Assessment of hypothermia in outdoor newborn piglets and comparison with an indoor system

2000 ◽  
Vol 2000 ◽  
pp. 139-139
Author(s):  
G.R. Riart ◽  
S.A. Edwards ◽  
P.R. English
Keyword(s):  
Pig Production ◽  
New Born ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Piglet Mortality

In the last few years, there has been an increase in outdoor pig production in many countries. Outdoor herds, on average, are still less productive than indoor herds, often due to higher pre-weaning piglet mortality. Hypothermia is one of the most important underlying causes of piglet mortality in early post-natal life (English and Morrison, 1984). Although the extent of hypothermia suffered by the new-born piglet in an indoor system has been demonstrated (Pattison et al, 1990), no data of this kind are available regarding the outdoor situation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the extent of hypothermia suffered by outdoor piglets at 30 and 60 minutes after birth, and to compare this with piglets born indoors.

The effect of farrowing house temperature on piglet behaviour and creep use

1987 ◽  
Vol 1987 ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
J. Barber ◽  
R.A. Bourne
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
Safe Area ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
Piglet Survival ◽  
Considerable Economic Loss

Piglet mortality between birth and weaning represents a considerable economic loss to the national pig herd. Despite general reductions in pre-weaning losses, mortality figures from the better producers would suggest that improvement is possible. In attempting to reduce piglet losses it is important to establish when the deaths occur and their underlying causes. Together, starvation and overlying has been reported to account for 75% of all pre-weaning losses. Furthermore, chilling predisposes newborn piglets to starvation, overlying and disease, (Curtis, 1974). Piglets require a much greater environmental temperature than the farrowing sow, and therefore heated creep areas are provided to satisfy their needs. In addition the creep offers a safe area away from the danger of overlying by the sow. The greater the time piglets spend in the creep areas, the lower is the likelihood of them being chilled or overlain. Most studies show that 50% of pre-weaning mortalities occur during the first two days after farrowing, (Pomeroy, 1960 and English et al., 1977), therefore use of the creep during this period would seem important to piglet survival. This study provides information on piglet behaviour during the first week of life in relation to farrowing pen temperature and two designs of creep.

scholarly journals Optimal feed level during the transition period to achieve faster farrowing and high colostrum yield in sows

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takele Feyera ◽  
Sigrid J W Skovmose ◽  
Signe E Nielsen ◽  
Darya Vodolazska ◽  
Thomas S Bruun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
Blood Biochemical ◽  
Lysine Concentration ◽  
Optimal Feed ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
Birth Time

Abstract This study aimed to determine the optimal supply of lactation feed during the transition period to minimize farrowing duration (FD) and maximize colostrum yield (CY) and quality with the overall aim of reducing piglet mortality. A total of 48 sows were stratified for body weight and assigned to six levels of feed supply (1.8, 2.4, 3.1, 3.7, 4.3, and 5.0 kg/d) from day 108 of gestation until 24 h after the onset of farrowing. The number of total born, live-born, and stillborn piglets; birth time and birth weight of each piglet; and frequency of farrowing assistance (FA) was recorded, and blood samples were obtained from newborn piglets at birth. Live-born piglets were further weighed at 12 and 24 h after birth to record weight gain, which in turn was used to estimate intake and yield of colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. FD was shortest (4.2 h) at intermediate (3.7 kg/d), longest (7.1 to 7.6 h) at low (1.8 and 2.4 kg/d), and intermediate (5.6 to 5.7 h) at high (4.3 and 5.0 kg/d) feed intake (P = 0.004; mean comparison). FA was lowest (0.7% to 0.8%) at intermediate feed intake (3.7 and 4.3 kg/d) and substantially elevated (4.3% to 4.7%) at both lower and higher feed intake (P = 0.01; mean comparison). The cubic contrast revealed 4.1 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to achieve the shortest FD and to minimize FA. Newborn piglets from second-parity sows were less vital than piglets from gilts as evaluated by blood biochemical variables immediately after birth. CY was greatest at 3.1 kg/d (P = 0.04), whereas the cubic contrast revealed 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to maximize CY. Concentrations of colostral components were affected by the diet, parity, and their interaction except for lactose concentrations. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the importance of proper feed level during the transition period on sow productivity. Moreover, this study estimated 4.1 and 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake during the transition period to improve farrowing characteristic and CY, respectively, and these two feed intake levels supplied daily 38.8 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) and 23.9 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (3.0 kg/d) or 53.0 MJ ME and 32.7 g SID lysine (4.1 kg/d). The discrepancy of optimal feed intake for optimal farrowing and colostrum performance suggests that it may be advantageous to lower dietary lysine concentration in the diet fed prepartum.

A comparison of performance and behaviour of Meishan crossbred sows and piglets in crate and multisuckling systems

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 194-194
Author(s):  
W. Wattanakul ◽  
A H Stewart ◽  
S A Edwards ◽  
P R English ◽  
A Marr
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
The Social ◽  
Leg Weakness ◽  
Piglet Mortality

The farrowing crate has been designed to prevent crushing of newborn piglets but restricts sow movement throughout lactation with the result of sow problems such as stereotypies and leg weakness. To improve the sows' and piglets' welfare and meet the requirements of commercial production, the combination of individual farrowing crates, to control the piglet mortality in the first stage, with group housed multisuckling systems to restore the social environment of the sow have been investigated (Petchy, Dodsworth and English, 1978; Bryant, Rowlinson and Steen, 1983; Andersson and Andreasson, 1992; Sinclair, 1993). The change of environment can, however, lead to problems of the sows fighting on the day of mixing and possible increase in piglet mortality by crushing (Andersson and Andreasson, 1992, Sinclair, 1993). The use of a multisuckling system with Meishan crossbreds may utilise the benefits of docile temperament, enhance pig welfare and meet the economic requirements of commercial production.

scholarly journals Animal Welfare and Production Challenges Associated with Pasture Pig Systems: A Review

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Pietrosemoli ◽  
Clara Tang
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Production System ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Extreme Temperatures ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Potential Contact ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

A review of published literature was conducted to identify pasture pig production system features that pose risks to animal welfare, and to develop recommendations aimed at improving the wellbeing of the animals managed in those systems. Pasture pig production systems present specific challenges to animal welfare that are inherent to the nature of these systems where producers have little room to make improvements. However, these systems present other challenges that could be reduced with a carefully designed system, by adopting appropriate management strategies and by avoiding management practices that are likely to negatively affect animal wellbeing. In pasture pig production systems, exposure to extreme temperatures, potential contact with wildlife and pathogens (especially parasites), vulnerability to predators, risk of malnutrition, pre-weaning piglet mortality, complexity of processes for monitoring and treating sick animals, and for cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment are among the main threats to animal welfare.

A comparison of performance and behaviour of Meishan crossbred sows and piglets in crate and multisuckling systems

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 194-194
Author(s):  
W. Wattanakul ◽  
A H Stewart ◽  
S A Edwards ◽  
P R English ◽  
A Marr
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
The Social ◽  
Leg Weakness ◽  
Piglet Mortality

The farrowing crate has been designed to prevent crushing of newborn piglets but restricts sow movement throughout lactation with the result of sow problems such as stereotypies and leg weakness. To improve the sows' and piglets' welfare and meet the requirements of commercial production, the combination of individual farrowing crates, to control the piglet mortality in the first stage, with group housed multisuckling systems to restore the social environment of the sow have been investigated (Petchy, Dodsworth and English, 1978; Bryant, Rowlinson and Steen, 1983; Andersson and Andreasson, 1992; Sinclair, 1993). The change of environment can, however, lead to problems of the sows fighting on the day of mixing and possible increase in piglet mortality by crushing (Andersson and Andreasson, 1992, Sinclair, 1993). The use of a multisuckling system with Meishan crossbreds may utilise the benefits of docile temperament, enhance pig welfare and meet the economic requirements of commercial production.

scholarly journals Pestivirus K (Atypical Porcine Pestivirus): Update on the Virus, Viral Infection, and the Association with Congenital Tremor in Newborn Piglets

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alais M. Dall Agnol ◽  
Alice F. Alfieri ◽  
Amauri A. Alfieri
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Type A ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
The Family ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
And Control ◽  
Congenital Tremor

The atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) belongs to the species Pestivirus K of the genus Pestivirus and the family Flaviviridae, and it has been associated with congenital tremor (CT) type A-II in newborn piglets. Although APPV was discovered in 2015, evidence shows that APPV has circulated in pig herds for many years, at least since 1986. Due to the frequently reported outbreaks of CT on different continents, the importance of this virus for global pig production is notable. Since 2015, several studies have been conducted to clarify the association between APPV and CT. However, some findings regarding APPV infection and the measures taken to control and prevent the spread of this virus need to be contextualized to understand the infection better. This review attempts to highlight advances in the understanding of APPV associated with type A-II CT, such as etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control and prevention measures, and also describes the pathophysiology of the infection and its consequences for pig production. Further research still needs to be conducted to elucidate the host’s immune response to APPV infection, the control and prevention of this infection, and the possible development of vaccines.

PSII-22 The Effects of Lactobacillus Fermentum on Sow and Litter Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 160-160
Author(s):  
Josh K Knapp ◽  
Shana M Winkel ◽  
Alison Bartenslager ◽  
Melanie D Trenhaile-Grannemann ◽  
Joice V San Andres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Diet ◽  
Lactobacillus Fermentum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract The use of probiotics may be an effective strategy in sustainable pig production. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum LfQi6 (LF) on sow and litter performance. First parity, gestating sows (UNL Resource Population Rep x DNA Genetics Duroc; n = 28) were allotted one of two treatment groups. Treatment groups consisted of a control group (CTL) fed a standard gestation and lactation diet for the duration of the study, while the experimental group was fed CTL supplemented with 10^10 CFU LF per day from d 80 of gestation through lactation. Individual piglet body weights (BW) were recorded weekly. LF sows tended to enter the farrowing crates lighter than the control sows (209.93 vs 200.91kg; P = 0.0794). LF sows had a smaller loin eye area when compared to CTL sows (6.24 vs 5.86 cm2; P = 0.0374) when entering the farrowing crates. However, LF sows tended to lose less loin area per day when in the crate (0.025 vs 0.012 cm2/d; P = 0.078); resulting with there being no difference in loin area when the sows left the farrowing crates. Piglet BW tended to be greater at weaning for the sows fed the LF (5.37 vs 5.66 kg, P = 0.0528). The mean piglet BW were 1.25,1.33; 2.37,2.44; 4.08,4.22; and 5.37,5.66 at d 0, 7, 14, 21; respectively for CTL and LF. Sows fed the LF had fewer pigs born alive per litter (16.09 vs 14.12; P < 0.05) when compared to the sows fed the control diet. However, piglet mortality tended to be decreased for LF compared to CTL (3 vs 1.76; P = 0.0645). Results suggest that supplementation with Lactobacillus fermentum LfQi6 may provide some benefits with respect to sow and litter performance.

scholarly journals In newborn piglets does drying versus no intervention reduce the risk of mortality pre-weaning?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Blackie
Keyword(s):  
Bottom Line ◽  
Newborn Piglets ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Form Part ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Case Basis

PICO question In newborn piglets, does drying piglets, compared to no intervention, reduce the level of mortality pre-weaning (up to 28 days)? Clinical bottom line Data specifically evaluating drying piglets are limited. Many papers had multiple factors evaluated or were assessments of management in general. There is evidence that drying piglets can reduced mortality and improve thermoregulation of piglets. The cost of such interventions has not been appraised and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, currently when advising farmers it could be suggested that the drying of piglets may form part of a number of recommendations given to reduce piglet mortality pre-weaning.

Current pig production systems

1987 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Practical Interest ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Current Interest ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Strong Current ◽  
Environment Type ◽  
Piglet Mortality

AbstractCurrent pig production systems reflect management decisions taken over a period of many years. The range of constraints on pig producers has grown rapidly and priorities are in the process of change. On the basis of the available evidence, the following conclusions may be made.Less than half the pig breeding enterprises in the United Kingdom use sow housing which involves individual confinement and more than half provide dry sows with bedding. At present, there is a strong current interest in group housing systems.In the parturition and lactating stages, farrowing crates are used in the vast majority of herds and the main current practical interest is in improving crate and pen design and husbandry techniques to assist in minimizing piglet mortality.Less than half of the herds use fully slatted accommodation for newly weaned pigs and nearly one-third provide bedding. In the follow-on stage, less than one-fifth of herds use fully slatted floors and ‘fully controlled environment’ type accommodation.There is strong current interest in fully slatted finishing housing but so far less than one-tenth of herds use it. Nearly two-thirds of herds use finisher houses which are not in the ‘controlled environment’ category.

scholarly journals Labelling as a Tool for Improving Animal Welfare—The Pig Case

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Tind Sørensen ◽  
Lars Schrader
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Suckling Period ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Tail Biting ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
The Eu

Market-based promotion of animal welfare has become increasingly important in the EU. Retailers in several countries have implemented graded animal welfare labels for a variety of animal-based products. In this paper, we use labels for pork as a case study and investigate which aspects of animal welfare are promoted by pig welfare labels; we further discuss to what extent labels address the major welfare problems observed in European pig production. Consumers generally focus on aspects of animal welfare related to naturalness, such as outdoor access, straw, and duration of suckling period. Animal welfare labels often address these aspects in addition to other welfare aspects that are of interest to the consumer, such as space, mutilations, confinement, and access to roughage. Major welfare problems such as piglet mortality and weaner diarrhoea are not directly addressed by pig welfare labels. As pig welfare labels often require intact tails, it will also be relevant to address the risk of tail biting and tail lesions. Pig welfare labels, in general, do not use animal-based measures; rather, they are resource-based measures, while animal-based measures are more directly related to animal welfare. Animal-based measures are more difficult and expensive to use in a certification system than resource-based ones. In addition, animal-based measures may be more difficult to communicate to consumers. However, inclusion of animal-based measures would improve reproducibility of labels across production systems and provide documentation on actual levels of major animal welfare problems.

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