Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome in Sows: A Review

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in sows is characterized by inadequate and insufficient colostrum and milk production during the first days after farrowing. PDS occurs worldwide and incurs major financial losses to affected pig herds. The pathophysiology is multifactorial and different possible pathways related to involvement of endotoxins, stress, and inappropriate body condition have been proposed. Diagnosis of PDS can be established based on local or general signs in the sows, and increased incidence of poor performance and mortality in piglets. Many different risk factors are associated with PDS: sow-related factors (e.g., genetics, parity, body condition, and constipation), nutrition (e.g., feeding strategy, feed composition, antioxidants, and contaminants), housing and climate conditions, and management practices (e.g., farrowing induction and supervision). Treatment of sows mostly includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oxytocin, and eventually antimicrobials. Piglets should receive an alternative source of energy and/or be transferred to another sow. Control of PDS largely relies on decreasing the risk factors.