Risk factors associated with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows

The aim of this study was to investigate management and strategy-related risk factors for the occurrence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in commercial pig herds. A questionnaire was sent to 250 pig herdsmen. Of the responding herdsmen (n=110), 37 reported occurrences of PDS, whereas 73 reported no cases of PDS. Data were then analysed using logistic regression. After univariate analysis, eight variables associated with PDS (P<0.2) were retained and these were used to construct a multivariable logistic regression model. Four significant risk factors were found: (1) moving pregnant sows to the farrowing unit 4 days or less before expected farrowing (Odds Ratio [OR] 6.272); (2) farrowing induction (OR 4.804); (3) feeding sows ad libitum during lactation (OR 3.149) and (4) frequent farrowing supervision (OR 0.085). This study has demonstrated that a considerable number of modern pig herds still suffer from problems with PDS, and that control measures should include optimising management and feeding practices.