Signs and assistance for farrowing Vietnamese pigs for the first time at home
Vietnamese pigs are very popular with livestock breeders. Animals have good immunity, do not require complex care. Sows are fertile. Usually, farrowing of Vietnamese pigs for the first time does not cause problems at home. For the childbirth to be successful, you need to properly prepare for the process. It is also important to understand the characteristics of pig farrowing.
How to determine if a sow is pregnant?
The onset of pregnancy in a Vietnamese pig can be determined by several signs. Common symptoms:
- behavioral features - the pig behaves apathetically. The animal sleeps restlessly, in the first weeks there is a loss of appetite;
- white discharge of a curd consistency sometimes appears from the genitals;
- signs of sexual desire disappear.
In the second half of pregnancy, the animal is rapidly gaining weight. The stomach is significantly enlarged. During this period, the pig becomes lethargic, mostly lying. In behavior, there are notes of fearfulness or an intention to defend 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 giving birth, the sow's good-natured or apathetic behavior is replaced by anxiety. The pig refuses to eat, its belly sinks, lobes are formed. There are several sure signs of an early resolution:
- the pig restlessly walks around the pen or tries to lie on its side;
- the animal begins to equip the nest, tramples down the litter;
- chews hay to soften it.
The nipples swell a lot and take on a bright pink hue. When pressed on them, a special secret is released - colostrum. Farrowing usually takes place in the evening or at night.
What you need before you start
For the upcoming birth, you need to prepare a pen. To make the process successful and without complications, part of the pen is fenced off for the sow, while separating the nook for the pigs (so that the pig does not accidentally crush them). The room is washed with an alkaline solution and 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 piglet cubicle to provide newborn animals with the required air temperature (at least 30 ° C).
In order for the first birth to pass without complications, you need to prepare the necessary materials, tools, medicines.
To receive and handle piglets, prepare several clean diapers, scissors, umbilical cord ligation, a roll of cotton wool and iodine. 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 birth process going?
Some breeders do not consider it necessary to assist the sow in childbirth. However, it was noticed that in the presence of the owner, the pig behaves more calmly, and the process of childbirth is faster and easier. If labor is delayed, you can inject the pig with Oxytocin (a stimulant) at home. One injection is given before and after childbirth, the syringe is inserted into the ear region. Usually the process of giving birth to a Vietnamese sow lasts 3-5 hours. In exceptional cases, it can 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 stands / lies down, seeks to urinate, lies on its side;
- after a while, attempts begin, which are noticeable by the contractions of the abdominal muscles;
- contractions and attempts become more frequent and end with the opening of the cervix. Several violent contractions result in a piglet;
- the animal calms down for a while (5-30 minutes), and then labor is resumed for the birth of the next cub.
After the birth of the last piglet, there is a rest pause (30-60 minutes). The release of the placenta ends the process of childbirth. It is carefully collected and removed.
Important! The sow should not be allowed to eat the afterbirth. It is believed that in the case of eating the afterbirth, the sow can eat the newborn piglets.
Possible complications
Most often, the process of childbirth in Vietnamese pigs takes place without dangerous consequences. But the animal owner needs to be prepared for some complications. Common problems after farrowing:
- Rapid labor can cause vaginal rupture;
- dry childbirth occurs with premature discharge of fetal waters. To facilitate labor, warm solutions are introduced into the birth canal (decoction of flaxseed, vegetable oil, petroleum jelly);
- the exit of the placenta usually occurs 1.5-3 hours after delivery. If this does not happen, it is recommended to seek help from a veterinarian;
- prolapse of the uterus. The pathology can be corrected manually - the organ is disinfected and carefully adjusted. But it is advisable to invite a specialist;
- improper placement of the fetus can cause severe contractions and prolonged pushing. 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 farrowings, you cannot do without the help of a specialist. Otherwise, there is a possibility of serious consequences or even death of the sow.
Postpartum care
In a pig, after the end of farrowing, the contaminated mammary glands are washed with clean water. The vulva area must be treated with a disinfectant solution. The animal is wiped dry. Be sure to change the litter - remove the dirty straw and lay a clean one. After farrowing, you need to give the animal to recuperate. Be sure to give clean water to drink (3-4 liters).
During farrowing, it is advisable to provide a round-the-clock watch near the sows. For the first birth of a Vietnamese pig to be successful, it is better to invite a veterinarian. The specialist will assist the animal and explain the owner's actions in case of difficult births.
