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.
Boehringer Ingelheim yesterday announced the expansion of its Animal Health business in China. One of the major moves is the opening of the Asian Veterinary Research & Development (R&D) Center in Zhangjiang, Shanghai.
Peter Davies
Recondition skinny sows during gestation
Increase the quantity of feed from d85 of gestation onwards: this will maximise the glycogen reserves of the newly born piglets
Ensure farm-specific vaccination schemes (in collaboration with herd vet) are complied with to result in: Stable immunity of sows as well as their piglets via colostrum-intake Optimal embryonic development
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