MANAGEMENT PIH-46
PURDUE UNIVERSITY. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE.
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Care of the Sow During Farrowing and Lactation
Authors:
David C. England, Oregon State University
Hobart W. Jones, Purdue University
Steven Pollmann, Decatur, Indiana
Reviewers:
Ellen T. Blocker, Starkville, Mississippi
Jerry Hawton, University of Minnesota
John and Nancy Joyce, Anderson, Wyoming
Ronny Moser, University of Minnesota
Richard H. Simms, University of Tennessee
Introduction
Proper care of the sow during gestation, farrowing, and lac-
tation is a means to reach a goala large litter of healthy pigs
at birth that will remain healthy and grow rapidly. Care during
this time must also prepare the sow for a successful repeat per-
formance at the earliest time within the system of weaning and
rebreeding used. The sow must reach farrowing in the best nutri-
tional and microbiological health for herself and for the
expected litter. Properly balanced rations should be fed in
recommended amounts so that newborn pigs are well developed and
strong. A herd health program that assures minimal exposure of
the sow to disease or disease carriers during gestation is essen-
tial for maximal litter survival during the first weeks of life
and for effective growth to weaning and market. The sows should
be managed in a gentle and confident manner and on a regular
daily schedule.
Prefarrowing
Deworming Sows
If there is indication of worm infestation, sows should be
dewormed about two weeks before moving to farrowing crates or
pens. Treatment for external parasites at least twice (in
approved repeat times for the product used) also should be accom-
plished within a few days before movement to the farrowing facil-
ity (See PIH-44).
Preparing the Farrowing Unit
If possible, the total farrowing unit should be cleaned com-
pletely of organic matter, disinfected, and left unused for 5-7
days before a new group of sows is placed in the unit. When this
is not practical, at least the individual pen, stall, or crate
should be completely cleaned of organic matter and disinfected
before a new sow is placed in the unit.
``Clean'' means what it says. The floors, partition walls,
ceilings and equipment should have all organic matter, including
dust, removed. This can be accomplished by scraping, use of high
pressure cleaners, steam cleaners, and/or a stiff scrub brush. Do
a complete job.
Disinfectants are ineffective unless the cleaning job is
complete. There are many good disinfectants available, including
the quaternary ammonium compounds, iodoform compounds and others
such as lye, to use when the cleaning job is done well. Some
disinfectants such as those that contain coal tars or lye should
be thoroughly rinsed off after several hours, especially from
surfaces having direct contact with pigs (See PIH-80).
Washing the Sow
Before the sow is placed in the farrowing pen, wash the
teats and belly with mild soap and warm water. This will elim-
inate soil and fecal material that may contain numerous bacteria
that are potential diarrhea-producing agents for the nursing
pigs. This procedure will also eliminate ascaris (roundworm) eggs
that would serve as a source of infection to the nursing pig.
Feeding the Sow
During prefarrow in the facility, sows can be fed as they
have been during gestation, that is limit fed 4-6 lb./day depend-
ing on weather and housing conditions. Better results are often
reported by producers, however, from feeding a laxative ration
prefarrowing to prevent constipation. Constipation can be
prevented or corrected by changing to a bulky diet, by addition
of 20 lb./ton of epsom salts or 15 lb./ton of potassium chloride,
by use of linseed meal as part of the protein in the ration, or
by use of other laxative ingredients. Oats or wheat bran may be
used as 25% of the grain to create a bulky ration; in some areas,
other fibrous feeds such as alfalfa meal or beet pulp may be pre-
ferred. Remove bulky ingredients from the sow ration soon after
farrowing. Water should be freely available, but spillage that
could cause wetness of the pen should be prevented.
Farrowing and Lactation
Environmental Requirements
Temperature in the sow area should be in the sow comfort
range of 55-75o F; at the higher temperatures of this range sow
appetite and performance may be depressed. On solid or slotted
floors without bedding, baby pig areas should be kept at 90-95o F
for the first few days, and then in the 70-80o F range until wean-
ing at 3-6 weeks of age.
Provide adequate ventilation at all times. Cooling the sow
may be beneficial during hot weather (See PIH-87). Researchers at
Kansas State University found good results when drip irrigation
emitters were mounted so that water dripped onto the neck and
shoulder area of sows in farrowing crates. Each nozzle provided
0.8 gallon per hour and was operated only when temperatures were
above 85o F. Sows that were cooled had lower respiration rates,
ate more feed per day, and lost less weight during lactation than
sows not cooled. Sows in this study were on total slotted floors.
Knowing When a Sow Will Farrow
The sow must be at the right place at the right time for
farrowing, according to the management system used. Recorded
breeding dates, calculated farrowing dates, and close observation
are essential for proper farrowing management. Signs during late
pregnancy help to ensure that sows do not farrow at the wrong
place and without proper attention.
If farrowing is to take place in a crate or pen, the sow
should be in that place no later than the 110th day of gestation.
This avoids loss of litters farrowed on the short end of a normal
gestation period (111-115 days) and permits time for dams to
become accustomed to the facility and routine of daily care
before onset of birth. If breeding dates are not recorded, each
sow should be carefully observed daily during obvious late preg-
nancy for enlarged abdomen area, swollen vulva, and filled teats
as basis for estimating the farrowing date.
Presence of milk usually indicates that farrowing will occur
within 24 hours. The milk may be grayish in its earliest stage
but becomes white as time of farrowing approaches. Sows may
become restless or nervous, may try to escape the crate, chew on
anything available, urinate frequently, and attempt to build a
nest or bed.
If milk is present, the sow should be prepared and moved
immediately to the farrowing facility. If farrowing facility
space is available, move questionable sows to the facility early
rather than waiting ``one more day.''
Farrowing can be induced by an injectable product, prosta-
glandin, (available on prescription of a veterinarian only) to
induce farrowing to facilitate scheduling, building use, and
other production management practices; however, if it is used,
definite breeding dates must be known.
The Birth Process
Attending sows at farrowing decreases the number of
``stillborn'' pigs that die during birth or within the first few
hours afterwards; pigs can be freed from membranes, weak pigs
revived, and care can be given that reduces other deaths in the
first few days after farrowing.
Duration of labor ranges from 30 minutes to more than 5
hours. Pigs may be born either head first or rear feet first;
either is normal. Fetal membranes or afterbirth may be expelled
several times during delivery, but afterbirth generally occurs in
a larger amount near the end of farrowing. Occasionally, if a pig
is enclosed in the afterbirth material remove it immediately or
the pig will quickly suffocate. ``Stillborn'' pigs are those that
have died during farrowing; dead pigs may have been dead for only
a few days or for an extended time; ``mummies'' are pigs that
have been dead long enough for much reabsorption of the soft tis-
sues, but not of the skeleton, to have taken place.
The average interval between birth of pigs is approximately
15 minutes but can vary from simultaneous to several hours in
individual cases. Use of oxytocin to speed up rate of delivery is
helpful if correctly done and if farrowing is proceeding slowly
but otherwise normally. A rule of thumb, not universally recom-
mended but widely followed, is to administer oxytocin when the
first interval of 30 minutes after birth of the previous pigs has
occurred without birth of another pig or without expelling mem-
branes that indicate farrowing is completed. Oxytocin should not
be used until birth of one or more pigs has occurred. Oxytocin
should not be used if symptoms, such as straining without
delivery, indicate that a pig is blocking the birth canal.
Prolonged labor, especially that which is associated with
difficult birth, and litters produced by large, older sows, are
often accompanied by increased numbers of stillbirths and added
death losses in the first few days after farrowing. Sows that
have been overfed during gestation are more subject to prolonged
labor, and some individuals seem to be genetically prone to this
problem. Proper feeding can prevent overweight, or thin sows and
selection and culling may eliminate animals that are prone to
difficult births.
Assisting Difficult Births
At times, manual assistance is necessary to accomplish
delivery but should not be used until obviously needed. Continued
strong labor for an extended period without birth of pigs indi-
cates need for such assistance. Keep some organisms from gaining
entrance to the reproductive tract by careful washing of the
external genitalia with a mild soap solution, using a clean con-
tainer for fresh clean water. A well-lubricated, clean gloved
hand and arm should be inserted into the reproductive tract as
far as needed to encounter a pig ``in place'' for birth; the pig
should be grasped and gently but firmly pulled to assist
delivery.
Difficult births often enhance the occurrence of symptoms of
MMAmastitis or inflammation of the udder, metritis or inflamma-
tion of the uterus, and agalactia or lack of milk (See PIH-37).
To decrease the likelihood of creating complications as a result
of manual assistance, an antibacterial solution, such as nitro-
furazone is recommended. It will also serve as a lubricant. Infu-
sion of 50-100 cc of such solution into the reproductive tract
following conclusion of farrowing often helps decrease or prevent
infection. Intramuscular injection with an antibiotic can also be
helpful.
Nervous and Hysterical Sows
Some sows may become temporarily ``hysterical'' and vicious;
these are likely to trample or lie on several of their pigs or
kill them by biting; some producers cull these sows on tempera-
ment. Such sows must be attended to prevent loss of newborn pigs;
loss can be prevented or minimized by removing pigs to a warm
place until farrowing is completed. The hysteria generally sub-
sides in a few hours. Test the sow by placing only one pig with
her and watching her reaction.
Nutrition of Newborn Pigs
It is highly important that each pig receive colostrum to
provide immediate and temporary protection against common bac-
terial infections. Pigs are born into a hostile bacterial
environment. Antibodies in the sow's milk are the best protection
against these bacteria. Proper nutrition of the sow, including a
laxative ration prior to and following farrowing; maintaining
proper environmental temperature; and freedom from contagious
disease organismsall help to ensure normal milk production.
Baby pigs may be unable to nurse because of a hostile sow, a
large litter of pigs, small or otherwise weak pigs, death of the
sow, or failure of the sow to have milk. Other ways baby pigs can
get antibodies are by being bottle-fed colostrum; they can
foster-nurse another newly farrowed sow; or they can nurse a sow
whose litter is well beyond the 3-day-old stage frequently con-
sidered as the upper limit for transferring pigs. Colostrum can
be hand-milked from sows, frozen and used later to provide ini-
tial artificial feedings; although not as effective, cow's colos-
trum can also be frozen and used for newborn orphan pigs; pro-
longed needs may be met by rotating pigs to other dams whose
litters are removed for an hour or two, or by a permanent
transfer to a foster dam. Gentle sows with litters as old as 3
weeks can be used as foster mothers for newborn pigs; it is good
insurance to feed some colostrum before transfer to such a sow.
Sow milk replacers are nutritionally adequate for newborn
pigs, but they lack antibodies; they do contain antibiotics,
which help to control growth of unfavorable bacteria. Good pig
performance and livability has been obtained with excellent com-
mercial products available. Effective use of sow milk replacers
requires stringent cleanliness of feeding equipment and housing
area for baby pigs to control bacterial growth. Diarrhea is a
common hazard for newborn pigs reared artificially in makeshift
conditions. Wetness, chilling, and engorgement promote diarrhea.
Feeding the Sow During Lactation
Sows need not be fed for 12-24 hours after farrowing, but
water should be continuously available. Two or three lb. of a
laxative feed may be fed at the first post-farrow feeding; amount
of feed should be gradually increased until the maximal feed
level is reached as soon as possible after farrowing. Full feed-
ing from the day of farrowing can be successfully used. Sows that
are thin at farrow may benefit from generous feeding in the early
post-farrow.
Sows nursing large litters need essentially full feeding
during lactation. This may depend somewhat on the energy content
of the ration and the length of the lactation period if sows are
mated at first post-weaning estrus. In sows that finish lactation
with excessive weight losses and in an energy-depleted condition,
estrus tends to be delayed well beyond the usual 3-7 days post-
weaning. Supplementing the sow's diet with fat during late gesta-
tion and lactation may improve sow and pig performance (See PIH-
3).
Experiments are underway to re-evaluate what constitutes the
most economical lactation feeding programs. Sows in normal condi-
tion at farrowing can lose weight during lactation without
impairment of pig growth or loss of breeding efficiency. Sows
nursing fewer than 8 pigs may be fed a basic maintenance amount
(6 lb./day) with an added allotment, such as 0.5 lb. for each pig
being nursed. It is not necessary to reduce feed intake before
weaning. Regardless of level of feed intake, milk secretion in an
udder will cease when pressure reaches a certain threshold level.
Sows should be encouraged to stand up in the farrowing area
2 or 3 times daily. This stimulates feed and water consumption,
encourages normal elimination of excreta and gives the manager an
opportunity for good observation. Some sows may need exercise
outside the farrowing area.
Feeding the Pig During Lactation
Sows' milk does not contain enough iron for baby pigs. Iron
must be given to pigs within their first 3 or 4 days to prevent
anemia.
Pigs can be supplied with iron by giving them clean sod (not
from a hog lot), iron injections (iron dextran in the ham or
heavy neck muscle), or iron compounds mixed with other minerals
which pigs can eat (See PIH-34).
When pigs are about 1 week old, start feeding them a pres-
tarter (about 20% protein) or starter feed in a shallow pan. The
prestarter is usually more acceptable and pigs will start to eat
earlier. It is used only to get pigs to start to eat. A little
prestarter or starter feed mixed with some clean sod will often
start pigs eating earlier.
After pigs start to eat, switch to a starter feed (about 18%
protein) and feed this until the pigs weigh 25-30 lb. At this
time, the ration can be switched to a lower cost (16%) pig grower
feed.
Clean, fresh water should be available to pigs even before
they start to eat dry feeds.
Controlling Health Problems
Sows should be observed carefully during the first few days
after farrowing. Lack of appetite, listlessness, and failure to
respond positively to nursing activity of the pigs indicate need
for corrective treatment. Prevention of these conditions will
decrease incidence and severity of the MMA syndrome.
If MMA is prevalent, a prevention and treatment program
should be developed through veterinary consultation and by
management programs. The same is true for diseases such as
atrophic rhinitis, transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), parvo-
virus (SMEDI) and mycoplasma pneumonia. Checking for normal bowel
activity and use of a rectal thermometer to detect fever can pin-
point early need for treatment.
Disease Prevention
Although there have been recent advances in the diagnosis
and preventive procedures for the control of some diseases, the
sow and her newborn litter remain vulnerable to a substantial
number of pathogenic agents. Most successful producers plan their
management programs to circumvent disease transmission as much as
possible during this critical time. Maximum isolation of the
pregnant sow and gilt from all rodents, cats, dogs, humans, and
new herd additions is a productive practice. Likewise, careful
cleaning and sanitizing of facilities as described is important.
Thorough cleansing of the sow as she enters the farrowing facil-
ity seemingly has been a factor in controlling some contagious
disease organisms. Managing the sow and litter to ensure maximal
colostrum intake has distinct advantage for the newborn litter.
If swine are being reared in areas of heavy swine concentra-
tions, vaccines and bacterins should be used to the fullest
advantage. This is particularly true during seasons of the year
when stress is unavoidable and when the viability of pathogens is
high. Examples of diseases for which immunization seems wise are
transmissible gastroenteritis or TGE (See PIH-47), erysipelas,
leptospirosis (5 strains), in some localities perhaps pseudora-
bies, and colibacillosis or E. Coli (See PIH-30). Vaccines are
now available for use in the prevention of atrophic rhinitis (See
PIH-50). The large number of enteric disorders that pose a threat
to the newborn are perhaps best prevented by eliminating stres-
sors such as cold and drafty pig areas, high humidity and unsani-
tary surroundings within the house. Some herds are now receiving
autogenous types of bacterins in situations where enteric prob-
lems are extreme.
The old axiom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure seems particularly applicable to this stage of the life
cycle.
Schedule of Events
1. First week after weaningbreed sows.
2. Three weeks before farrowingtreat for internal and
external parasites.
3. One week before farrowingrepeat treatment for internal
and external parasites.
4. At 110 days after breeding, thoroughly wash sow and
move to farrowing facility; begin feeding laxative
ration.
5 From 111 days to farrowingobserve for signs of
approaching farrowing. Attend at farrowing, or make
judgment that attendance is not warranted.
6. Provide special care for weak or small pigs, and for
large litters. Observe sow and litter for signs of
problems.
7. Bring sow to maximal feed level as soon as possible
after farrowing.
8. Cull sows at weaning on basis of productivity, tempera-
ment, and other economic factors.
Summary
1. Institute and maintain a disease-prevention, health-
maintenance program for the herd at all times to pro-
tect sows and litters from diseases at and following
farrowing.
2. Treat sows twice for internal and external parasites
within the shortest recommended time (for products
used) before moving to farrowing facility.
3. Record breeding dates, calculate farrowing dates, and
observe sows closely during late gestation to assure
that sows are moved to the farrowing facility by the
110th day of gestation. Record sow productivity data to
use later in selection and culling.
4. Feed a ration with laxative effect from 110 days. If
bulky ingredients are used remove these from the ration
soon after farrowing.
5. Farrowing will usually occur within 24 hours after milk
is present. As farrowing approaches, sows may be rest-
less and excitable; some may be vicious.
6. Normal farrowing may be completed in less than 1 hour,
or may exceed 5 hours. Injection of oxytocin can shor-
ten total farrowing time but should not be used until
at least one pig has been born and if there are indica-
tions that the birth canal may be obstructed.
7. Attending sows at farrowing can prevent death of pigs
caused by trauma, biting, suffocation in membranes, and
weakness.
8. Manual assistance in delivery of pigs should be under-
taken only when signs indicate inability of the sow to
deliver unassisted, use arm-length glove, lubrication,
and inject an antibacterial solution if manual assis-
tance is necessary for delivery.
9. All newborn pigs should receive colostrum. Extra care
for weak or small pigs and for large litters can result
in more pigs weaned.
10. In the first few days after farrowing, observe sows and
pigs carefully for evidence of disease condition or
inadequate milk production or intake.
11. After farrowing, attain maximal feed level as soon as
possible.
12. Production level, temperament, and other economics of
using sows vs. gilts should determine when sows are
replaced which generally should not exceed the sixth
litter.
Reference to products in this publication is not intended to
be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may be simi-
lar. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their
use in accordance with current label directions of the manufac-
turer.
Additional information can be found in the following PIH
fact sheets:
PIH-3 Energy for Swine
PIH-7 Principles of Balancing a Ration
PIH-18 Baby Pig ManagementBirth to Weaning
PIH-23 Swine Rations
PIH-30 Enteric Colibacillosis of Newborn Pigs
PIH-34 Baby Pig Anemia
PIH-37 Mastitis, Metritis, Agalactia (MMA)
PIH-38 Pseudorabies
PIH-40 External Parasite Control
PIH-44 Internal Parasites of Swine
PIH-47 Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE)
PIH-50 Atrophic Rhinitis
PIH-87 Cooling Swine
REV 9/86 (5M)
Not Included: A picture of piglets nursing.
% Picture is available in hard copy
______________________________________________
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics,
State of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agri-
culture Cooperating. H.A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette,
IN. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue
University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and
access to our programs and facilities.
.