108.Phases of farrowing

Question 1

What are the phases of farrowing?

Answer 1

1. Preparation
2. Birth
3. final phase/afterbirth

Question 2

Describe the first phase of farrowing?

Answer 2

First Phase: Preparation

• Milk droplets in the teats
• Sow eats less, feeding more times
• Hard abdominal wall, lateral position, standing up, laying down (restless), myometrial & abdominal wall

contractions

• Slightly reduced body temperature
• Cervical opening, reddening, amnionic fluid – farrowing in 15 min

Question 3

Describe the second phase of farrowing?

Answer 3

Second Phase: Birth

• Frequent contractions (amnionic fluid comes means piglet is coming)
• Piglets are coming from uterine horns alternately in 10 to 30 min – assistance may be needed
• Total farrowing 2 to 8 h (modern breeds ↑)
• Piglets get to teats alone or assist them

Question 4

Describe the third phase of farrowing?

Answer 4

Third Phase: Final Phase / Afterbirth

• Birth of placenta in 1-5 hours
• Lochia (post-partum bleeding) for 1-2 days
• Beginning of involution

Question 5

Describe the care for the new born piglets post farrowing?

Answer 5

Caring for the new-born piglets

• Aspirated fluid from the nasal cavity and mouth if needed and possible
• Disinfection of umbilical cord

o 24hours later will fall off

• Colostrum

o All piglets, minimum 10 times of 10-20ml

• Piglet cage heated by an infrared lamp

Question 6

What are the vets duties after farrowing?

Answer 6

Vet’s duties

• On day 2

o Ferro-dextran injection to prevent anaemia

o Tail docking

o Clip the canine teeth

• On day 7-10

o Castration

o Any visible disorders?

§ Hernia, abdominal testis

• From day 14

o Castration with local anaesthesia

• In adult pigs castration must be performed under general anaesthesia