Nursing

The social order has already been established

During the second half of pregnancy the enlargement of the mammary glands becomes visible in sows. One or two days before the expected farrowing date the udder becomes swollen, tense and warm and the skin is reddening.

The average number of mammary glands is 12. Newborn piglets instinctively approach the nipples, which are located in two parallel rows underneath the belly. They need to start suckling within the first 20 minutes. Otherwise their own energy reserves are quickly exhausted, they starve, become disoriented or weary and die of starvation or infections. The social order of a litter is being established during the first one or two days.

Weak piglets soon become disoriented

Weak piglets soon become disoriented The composition of the sow's milk during the first days differs from later milk. It is called colostrum and is rich of proteins and antibodies. The latter help to protect the offspring from certain infections until their bodies own defense systems are completely developed.

Strong and curious penmates

Farrowing accommodations need a special design to suit the dam as well as the litter. While the sow is comfortable at ambient temperatures of 22°C newborn piglets get easily chilled. Baby piglets need a refuge to avoid being flattend or traumatized by their mom. Therefore, most farrowing boxes are provided with insulated, clean, draft free creep areas, which additionally provide shelter from the sow.

Moveable heat lamps constantly keep the temperatures at 32°C during the first days in certain areas. Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available.
Milk production is exhausting for the sows metabolism. During lactation she requires threefold the daily feed ration she needed during pregnancy. If kept on an inadequate diet she will mobilize body fat stores in order to maintain milk production. But the loss of body weight during lactation results in a delayed return of heat after weaning.