Prevention of metritis-mastitis-agalaxia syndrome in sows

Data collection related to farrowing performances and health parameters was performed in 20 intensive pig farms in Portugal (100-800 sows each) over 7 yr (1985-1992). At-risk profiles were obtained regarding the metritis-mastitis-agalaxia (MMA) syndrome. Using prospective surveys and subsequent preventive veterinary medicine programs in pig farms, the profile of 347 sows was analyzed by multidimensional statistical methods, and we demonstrated the value of risk-factor analysis to fight this enzootic problem. We observed a decrease in the prevalence of MMA syndrome, an increase in piglet survival and in the number of weaned piglets per sow, and a decrease in sow mortality rate. Our studies have shown the value of risk-factor analysis to fight enzootic disorders.