In the process of pig breeding, the production of sows is a crucial link. In general, the gestation period of a sow is about 114-115 days, which is the expected farrowing date. However, sometimes we may encounter a situation where the sow has reached the expected farrowing date but has not yet farrowed. At this point, we need to take a series of scientific and prudent steps.
First of all, we need to confirm that the due date is calculated accurately. The calculation of the due date is usually based on the time of the last mating of the sow, but this date can be incorrect due to a variety of factors (such as uncertainty about the mating time, the physiology of the sow itself, etc.). Therefore, if you have doubts about your due date, you can ask your veterinarian to do an ultrasound or determine it by measuring your progesterone level. Ultrasonography can directly observe the development and number of fetuses, while progesterone levels can reflect the gestational status of the sow.
Secondly, observing the changes in the behavior of the sow is also an important means to determine whether it is about to give birth. Before giving birth, sows usually show some behavioral changes such as decreased appetite, restlessness, nesting, etc. These behavioral changes are an instinctive reaction of the sow and indicate that she is preparing for the upcoming farrowing.
However, if you still confirm that the sow has not farrowed past the expected date, you should contact the veterinarian immediately. This can be due to some underlying health issues like an oversized fetus, abnormal fetal position, uterine disease, etc. Veterinarians can determine the specific cause through professional examination and diagnosis, and give corresponding ** advice.
In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend labor induction. It is a method of triggering farrowing by using drugs to stimulate contractions in sows. However, farrowing induction is not done haphazardly, it is usually performed a few days after the expected farrowing date and with confirmation that the sow and fetus are healthy. This is because inducing farrowing may come with some risks such as premature birth, fetal asphyxia, difficulty in postpartum recovery of sows, etc. Therefore, induction of labor must be carried out under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Feeding management is also very critical while waiting for the sow to give birth. Sows should be ensured to have adequate access to clean drinking water and nutritionally balanced feed to meet their production and lactation needs. At the same time, it is necessary to keep the pig house clean and dry, and avoid overcrowding and stress to reduce the risk of disease and miscarriage in the sow.
In general, if the sow has not farrowed beyond the expected date, we should seek professional veterinary help in time to ensure the health of the sow and the fetus. In this process, we need to apply scientific knowledge and methods, combined with careful observation and reasonable management, in order to effectively deal with this challenge. Only in this way can we maximize the productivity and economic efficiency of the herd and achieve sustainable farming development.