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Introduction:
Constipation has become a growing concern among pig farmers, particularly in the farrowing section. The issue is often observed pre-farrowing when sows are prone to having hard, knobbly feces due to their positioning on their stomachs.
Causes of Constipation:
The rise in constipation might be attributed to pregnant sows sping a significant portion of gestation period loose-housed followed by confinement in the farrowing section. This abrupt change from mobility to immobility affects gut contraction, which narrows the birth canal and may result in an increased number of stillborn piglets. Furthermore, constipation can lead to loss of appetite and subsequently impact milk production, affecting overall productivity.
Preventive Measures:
To address this issue, sows experiencing acute constipation might benefit from dly treatment with Glauber's salt sodium sulphate decahydrate starting upon transfer into the farrowing section until after weaning. This mineral compound encourages increased water intake by the sow, leading to softer feces. A standard recommation is a functional mix of 50 g Glauber's salt and 50 g dextrose per sow dly.
Another solution involves administering vegetable oil at a rate of 200 ml once a day for five to seven days prior to farrowing in the farrowing stalls. This can be continued post-farrowing if needed, offering energy support for sows during delivery and recovery phases. Compared to Glauber's salt, vegetable oil also provides additional nutrients.
Prevention Strategies:
To preempt constipation, it's crucial to incorporate high-fiber feed into lactating rations which improves gut transit speed and retns water content in the system. Feeding beet pellets or adding fiber supplements from the farrowing transition can be effective strategies. More recently, Vilomix has advocated for routine Glauber's salt supplementation with a standardized mix of 50 g each ingredient given dly.
Mntning access to plentiful water is another key factor. Before transferring sows to the farrowing section, ensure water valves supply at least 7-8 liters per minute.
Monitoring and trning:
Sow drinking habits are critical during transition periods as some may require adaptation or retrning from gestation housing systems like constant level or water cups to nipple drinkers in the farrowing area.
:
Addressing constipation requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective treatments and preventative measures. Regular monitoring of sows' health, diet, and water intake can help farmers anticipate potential issues before they become problematic. Vilomix offers support for farmers seeking assistance with managing lactating sow health.
For further information or inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact our team at Vilomix.
Contact Information:
Vilomix HQ
Sjellebrovej 10, Lime
8544 M?rke, Denmark
Eml: [email protected]
Phone: +45 8887 5200
About Us:
Vilomix is dedicated to delivering advanced solutions for pig farming through innovative products and consultancy services. Our global network spans across multiple regions offering our expertise in Danish Agro's comprehensive suite of agricultural offerings.
:
The information should be used as a guide and farmers are encouraged to consult with veterinarians or local agricultural experts for specific advice tlored to their farm conditions.
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This article is reproduced from: https://vilomix.com/knowledge-hub/pigs/constipation-of-lactating-sows
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Increasing Lactating Sow Constipation Issues Causes and Solutions for Pig Farmers Pre farrowing Constipation in Sows Glaubers Salt and Vegetable Oil Treatments Preventive Measures against Constipation Importance of Fiber in Sow Diets