Management points for pregnant sows

The management of pregnant sows is crucial to ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and her developing piglets. A key focus should be on protecting the fetus, promoting its normal growth, and preventing complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal death. Poor management practices are often the root cause of these issues. To achieve optimal results, the following steps should be carefully followed: First, feed safety is essential. Avoid feeding sows any contaminated or spoiled feed, including moldy, frozen, or pesticide-laden materials. Silage that is too acidic or distillers’ grains with high alcohol content should also be avoided, as they can lead to pregnancy loss. Feed portions should be moderate, with more feed provided in the evening and less in the morning. Always clean up leftover feed before each meal and check the quality of the feed by sight and smell to remove any questionable batches. Second, physical harm must be prevented. Overcrowding, aggressive behavior, slipping, or sudden frights can all cause mechanical damage to the sow. In the later stages of pregnancy, it’s important to feed the sow in a single, quiet pen to reduce stress and avoid injuries. Third, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is vital. The farrowing area should be kept clean, disinfected regularly, and well-ventilated. During winter, ensure warmth without excessive cold, and in summer, prevent heat stress. Regular disinfection using a 2–4% caustic soda solution is recommended during colder months, while pest control—such as mosquitoes, flies, and rats—is critical in warmer seasons. Additionally, long-distance transportation should be avoided to minimize stress. Another important aspect is preventing mastitis and neonatal diarrhea in piglets. This requires careful attention to the sow’s nutrition and hygiene before farrowing. Proper preparation of the farrowing area and the sow’s diet can significantly reduce the risk of these common problems. Pest control is also essential. Fleas, ticks, and swine fever can easily spread to the herd, so regular deworming and insect repellent treatments should be applied before mating or during mid-pregnancy. Lastly, creating a calm and comfortable environment can greatly benefit the sow. Playing soft music in the final weeks of pregnancy may help reduce stress. Massaging the udder and training the sow to lie on her side can improve milk production and make nursing easier for the piglets. These practices also help the sow become more familiar with human handling, which is beneficial during farrowing and postpartum care.

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