Case study of a high rate of stillbirths in a swine herd

The problem of a high stillbirth rate on a swine farm was investigated. A review of production records revealed an average litter size of 13 pigs born alive and 1.5 stillborn pigs, with stillbirth rates higher for litters from older sows. However, the average parity of the sows studied was only 2.7, indicating a young herd. Backfat measurements indicated many sows were over-conditioned, but body condition was not associated with stillbirth rate. Sows that farrowed during working hours produced fewer stillbirths compared to sows farrowing when no personnel were in the barn to assist. Induction of parturition using an injection of prostaglandin after gestation Day 114 was commonly practiced and resulted in longer farrowing durations for induced sows compared to non-induced sows (P = 0.001) and a trend toward more stillbirths (P < 0.1). Sows that were induced to farrow were no more likely to farrow during working hours than non-induced sows. Key clinical message: It was suggested that, in order to reduce stillbirth rates in this herd, it would be advisable to extend the hours of supervision during the days on which most farrowing was expected to occur.