What to Do If a Sow Does Not Give Birth by the Due Date

If a sow still has not given birth when the due date arrives, it may be due to delayed parturition, pseudopregnancy, or fetal death. If it is delayed parturition, cloprostenol can be injected within 2 days after the due date to induce labor; if it is pseudopregnancy or fetal death, B-ultrasound can be used for detection.

Causes of a sow going past the due date:

1. Miscounted date

This is often encountered in our production process, and the due date is often miscalculated due to return to estrus and re-mating, unclear records, or calculation errors. Therefore, before taking measures, be sure to consider whether the due date is correct, so as to avoid causing great losses.

2. Delayed parturition

Farrowing within 2-3 days after the due date is normal. If more than 3 days past the due date there are still no signs of farrowing, then induction of labor is needed.

3. Pseudopregnancy

The sow's belly also grows bigger day by day, and even when the due date is near, milk may appear, but the sow still does not give birth. This is also common in actual production.

4. Fetal death

Fetal death and delayed parturition caused by strong stimuli such as high temperatures and fighting, or infection with porcine parvovirus disease, pseudorabies, Japanese encephalitis, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, etc.

It is quite common for a sow to farrow three days past the due date, but everyone should take timely countermeasures according to the different causes. If the situation is unclear or uncertain, you should still consult a professional veterinarian.