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.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), announces the 2013 recipients of its annual Advancement in PRRS Research Awards. This year, BIVI awarded $75,000 to support three separate studies by independent swine researchers and practitioners in their investigations of novel ways to diagnose, control and eliminate this costly swine disease.
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