Farrowing Vietnamese pigs for the first time: signs and care at home

Vietnamese pigs are very popular with breeders. Animals have good immunity, do not require complex care. Sows are fertile. Usually farrowing Vietnamese pigs for the first time does not cause problems at home. For childbirth to be successful, you need to properly prepare for the process. It is also important to understand the characteristics of farrowing pigs.

How to tell if a sow is pregnant?

The onset of pregnancy in a Vietnamese pig can be determined by several signs. Common symptoms:

• peculiarities of behavior - the pig behaves apathetically. The animal sleeps restlessly, in the first weeks there is a loss of appetite;
• sometimes white discharge of curd consistency appears from the genitals;
• signs of sexual desire disappear.

In the second half of pregnancy, the animal is rapidly gaining weight. Significantly increases the stomach. During this period, the pig becomes lethargic, mostly lies. In behavior, notes of shyness appear or an intention to protect the territory is noticed. During this period, it is recommended to isolate the female from other animals, to ensure her peace.

Vietnamese pig farrowing signs

A few days before the birth, the good-natured or apathetic behavior of the sow is replaced by anxiety. The pig refuses to eat, her stomach drops, shares are formed. There are several sure signs of an imminent resolution:

• pig restlessly walks around the corral or tries to lie down on its side;
• the animal begins to build a nest, tramples down the litter;
• chewing hay to make it softer.

Nipples swell a lot and turn bright pink. When pressed on them, a special secret is released - colostrum. Farrowing usually takes place in the evening or at night.

What you need before starting

For the approaching birth, you need to prepare a corral. In order for the process to be successful and without complications, a part of the corral is fenced off for the sow, while separating a cubby for piglets (so that the pig does not accidentally crush them). The room is washed with an alkaline solution, left to dry. The walls are whitewashed with slaked lime, the floor is covered with clean straw. In the cold season, several lamps are installed near the cubby for piglets to provide newborn animals with the right air temperature (not lower than 30 ° C).

In order for the first birth to go without complications, you need to prepare the necessary materials, tools, medicines.

A few clean diapers, scissors, threads for tying the umbilical cord, a roll of cotton wool and iodine are prepared for the reception and processing of piglets. Scissors are pre-wiped with alcohol. The drinking bowl is filled with clean water, and warm water is also prepared for washing the sow and piglets.

How is the process of childbirth

Some breeders do not consider it necessary to assist the sow in childbirth. However, it has been noticed that in the presence of the owner, the pig behaves calmer, and the process of childbirth is faster and easier. If the birth is delayed, you can inject the pig with Oxytocin (a stimulant drug) at home. One injection is made before and after childbirth, the syringe is inserted into the behind-the-ear region. Usually the process of giving birth to a Vietnamese breed sow lasts 3-5 hours. In exceptional cases, it may take up to 10-12 hours.

The main stages of farrowing:

• the walls of the uterus contract and the behavior of the sow changes: the animal constantly gets up / lies down, tries to urinate, lays on its side;
• after a while, attempts begin, which are noticeable by contractions of the abdominal muscles;
• contractions and attempts become more frequent and end with the opening of the cervix. Several strong contractions result in a piglet;
• the animal calms down for a while (5-30 minutes), and then labor activity resumes for the birth of the next cub.

After the birth of the last piglet, there is a rest pause (30-60 minutes). The birth process ends with the release of the placenta. It is carefully collected and disposed of.

Important! The sow must not be allowed to eat the afterbirth. There is an opinion that in case of eating the placenta, the sow can eat newborn piglets.

Possible Complications

Most often, the process of childbirth in Vietnamese pigs takes place without dangerous consequences. But the owner of the animals needs to be prepared for the occurrence of some complications. Common problems after farrowing:

• rapid labor can cause vaginal rupture;
• dry childbirth occurs when the fetal waters break prematurely. To facilitate labor, warm solutions are introduced into the birth canal (flaxseed decoction, vegetable oil, petroleum jelly);
• the exit of the placenta usually occurs 1.5-3 hours after birth. If this does not happen, it is recommended to seek help from a veterinarian;
• prolapsed uterus. You can correct the pathology manually - the organ is disinfected and carefully set. But it is advisable to invite a specialist;
• Incorrect position of the fetus can cause strong contractions and prolonged attempts. In such a situation, there is a danger of uterine rupture. To correct the position of the fetus and facilitate childbirth, a veterinarian is invited.

If the situation is not critical, you can help the animal yourself. But with complex farrowing, you can’t do without the help of a specialist. Otherwise, there is a possibility of serious consequences or even death of the sow.

Postpartum care

After farrowing, the contaminated mammary glands are washed with clean water in a pig. The vulva area must be treated with a disinfectant solution. The animal is wiped dry. Be sure to change the bedding - remove the dirty straw and lay clean. After farrowing, you need to allow the animal to recuperate. Be sure to give a drink of clean water (3-4 liters).

During farrowing, it is desirable to ensure round-the-clock duty near the sows. In order for the first birth of a Vietnamese pig to be successful, it is better to invite a veterinarian. The specialist will help the animal and explain the owner's actions in case of difficult childbirth.

Recommended