Farrowing (Birthing) Management

Farrowing is the process of a sow giving birth to piglets. The average gestation period in pigs is 114 days (range: 111–115 days), which is easily remembered as '3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days' Good farrowing management reduces piglet mortality and protects the health of the sow.

Signs of Approaching Farrowing

• Swelling and reddening of vulva, 2–3 days before farrowing

• Enlargement of mammary glands (udder) and milk let-down (colostrum) 12–24 hours before farrowing

• Nesting behavior — the sow will try to gather bedding material

• Restlessness, repeated lying down and getting up

• Drop in rectal temperature 12–24 hours before farrowing

Farrowing Care

The following steps should be taken during and after farrowing:

• Move the sow to a clean, disinfected farrowing pen 5–7 days before expected farrowing date.

• Provide adequate bedding — clean, dry rice husk or wood shavings.

• Keep a heat lamp at a corner of the pen for piglets (required temperature: 30–32°C for newborns).

• Assist farrowing if labor extends beyond 3–4 hours without delivery of a piglet.

• Remove birth membranes (placenta) from piglets' faces immediately; dry them with a clean cloth.

• Ensure all piglets suckle colostrum within 1–2 hours of birth.

• Identify and mark piglets with ear tags or notching for record keeping.