Diseases in Sows and Boars

Question 1

Selection of breeding stock is very important and involves evaluating _________ to ensure superior quality.

Answer 1

all of the systems

Question 2

What are the 2 goals for keeping sows and boars on the farm healthy?

Answer 2

1. longevity
2. production/reproduction

Question 3

T/F: sows and boars are affected by many of the SAME conditions other age groups of pigs are affected by.

Answer 3

true

Question 4

There are a variety of causes of repro failure and it can be blamed on either the male or female. What is most commonly the general issue causing reproductive failure in sows and boars?

Answer 4

Management!
- nutrition, herd health programs, genetic selection, farm biosecuity plans, breeding management, and heat stress.

Question 5

Heat stress can cause reproductive failure in sows/boars. What can the producer do to compensate?

Answer 5

overbreed in the summer/hot months
provide shade
provide fans, ventilation, and misters.
have slatted floors

Question 6

what age group of pigs are more likely to have difficulty having the entire litter in a timely fashion?

Answer 6

gilts and older sows

Question 7

what are 8 periparturient disorders in sows?

Answer 7

1. abortions/stillbirths/ mummies/ weak piglets/ small litters
2. retained pigs or placentas
3. vaginal or vulvar injuries
4. post-partum metritis
5. hypocalcemia
6. mastitis and agalactia
7. vaginal / uterine prolpase +/- rectal
8. failure to return to estrus

Question 8

when does vaginal / uterine prolpase typically occur in sows – pre or post partum?

Answer 8

pre partum due to estrogen

Question 9

what is the treatment for retained fetus in sows?

Answer 9

first palpate her to make sure there is no obstruction / true dystocia
then, give oxytocin IM to cause uterine contractions

Question 10

what causes lameness in sows and boars?

Answer 10

1. injury
2. overgrown toes and dewclaws
3. shoulder sores in sows

Question 11

what type of pigs is overgrown toes and dewclaws most common in?

Answer 11

pet pot bellies

Question 12

What type of flooring is BEST for wearing down toes and dewclaws in adult pigs?

Answer 12

concrete
metal or plastic slatted flooring does not wear toes and they overgrow.

Question 13

what are 6 issues specific to boars?

Answer 13

1. decreased libido
2. overuse issues
3. penile injury / prolapse
4. enlarged preputial diverticulum
5. overgrown tusks
6. behavioral issues

Question 14

T/F: you should remove boars tusks if they are present

Answer 14

false – just trim them once per year

Question 15

T/F: behavioral issues can lead to a necessity to cull a boar.

Answer 15

true