Management practices to optimize the parturition process in the hyperprolific sow

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 tools and technology to alleviate the problems seen in the hyperprolific sow. In short, the sow needs to be given space and enrichment materials for adequate expression of nest-building behaviour. Diagnostic imaging provides a tool to improve monitoring of physiology and pathology of the female genital tract around parturition. Maternal characteristics may be utilized to improve the success rate of reproductive management during farrowing and early lactation. These include maternal behaviour, such as carefulness and nursing behaviour, ease of parturition, colostrum production, piglet vitality and survival parameters. In feeding, provision of an adequate proportion of high-quality fibre appears to be the best practice in the battle against constipation and obesity. Appropriate management of the sow body condition during the last third of pregnancy is essential for mammary development and colostrum production. Adequate breed selection to facilitate management of sows at farrowing and of piglets during early lactation is also important. Recent findings suggest that management of parturition can affect the immune system and microbiota of newborn piglets. New demands on production, such as an animal-friendly farrowing environment and the heat stress brought about by climate change make it essential to develop breeding strategies for robustness and resilience. The lower piglet birth weight and compromised immunity of newborn piglets warrant investigation in the search for novel management tools. Robust breeds with

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