May 15, 2007

UK pig expert says planned and managed farrowing will improve piglet survival and output

Several factors affect potential piglet output as stillbirths accounted for the obvious drop in output with 5 to 7 percent are only considered normal, according to Angela Cliff of the British Pig Executive.

Speaking to a producers during the "Improving Piglet Survival" workshop at the Wood Veterinary Hospital in Gloucestershire, Cliff said maintaining piglet viability through to weaning is crucial and reduced piglet performance also reflects on final figures, particularly in terms of reduced weaning performance and disease.

She also advised producers to use farm records to predict correct farrowing dates.

Cliff noted it is advisable to move sows into the farrowing house at least three days before due dates when records are looked at and sows monitored. Signs of farrowing could be noticed up to 10 days before giving birth with enlarged mammary glands and swelling of the vulva. These signs, she said, should be taken into consideration by producers.

Cliff said that the main cause of stillbirths was prolonged farrowing as the length of farrowing depends on several factors, particularly on sow parity.  She said younger sows have shorter farrowing periods while supervised farrowing is critical in reducing stillbirths. Cliff advised producers should monitor those animals who fall into the risk bracket, such as older sows or those with a history of large litters or prolonged farrowing in the past.