Small-scale pig keeping: the fundamentals of farrowing

Next in Dr Michaela Giles's series of small-scale insights: a simple and easy-to-follow account of farrowing from triggering labour, to normal farrowing patterns, to complete aftercare.
Approximately two weeks prior to the actual date, the sows teats enlarge and there is an increase in prominent veins in the udder due to an augmented blood supply to the area
Approximately two weeks prior to the actual date, the sows teats enlarge and there is an increase in prominent veins in the udder due to an augmented blood supply to the area

© Tedfold Cottage Farm

Anterior presentation
Anterior presentation

The majority of piglets are born head first with the front legs folded back (anterior presentation). © Tedfold Cottage Farm

Newborn piglets are still attached to their umbilical cord
Newborn piglets are still attached to their umbilical cord

Newborn piglets are still attached to their umbilical cord and it breaks as they struggle and try to walk; if the sow does not object, you can spray the end of the cord with antiseptic or iodine, due to the length of the cord being a barrier to infection this is not necessary.

The expulsion of the afterbirth
The expulsion of the afterbirth

The placenta/afterbirth is typically expelled within four hours after the last piglet (range: minutes to 12 hours). If you are present, within safe reach and know your sow well, check that there isn’t another piglet caught up in the afterbirth as occasionally it will be passed during the farrowing process.

The signs and timeline of imminent farrowing
The signs and timeline of imminent farrowing

© The Commuter Pig Keeper

Dr Michaela Giles

Michaela has worked in the livestock health industry as a research scientist since 1985. She is a director of the British Pig Association and is an active member of the British government’s Pig Expert Group. Michaela is also the author of The Commuter Pig Keeper.

More in this series: Small-scale pig keeping

March 2020 - September 2019


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