Troubled Process of Parturition of the Domestic Pig

Abstract

Over the past three decades, efficient breeding and management have almost doubled the litter size of sows. Simultaneously, duration of farrowing has increased markedly. The expulsion phase of parturition in the hyper prolific sow is now 3 to 5 times longer than it was in the early 1990s. There has also been a constant downward trend in piglet birth weight, along with a similar trend in colostrum intake, which is an important risk factor for piglet mortality. Together with these trends, an increase in farrowing complications, such as postpartum dysgalactia and retention of placenta, has been reported. This paper investigates group housing of sows during gestation, farrowing and lactation, focusing on management strategies of the sow. In short, the sow needs to be given space and enrichment materials for adequate expression of nest-building behavior. Maternal characteristics may be utilized to improve the success rate of reproductive management during farrowing and early lactation. The lower piglet birth weight and compromised immunity of newborn piglets warrant investigation in the search for novel management tools. Robust breeds with somewhat lower litter size, but improved resilience and increased birth weight may be needed in the near future.

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

“…More specifically, this includes fighting, which may cause abortion, skin lesions, or stress, leading to poorer health, welfare, and reproductive outcomes of the gestating sows [5,6,10,20]. Gestating sows fight to establish the dominance hierarchy in the group or to cope with and compete for limited resources.…”

“…However, it should be noted that increasing group size is likely to cause stress, which along with the other factors causing stress may accumulate up such that adverse effects on health and pregnancy are encountered [3,4]. Therefore, it is essential to optimize sow management to prevent excess stress [5]. Management practices, such as electric-feeding systems that provide undisturbed feeding, should be considered to avoid unnecessary stress [6].…”

“…Nevertheless, the ongoing increase of litter size presents the industry with a challenge regarding farrowing duration ( Fig. 1 ) [ 6 ].…”

Transitioning from crates to free farrowing: A roadmap to navigate key decisions

“…Research into the welfare detriments associated with farrowing crates, biological needs of sows and piglets, and designs of alternatives has been extensively reviewed ( 4 – 8 ). Some publications have highlighted benefits of using higher welfare farrowing and lactation systems and practices (hereafter referred to as alternatives), including benefits for piglet growth and cognitive development ( 9 – 11 ), and for sow hormonal status, ease of farrowing [for review—( 12 )] and colostrum quality ( 13 ). As well as scientific evidence, there is a growing population of farmers that report positives when transitioning from conventional crates to one of the many alternatives available.…”

Defining “Normal” in Pig Parturition

“…It is clear that periparturient events influence piglet survival [ 9 ]. It is also well documented that difficulties in parturition lead to compromised sow health, with an increased chance of developing postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS) observed with the increased duration of parturition and subsequent decreased chance of successful rebreeding [ 10 ].…”