Reproductive Failure in Smallholder Pig Farms in East and Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Agricultural Economics

Background:

• Reproductive failure significantly impacts the socioeconomic stability of smallholder pig farms in East and Southeast Asia.
• Existing research often overlooks reproductive issues as a primary focus in these farming systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize reported reproductive failures and their causes in smallholder pig farms across East and Southeast Asia.
• To identify critical knowledge gaps in understanding and addressing reproductive health challenges in this sector.

Main Methods:

• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Inclusion of 26 peer-reviewed studies from 11 countries, with a focus on Vietnam, China, and Thailand.
• Qualitative synthesis of reported reproductive failures and associated etiological factors.

Main Results:

• Stillbirth, mummification, late-term abortion, and weak-born piglets are prevalent reproductive failures.
• Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) are the most common viral pathogens implicated.
• Non-infectious factors include heat stress, inadequate nutrition and housing, and poor boar management.

Conclusions:

• A significant research gap exists regarding reproductive failure in smallholder pig farms in the region.
• Further targeted research is essential to elucidate biological, environmental, and managerial risk factors.
• Developing effective, context-specific prevention and control strategies requires addressing the unique challenges faced by these farms.