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.
When piglets are born with yellow-greenish mucus (meconium) (see piglet on the right) and faecal particles on their skin (see piglet on the left), this is a sign of a prolonged farrowing process.
EUROPE - A major pig health conference took place in Nantes, France on April 21st with new evidence showing that the PRRS disease syndrome does more damage to the costs of pork producing herds across Europe than previously estimated.
SOUTH KOREA - The Fourth Asian PRRSpective opened yesterday in South Korea's Jeju Island to update Asian pig farmers on the latest scientific research on PRRS and effective solutions in keeping it under control.
Give all the piglets the same opportunity:
Secure colostrum-intake for all
Combine different interventions
Iron supplementation from day 3 or later
Preventative pain treatment = not only for male piglets
Apply pain-relieving/ anti-inflammatory medication with a broad spectrum of activity for docked tails or arthritis
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