Parturition effects on reproductive health in the gilt and sow

Abstract

connection to post-partum reproductive health and fertility. We discuss the normal physiology and behaviour around parturition and the effect of the second phase (expulsion of foetuses) on the third phase of parturition (expulsion of foetal membranes). In addition, we intend to cover retained placenta, and the connection to postpartum uterine health and fertility in the contemporary prolific sow. We also explore factors that support successful parturition or can cause potential problems. Successful parturition in the pig includes the possibility to express adequate maternal behaviour, rapid expulsion of the piglets, complete expulsion of the placenta, neonatal activity and colostrum intake. Abnormal incidents during any phase of parturition can cause subsequent problems. Duration of the expulsion phase of foetuses can be used as a simple measure of whether parturition is considered successful. Prolonged parturition can impair health of the sow and piglet and fertility after weaning. New insights, such as adding more fibre to sow diets during pregnancy, and especially during the period prior to farrowing, may prevent constipation, increase water intake of the sow around parturition and increase milk intake and performance of piglets. Maternal characteristics, including maternal behaviour, ease of parturition, colostrum production and piglet quality parameters, may be utilized to improve success rate of reproductive management during farrowing and early lactation. Additionally, we share some of the recent developments in methods, including ultrasonography in evaluation of post-partum uterine health. In conclusion, successful farrowing is of the greatest importance for reproductive health of the sow and survival of the piglets. We suggest connections exist among prolonged farrowing and yield of colostrum, retained placenta, development of PDS, and impaired involution of the uterus and reduced subsequent fertility.

Physicochemical properties to support fibre characterization in monogastric animal nutrition

“…This may have application, for instance, to choose specific fibre sources for different development stages in swine nutrition . This could be the prevention of diarrhoea after weaning, the intestine and fermentation development throughout the fattening period and the requirement of satiation or prevention of constipation for sows . There is currently no standardized recommendation available in monogastric nutrition to include source or amount of fibre in the diet, neither based on physicochemical properties nor based on quantitative approaches .…”

“…[16][17][18] This could be the prevention of diarrhoea after weaning, 19 the intestine and fermentation development throughout the fattening period 20 and the requirement of satiation or prevention of constipation for sows. 21,22 There is currently no standardized recommendation available in monogastric nutrition to include source or amount of fibre in the diet, neither based on physicochemical properties nor based on quantitative approaches. 16 Although various studies have been done, 11,12,23,24 correlation of a broad range of fibre rich feeds, analysed with the same methods, is rare.…”

The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets

“…In addition, this increment in the duration of the process of farrowing increases the risk of birth complications and occurrence of diseases post-partum (Björkman, Oliviero, Kauffold, Soede, & Peltoniemi, 2018;Björkman et al, 2017;Peltoniemi, Björkman, & Oliviero, 2016). Therefore, if there is an urge to further increase the litter size in the pig, these adverse effects should be kept in mind.…”

Developments of reproductive management and biotechnology in the pig

“…Alternative reproductive management strategies as IS have a considerable impact on grouping dynamics and reproductive functions in the pig (Peltoniemi et al, 2016). Sows are in anoestrus during lactation and maturation of follicles is bound to the process of weaning.…”

“…A large litter may be challenging for the metabolism of the sow such that there may be difficulties in resumption of ovarian cyclicity after weaning, especially in young sows in certain European breeds Peltoniemi et al, 2016;Björkman et al, 2018c;Oliviero et al, 2019). Therefore, there appear to be major challenges associated with increasing litter sizes that are evident at farrowing, lactation and after weaning, which are periods when the foundations of the subsequent pregnancy are laid (Algers and Uvnäs-Moberg, 2007;Martineau et al, 2012).…”