Prevalence and Clinical Signs of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome at The First Day after Farrowing in Farmed Sows in The Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) and associated clinical signs in farmed sows in the Republic of Macedonia (RM) in the first 12-24 h postpartum. A total of 202 sows of different parity and different genetic lines from 5 pig farms in RM were included in the study. The sows and their litters were clinically examined 12-24 hours after farrowing. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome was detected in 23.3% of all clinically examined sows, while prevalence between farms ranged from 14.8% to 38.1%. Altered piglet’s behavior was the most frequent clinical pattern observed in 68.1% of the PDS–affected (PDSA) sows. Regarding the clinical signs in PDSA sows detected among farms, significant differences were observed in the altered piglet’s behavior (p<0.05) and hypogalactia (p<0.05). Endometritis was more often detected in older sows (90%) compared to endometritis in younger animals (44.4%). In addition, fever was also more frequently diagnosed in higher parity (≥3 parity) sows (55.0%) in contrast to other PDSA sows (22.2%). This study has demonstrated the presence of PDS in farmed sows in RM. High frequency of altered piglet’s behavior found in this study could be an useful indicator for early detection of lactation problems in sows. Frequent pathological vaginal discharge in older sows indicates that endometritis plays an important role in the clinical manifestation of PDS. Further investigations should be conducted in order to identify specific risk factors associated with clinical PDS in farmed sows in RM.

Infrared Thermography of the Mammary Gland in Sows with Regard to Health and Performance

“…For this reason, and because colostrum and milk intake have a dominant influence on growth rates of suckling piglets [14,15], nowadays it is more important than ever that all piglets are provided with sufficient amounts of colostrum and milk [16][17][18]. This goal can only be achieved by healthy sows [19][20][21][22]. It has long been known that postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) of sows has negative effects on the weaning litter weight [23] and the daily weight gain of their piglets [24].…”

Virulence genes of Escherichia coli vaginal isolates associated with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows

“…Des écouvillons vaginaux pour les tests bactériologiques ont été prélevés sur des truies atteintes de PDS (PDSA; n = 47) P ostpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in sows is one of the main health concerns characterized by fever, endometritis, and insufficient colostrum and milk production during the first days after farrowing. [1][2][3] The syndrome decreases growth rate and increases mortality in preweaning piglets due to reduced lactation performance of sows in the first 48 to 72 hours post partum. 1,4,5 It is associated with huge financial losses and negatively affects animal welfare in intensive pig production worldwide.…”

“…[1][2][3] The syndrome decreases growth rate and increases mortality in preweaning piglets due to reduced lactation performance of sows in the first 48 to 72 hours post partum. 1,4,5 It is associated with huge financial losses and negatively affects animal welfare in intensive pig production worldwide. 5,6 The incidence at herd level depends on criteria used to assess the occurrence of PDS and is estimated to vary between 0.5% and 60%, with an average of 13%.…”

“…[10][11][12] Recent studies demonstrated that endometritis in sows shortly after farrowing is considered to be a risk for development of PDS. 1,3 Additionally, the dominance of E coli in the genital tract of affected sows highlights its potential role in the clinical manifestation of the syndrome. 6,8,13,14 However, to our knowledge, E coli isolates obtained from the vaginal swabs of PDS diseased sows have not been analyzed for presence of virulence genes.…”