Newborn piglets lack brown adipose (fat) tissue which is available to many other mammals as an energy source at birth and thereby they are more sensitive to cold stress when compared to other mammals. They are at greatest risk of hypothermia immediately after birth with a lowering of body-temperature of up to 5°C possible. Through shivering piglets try to maintain body temperature but as a result lose valuable energy reserves!
Energy intake is the most critical factor in determining piglet survival during the first 3 days of life. Large litters are susceptible to higher mortality because of lower birth weight and increased competition over teats.
In the case of prolonged farrowings, it may be beneficial to massage the abdomen of the sow.
Problems during the farrowing process may have negative consequences for the further development of the piglets.
Veterinarians and farmers across the globe have reached the landmark of protecting one billion pigs from the potentially devastating effects of Porcine Circovirus Disease (PCVD) using Ingelvac CircoFLEX®.
US - A mystery virus that has been causing tremors in piglets for decades has now been pinpointed by a team of veterinary researchers from Iowa State University. The virus, which comes from a family known as ‘pestiviruses,’ infects young pigs and can cause them to shake involuntarily.
Date: August 7th to 10th 2017 Registration Deadline: July 30th 2017
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