2017 ; Kemper, 2020 ).…”

“…Only if this treatment regime is not successful or the general health status of the sow reduces, antibiotics should be administered ( Pendl et al, 2017 ). To reduce the treatment incidence, prophylactic measures should be implemented after defining the farm specific risk factors ( Jenny et al, 2015 ; Pendl et al, 2017 ; Farmer et al, 2017 ; Kemper, 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ). Recent studies have been conducted to estimate the risk for PPDS in sows before and after farrowing but currently, no reasonable and suitable predictor variables are available for the swine industry ( Spiegel, 2016 ; Kaiser et al, 2018 , 2020 ; Björkman et al, 2022 ; Spiegel et al, 2022b ).…”