Piglets that are not actively massaging the udder and thereby stimulating the release of prolactin leads to:
Premature cessation of milk production
Irregular return to oestrus
Strong, active piglets will stimulate the sow to produce the maximum amount of milk.
Oral application of an anti-inflammatory agent: Less stress and improved animal welfare
Research at the LfULG Kollitsch showed:
Anti-inflammatory agents, when applied orally and at the right moment will result in
Lower (normal) body-temperature of the sow
Better feed-intake of the sow
7 % less pre-weaning losses and higher weaning weights
Progesterone in the uterus blocks milk production. Only when the birth process is complete and the after-births have been delivered does this blocker stop.
Prolactin is important, especially in the last third of gestation, for proper udder-development. Furthermore prolactin is the main milk-promoting hormone during lactation.
Be aware of endotoxins and inflammations in the sow! Endotoxins i.e E.coli endotoxins and inflammatory processes inhibit these milk-hormones.
Jason Yan
"Surgical castration of pigs should be abandoned by 1 January 2018" Brussels Declaration, 2010
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