Correct Methods and Detailed Operating Steps for Assisting Sows During Farrowing

When a sow is farrowing, a farrowing attendant must be present. Generally, about half an hour after the water breaks, the first piglet is delivered, and then usually one piglet is delivered every 5 to 20 minutes. A normal farrowing process lasts 2 to 4 hours. About half an hour after all piglets are delivered, the placenta is expelled. There are also cases where the placenta is expelled while piglets are still being born. After a piglet is delivered, immediately use your fingers to scoop out the mucus from the piglet's mouth or nasal cavity to prevent blockage of the respiratory tract. Then use a clean cotton cloth to wipe dry the mucus on the piglet's body, reducing heat loss from evaporation of moisture on the body surface, so as to prevent the piglet from catching a chill. If an individual piglet is still wrapped in the fetal membrane when delivered, the membrane should be torn open immediately to avoid the piglet dying from suffocation.