Neonatal Piglet Temperature Changes: Effect of Intraperitoneal Warm Saline Injection

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Newborn piglets struggle with thermoregulation, leading to significant temperature drops within 24 hours.
• Poor thermoregulation in piglets is linked to reduced survival rates and compromised early development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a warm intraperitoneal saline injection in improving piglet thermoregulation and survival.
• To investigate the interaction between saline treatment, birth weight, early rectal temperature, and colostrum intake on piglet outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Administered a 15 mL intraperitoneal injection of 45°C saline to newborn piglets.
• Categorized piglets by birth weight (BWC), initial rectal temperature (RC), and colostrum intake (CI).
• Monitored rectal temperature recovery up to 24 hours and preweaning survival rates.

Main Results:

• Saline injection improved rectal temperatures in low-birth-weight piglets (BWC1) from 2 to 24 hours.
• Piglets with insufficient colostrum intake (BWC3) also showed improved rectal temperatures after saline treatment.
• Colostrum intake and survival rates were enhanced by saline injection across various birth weight and temperature categories, especially for piglets in RC1 and BWC1.

Conclusions:

• Intraperitoneal warm saline injection is an effective method to improve thermoregulation, colostrum intake, and survival in newborn piglets.
• This intervention is particularly beneficial for low-birth-weight piglets and those experiencing significant hypothermia at birth.
• The findings support practical applications for producers managing large litters with high numbers of vulnerable piglets.