The protective agents released during the entire lactation remain active in the piglets’ intestines.
A rapid and straight forward birth process helps the production of normal lactation milk.
The amount of milk produced by the sow depends in some part on the vitality and number of piglets:
Only strong, active piglets suckling the udder stimulate milk production of the sow
Well timed and consistent milk intake by the piglets is important in maintaining the whole lactation of the sow.
Udder development and colostrum production starts during late gestation but before the birth process has started.
The amount of colostrum that is produced depends on genetic and hormonal factors as well as body condition. The intrinsic quality of colostrum is also influenced by stress.
Correct water and feed supply to the sow in the last third of gestation is essential for optimal colostrum production.
1. Colostrum phase
On average sows produce about 5 litres of colostum, where every piglet needs 250 ml each
Colostrum is released within 15 hours of the birth-process starting
The objective of the study was to investigate if the oral meloxicam administration to sows during farrowing reduces pain and infection and increases the well-being as well as the suckling behaviour of the sow. This will lead to improved intake of milk in piglets which has a positive effect on the transfer of maternal immunity, weight gain and survival capability of the piglets.
Read and download the posters.
Here you can read and download some of the posters presented during IPVS 2016 in Dublin
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