MANAGEMENT
PIH-46
pork industry handbook
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Care of the Sow During Farrowing and Lactation
Authors:
David C. England, Oregon State University
Hobart W. Jones, Purdue University
Steven Pollmann, Decatur, Indiana
Reviewers:
Ellen T. Blocker, Starkville, Mississippi
Jerry Hawton, University of Minnesota
John and Nancy Joyce, Anderson, Wyoming
Ronny Moser, University of Minnesota
Richard H. Simms, University of Tennessee
Introduction
Proper care of the sow during gestation, farrowing, and lactation is a means to reach a goal—a large litter of healthy pigs at birth that will remain healthy and grow rapidly. Care during this time must also prepare the sow for a successful repeat performance at the earliest time within the system of weaning and rebreeding used. The sow must reach farrowing in the best nutritional and microbiological health for herself and for the expected litter. Properly balanced rations should be fed in recommended amounts so that newborn pigs are well developed and strong. A herd health program that assures minimal exposure of the sow to disease or disease carriers during gestation is essential for maximal litter survival during the first weeks of life and for effective growth to weaning and market. The sows should be managed in a gentle and confident manner and on a regular daily schedule.

Prefarrowing
Deworming Sows
If there is indication of worm infestation, sows should be dewormed about two weeks before moving to farrowing crates or pens. Treatment for external parasites at least twice (in approved repeat times for the product used) also should be accomplished within a few days before movement to the farrowing facility (See PIH-44).

Preparing the Farrowing Unit
If possible, the total farrowing unit should be cleaned completely of organic matter, disinfected, and left unused for 5-7 days before a new group of sows is placed in the unit. When this is not practical, at least the individual pen, stall, or crate should be completely cleaned of organic matter and disinfected before a new sow is placed in the unit.
Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. H.A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.