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Constipation is a very common problem in late pregnant and lactating sows kept under close confinement, mainly due to insufficient fiber in feed or to lack of exercise. Heavier sows, from second parity onwards, are more affected than lighter sows.
Whenever the sow does not defecate properly for 5 days (producing hard feces or not feces at all), constipation may become a serious condition.
If the sow is affected by constipation:
Constipated animals suffer a reduction of intestinal peristaltic movements that changes the environmental conditions in the gut. This leads to an abnormally fast proliferation of Gram-negatives such as E.coli that, when conditions change after the phase of exponential growth, lose viability and massively die.
When they die, portions of the Gram negative cell walls become powerful endotoxins called lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS are absorbed through the gut wall into blood and cause enterotoxemia. The physiological activities of LPS are mediated mainly by their fat-soluble part, called lipid A.
Once LPS are spread throughout the circulatory system of the sow, lipid A interferes with the metabolism of the animal:
Secretion of colostrum and milk is adversely affected by these metabolic changes.
LPS also contribute to the lack of appetite of the sow.
Several weeks prior to farrowing, there is an increase of the fecal excretion of E.coli and LPS. Through the contamination of the farrowing crate or the skin of the animal, E.coli arrives to the udder, where it may proliferate and cause mastitis. LPS can pollute the teat and arrive inside the mammary gland, entering the bloodstream and causing the same hormonal interferences described above.
Stress and constipation produce an increase of the shedding of E.coli and LPS before farrowing.
Constipation before and after farrowing is directly linked to postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS). Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome is the insufficent secretion of colostrum and milk, especially within 12 to 48 hours post-partum, that leads to piglet starvation. The disease called “Mastitis metritis agalactia” or “MMA” is nowadays considered a subtype of PDS, and it is regarded as an old name for the problem, because in many cases there is not true agalactia, only reduced milk production, and the occurrence of metritis is very low.
PSD occurs worldwide and affects 20-30% of the sows, producing:
The best strategy for the prevention of constipation is to maintain a balanced gut flora. Phyto-active ingredients are effective through two mechanisms of action:
In the farm conditions, the administration of phyto-active ingredients to pregnant and lactating sows reduces drastically the cases of constipation and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome, cuts down piglet’s mortality by 46% and the occurrence of piglet diarrhea by half.
ReproPlus© is a premix powder intended to maintain and improve digestive health in pregnant and lactating sows. It is formulated with synergistic ingredients:
When administered during the last period of gestation, it has a positive impact on the survivability and the health of the litter.
Certain health statements may not be applicable in your region.