CATDOLL : How to identify the signs and judgment methods of sow stillbirth

The health and reproductive capacity of sows is one of the most important factors in the pig farming industry. In the breeding process, judging whether the sows have stillbirths can not only help improve the overall breeding efficiency, but also reduce resource waste and economic losses. This article will introduce the relevant indicators and judgment methods of sow stillbirth.

The concept and causes of stillbirth

Stillbirth refers to the failure of a fetus to survive during pregnancy. Understanding the causes of stillbirth is crucial to prevention. Common causes include:

• Nutritional deficiencies : Sows require adequate nutritional support during pregnancy, and a lack of necessary nutrients can lead to poor fetal development.
• Environmental factors : Temperature that is too high or too low, and humidity that is too high or too low, will affect the health of the sow and the development of the fetus.
• Disease and infection : If the sow is infected with a virus or bacteria, it will pose a direct threat to the fetus and cause stillbirth.
• Genetic factors : Certain genetic conditions can cause problems with the development of the fetus in the womb.
• Stress factors : Strong external stimulation (such as frequent changes in the breeding environment) may cause stress reactions in sows and affect the normal development of the fetus.

Recognizing early signs of stillbirth in sows

It is crucial to identify the early signs of stillbirth during sow gestation. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Abnormal body temperature : The normal body temperature of a sow is between 38.5℃ and 39.5℃. If the sow's body temperature is found to be significantly higher or lower than this range, it may mean that there is a problem with its health.
• Loss of appetite : Sows usually have a good appetite during pregnancy. If they experience loss of appetite or refusal to eat, there may be a problem with the fetus.
• Abdominal changes : If the abdominal bulge is significantly reduced or becomes soft, it may mean that the fetus is dead.
• Vaginal discharge : If the sow has a yellow-green, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, it may be an infection caused by a dead fetus.
• Sluggish behavior : A sow's behavior, such as becoming unusually quiet, unwilling to move, or isolating from other sows, may be a sign of physical discomfort.

Judgment method

After discovering the above symptoms in sows, the following methods can be used to further determine whether it is a stillbirth :

• Ultrasound examination : Ultrasound examination with professional equipment can clearly observe the heartbeat and movement of the fetus. If the fetal heartbeat disappears, it means that the fetus may have died.
• X-ray examination : If technology permits, the bone morphology of the fetus can be seen through X-ray examination. If there is no sign of bone development, it means that the fetus is dead.
• Chorionic villus sampling : If fetal death is suspected, chorionic villus sampling and pathological examination can further confirm the survival status of the fetus.
• Veterinary diagnosis : A trained veterinarian can determine the condition of the fetus through comprehensive judgment and give professional advice.

How to deal with a stillbirth

Once stillbirth is confirmed, it is very important to take timely action to reduce the negative impact on the sow and the farm.

• Clean up as soon as possible : Dead fetuses have a great impact on the health and nutrient absorption of sows. They must be cleaned out of the body as soon as possible after confirmation.
• Professional treatment : Based on the veterinarian's advice, take appropriate medical plans to help the sows recover their health.
• Monitor nutrition : In the following days, attention should be paid to the sow's diet and nutrition so that her body can recover as quickly as possible.
• Record data : Record stillbirth events in detail to provide reference data for future management and operations to prevent similar events from happening again.

Precautions

In order to effectively prevent the occurrence of stillbirth in sows, farmers should take the following measures:

• Scientific feeding : ensure that sows receive reasonable nutrition during pregnancy and maintain a healthy level.
• Suitable environment : Regularly monitor the breeding environment and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity to reduce the impact of the environment on sows.
• Regular inspections : Regular health inspections are performed to detect potential diseases early and ensure that the sows can have a healthy pregnancy.
• Vaccination : Vaccinate sows with corresponding vaccines to prevent the occurrence of diseases and protect the health of the fetus.
• Reduce stress : Try to reduce external pressure on sows during pregnancy and avoid possible psychological and physiological stress.

Knowing how to identify the signs of sow stillbirth and taking corresponding measures is of great significance for farmers to maintain a good breeding environment and improve reproduction rate. I hope that through this article, you can pay more attention to the health status of sows during pregnancy and do a good job in related prevention and treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope it can provide you with valuable help and help you achieve greater success in your farming business.