Causes of poor milk production in Pigs

 

A sow/female pig may produce no milk while milk may be produced initially and stop flowing within hours-days. This is a common situation that is not easily detected nor corrected and a frequent cause of piglet diarrhea and mortalities. 

Listed below are a few factors that affect milk flow:

*Nutrition:* imbalanced feed, toxins, low water intake are nutritional factors that affect milk production. Feed for pregnant pigs should contain sufficient levels of vitamins,minerals, toxin under and amino acids for proper milk production. 

The right quantities of these nutrients and additives is best guaranteed using a *Gestation concentrate* when milling feed. 

Poor water intake during gestation will definitely lead to reduced milk production because 50% of the water consumed by a pregnant pig is allocated for milk production while milk is made up of 83% water. 

Water intake during gestation can be increased by using *Digestal* which  provides a sweet taste that encourages more water intake by 25-50% in pregnant pigs.

*Diseases:* infected water easily transmits infection to the udder/breast through open milk ducts or skin abrasions affecting production of milk. 

Drinking water and pen cleaning water should always be disinfected by *Sanitab* to eliminate chances of contaminated water infecting the udder and affecting milk production.

*Stress:* 

fever, pain,,noise,heat  etc are stress factors that affect the production of milk in a sow. 

This happens because adrenaline is released when pigs are stressed and it will block the action of oxytocin hence affecting milk flow.

*Low litter size at first farrowing:* 

Fewer piglets suckling the sow at its first farrowing affect the maturity and future milk production ability of idle teats on the udder/breast. The effect becomes apparent in the future when the sow has more piglets leading to continuous high rates of mortality. 

Proper mating of gilts combined with the use of *Hifarrow* helps to ensure Gilts produce many piglets at their first farrowing.

*Congestion*

Weak piglets/fewer piglets at birth unable to property stimulated the sows udder can lead to milk congestion which can also affect the proper flowing of milk. 

Piglets born weak can be made more active by using *PigletStart* which gives them enough power to actively stimulate and consume excess milk in the udder/breast ensuring a more consistent flow of milk and relieving the sow from pain.

*Whatsapp 08064567724 for more details*