Parturition is a painful process, particularly in the case of dystocia. The alleviation of pain in the nursing sow is likely to improve animal welfare and may impact growth performance in the suckling piglets. It is important for piglets to quickly gain access to a teat and consume colostrum soon after birth in order to obtain sufficient energy supplies and protection from disease. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) may prove efficacious in the treatment of postparturient disorders and painassociated with a dysto-cic parturition. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of administering ketoprofen to dystocic sows shortly after parturition on maternal health, nursing behaviour, and piglet survival and growth.
展开▼
