Analysis of the Causes of Sow Constipation and Scientific Prevention and Control Measures

Sow constipation is a very common phenomenon on pig farms. If not prevented and treated in time, it may cause a series of diseases and bring harm. So what causes sow constipation? How should it be prevented and treated? Let's take a look together.

I. Causes of Sow Constipation

1. Lack of exercise during pregnancy. This situation is common in crated sows. After breeding, the sows are left without exercise, and their feed intake is also affected, which weakens the digestive function of the sows, reduces the intestinal function of the sows, and causes constipation.

2. In the late stage of pregnancy, the fetus grows larger, increasing pressure on the rectal wall, resulting in reduced rectal peristalsis. Feces stay in the rectum for too long, and water is excessively absorbed, causing constipation. This is mostly seen in sows with large litters or large piglets.

3. Sows can also develop constipation when their drinking water is insufficient. This phenomenon mainly occurs in summer. In summer, with high temperatures, sows lose water quickly, so their demand for drinking water is high. At this time, insufficient drinking water will cause the feces to become too dry and cause constipation.

4. Physiological and psychological stress in sows before farrowing can strengthen gastrointestinal peristalsis, and a large amount of water is absorbed, thereby causing constipation. This is mostly seen in first-time farrowing sows.

5. A sudden change in the sow's diet can also cause constipation due to stress. Especially when low-protein feed in early pregnancy is switched to high-protein feed in late pregnancy, it will change the absorption and secretion capacity of the large intestine and cause constipation.

6. Excessive restriction of feeding during pregnancy, combined with a lack of supplementary green and succulent feed, causes excessive water absorption in the large intestine and leads to constipation.

7. Sows have many diseases during the breeding process. To prevent diseases, farmers have to take medication for prevention. However, excessive medication often makes the feces too hard and causes constipation.

II. Prevention and Control Measures

First, balance the diet formula level and pay attention to the proportion of dietary fiber in the diet. When constipation occurs, the amount of high-quality dietary fiber used can be increased. The management of sows during pregnancy should be reasonable in all aspects. For example, sows should exercise appropriately during pregnancy, but should not exercise in the two weeks before farrowing; restricted feeding during pregnancy should be reasonable, and attention should be paid to feeding green and succulent feed; also, when changing the diet, it must be done gradually so that the sows can adapt slowly, and it must not be changed abruptly.

  The above is an introduction to the causes of sow constipation and prevention and control measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.