aula 10 Pós cobertura e cuidados com o recém nascido

Summary

This video script provides a comprehensive guide on managing pregnant sows, focusing on critical stages such as pregnancy detection, care during gestation, signs of labor, and post-birth management of piglets. It covers various methods for detecting pregnancy, including the use of a boar, ultrasound, and hormonal tests. It emphasizes the importance of a calm environment for the sow to prevent stress-induced complications. Additionally, it explains the care needed for piglets right after birth, including cleaning, warming, and ensuring they receive colostrum. The video also discusses common procedures such as castration and iron injections for piglets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper management of the breeding sow is critical for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and successful farrowing.
• 😀 The first step in pregnancy detection is observing whether the sow returns to heat after mating. If she does not, this indicates she is likely pregnant.
• 😀 Detecting heat through the male 'rufian' is a reliable method with approximately 90% accuracy, although mistakes can occur if the process is rushed.
• 😀 Other methods, such as palpation and Doppler ultrasound, are less commonly used, with ultrasound being the most effective for confirming pregnancy.
• 😀 After breeding, the sow should be kept in a calm environment to prevent embryo mortality and improve the number of piglets born.
• 😀 The sow should be moved to a clean farrowing pen 7 days before birth to ensure the piglets are born in a sterile environment.
• 😀 As the sow approaches labor, signs like the swelling of the mammary glands and secretion of milk are key indicators that birth is imminent.
• 😀 During farrowing, the sow may experience restlessness, and the process can last from 2 to 6 hours. Any complications should be addressed promptly.
• 😀 Ensuring that piglets begin nursing immediately after birth helps stimulate both the sow's milk production and the piglets' immune systems.
• 😀 Post-birth, piglets should be monitored closely for vitality, and any signs of difficulty, like failure to nurse, should be addressed with proper care (e.g., drying, reanimation, and ensuring warmth).

Q & A

What is the primary concern during the reproductive management of pigs?

The main concern is ensuring that the sow (female pig) becomes pregnant and carries the pregnancy to term, leading to the birth of healthy piglets. Proper care during gestation, including providing a calm environment and monitoring health, is essential.

How can you tell if a sow is pregnant after mating?

One way to detect pregnancy is by observing if the sow does not return to heat after the mating cycle, which typically lasts about 21 days. If the sow does not come back into heat, it is likely pregnant, although there could be other health issues.

What is the most reliable method to confirm pregnancy in sows?

The most reliable and accurate method is ultrasound, which allows clear visualization of the embryos and confirms whether the sow is pregnant or not.

What are the signs that a sow is approaching labor?

Signs that a sow is approaching labor include her becoming restless, her mammary glands becoming engorged, and secretion of milk. About 12 hours before labor, milk may start to drip in small amounts.

Why is it important to avoid stress for the sow during pregnancy?

Stress can cause embryonic death, reduce the number of piglets, or lead to early reabsorption of embryos. Maintaining a stress-free environment is crucial for the health of both the sow and the piglets.

What steps should be taken to ensure a smooth farrowing (birth) process for the sow?

The farrowing environment should be clean, calm, and stress-free. Sows should be moved to a maternity area one week before expected farrowing. Careful observation during labor is necessary, and any complications, such as a prolonged labor without piglets being born, should be addressed immediately.

What role does the sow’s milk production play in the health of the piglets?

The sow’s milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies to the piglets. It is important that piglets nurse as soon as possible to ensure they receive colostrum, which helps boost their immunity and overall health.

What are the key steps in caring for newborn piglets?

Newborn piglets should be cleaned and dried immediately. Their umbilical cords should be disinfected, and they should be given access to the sow’s milk for colostrum. Additionally, piglets should be kept warm, and their health should be monitored for signs of distress.

How should the sow's diet be managed after giving birth?

After giving birth, the sow’s diet should be managed to encourage milk production. Initially, her feed intake should be controlled to avoid excessive milk production, but it should gradually increase as the piglets begin to nurse more frequently.

What factors can affect the sow's ability to return to heat after weaning?

Factors such as the length of lactation, the number of piglets, the sow’s health, and the quality of her nutrition can influence her ability to return to heat. Sows that experience a longer lactation period or lose significant weight may have a delayed return to heat.