Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2. Foul-smelling or bloody vaginal discharge
3. A partially visible baby that is blue in appearance and has not exited after some time
If this is your first experience with a farrowing emergency, it is best to call the veterinarian for
assistance. Self-intervention can be attempted, but you must make sure to give the sow a shot
of antibiotic afterward. No matter how clean your hands and arms are, the chance of infection
remains high.
• Clean the vulva with antibacterial solution to avoid introducing germs to the birth canal.
• Clip and clean your fingernails before assisting with the births.
• Scrub your hands and arms with antimicrobial solution. Clean them up to the elbows.
• Lubricate the hand and arm you will be using. Dish soap will work if nothing else is avail-
able.
•Bringallofthefingersandthumbtogethertoapointandinsertintothevulva.Enterslowly
as the sow will be in fair amount of pain. Reach all the way to the area of obstruction.
•Grabthepigletbythehead,ifpossible.Pullitcarefullytowardyou.Workwiththemuscle
contractions to avoid hurting the sow more than necessary.
• If the piglet is in breech position, firmly grab the back legs and slowly pull the piglet out.
Post-farrowing matters
The first 12 to 24 hours after farrowing are the most critical for the sow and for the newborns.
Infection and stress-related problems will make themselves apparent within this time. Monit-
oring the progress of the piglets and the mother several times a day is important. The earlier
problems are detected, the easier they are to fix.
The sow's diet will need to be increased slowly to avoid digestive problems. The sow's appet-
ite gradually will pick up as she continues to nurse. The larger the litter, the more food she
will need. One of the important goals of post-farrowing care is retaining the health and vigor
of the female to make rebreeding possible.
Caring for the sow
The sow will be relieved once farrowing is over, but you will still need to monitor her for
stress, unhappiness, and signs of illness or fatigue. With a healthy delivery, she should be up
