RECOGNISING A PROLONGED BIRTH-PROCESS
- 10 minutes
When piglets are born with yellow-greenish mucus (meconium) (see piglet on the right) and faecal particles on their skin (see piglet on the left), this is a sign of a prolonged farrowing process.
PIGLETS AT RISK DURING FARROWING
- 5 minutes
Problems during the farrowing process may have negative consequences for the further development of the piglets.
CONTINOUS SUPERVISION OF FARROWINGS
- 5 minutes
In the case of prolonged farrowings, it may be beneficial to massage the abdomen of the sow.
INSUFFICIENT ENERGY INTAKE
- 5 minutes
Energy intake is the most critical factor in determining piglet survival during the first 3 days of life. Large litters are susceptible to higher mortality because of lower birth weight and increased competition over teats.
ENSURING AN OPTIMAL THERMAL ENVIRONMENT FOR PIGLETS
- 5 minutes
Newborn piglets lack brown adipose (fat) tissue which is available to many other mammals as an energy source at birth and thereby they are more sensitive to cold stress when compared to other mammals. They are at greatest risk of hypothermia immediately after birth with a lowering of body-temperature of up to 5°C possible. Through shivering piglets try to maintain body temperature but as a result lose valuable energy reserves!
COLOSTRUM, THE ELIXIR OF LIFE
- 10 minutes
A sow’s own colostrum is irreplaceable for the new born piglet! Only maternal immune cells derived from its’ own mother can cross the intestinal wall of the piglets and thereby activate an immune-system. Healthy and thriving sows will produce plenty colostrum. A piglet requires about 250 g each day. The colostrum contains many immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) providing protection against viruses and bacteria.
THE DECISIVE HOURS
- 5 minutes
Should a piglet fail to ingest any colostrum, its chance of survival is almost zero!
The concentrations of immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA) decrease rapidly within a few hours of birth. The timing and quantity of colostrum-intake are therefore critical. The more the better, the quicker the better!
BACTERIAL COMPETITION IN THE NEWBORN PIGLET
- 5 minutes
It is important to prevent newborn piglets becoming infected with disease-causing pathogens during the birth process.