What does the sow refuse to breastfeed?
2025-09-21 07:34:46
Under normal circumstances, sows are able to feed their piglets effectively. However, in real farming situations, some sows may refuse to nurse, which can be a major concern for farmers. When this happens, it's important to understand the underlying causes and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.
There are generally four common reasons why sows might refuse to breastfeed:
First, first-time sows may lack experience and feel anxious or overwhelmed when their piglets try to nurse. They may not know how to respond or become too nervous to allow the piglets to feed. In such cases, patience is key. The sow should be encouraged to lie down, and the farmer can gently rub her sides to calm her. It’s also important to keep the feeding area quiet and prevent piglets from fighting over teats. Repeating this process several times can help the sow get used to the nursing routine. Additionally, massaging the sow’s udder during late pregnancy can help prepare her for lactation.
Second, competition among piglets for teats or the presence of overly long or sharp canine teeth can cause discomfort to the sow. This may lead her to reject nursing. To address this, farmers should monitor the piglets closely and trim any excessively long canines using clean scissors. Ensuring that piglets don’t fight for teats will also reduce stress on the sow.
Third, injuries to the sow’s nipples or the development of mastitis can make nursing painful. If the sow feels pain when the piglet suckles, she may cry out or even bite the piglet. In these cases, the affected piglets should be removed immediately and either transferred to another sow or given artificial milk. The sow’s udder can be treated with a 10% ointment, and antibiotics like sulfonamides may be administered. It’s also advisable to delay breastfeeding until the sow has recovered.
Fourth, poor nutrition or insufficient milk production can lead to reluctance in nursing. Sows may feel uncomfortable when piglets constantly nibble at their teats, causing them to roll over or push the teat under their body. To improve milk production, farmers should provide high-quality lactation feed and supplements like prolactin. Foods such as soy milk, millet porridge, and cooked tripe soup can be beneficial. In more severe cases, herbal remedies like wood betony, Vaccaria, fennel, Atractylodes, Angelica, Astragalus, and Codonopsis can be prepared as a decoction and mixed with porridge to support milk production.
By understanding these causes and taking timely action, farmers can significantly improve the chances of successful nursing and ensure the health and well-being of both sows and piglets.
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