THE 2 PHASES OF MILK PRODUCTION
- 5 minutes
1. Colostrum phase
On average sows produce about 5 litres of colostum, where every piglet needs 250 ml each
Colostrum is released within 15 hours of the birth-process starting
COLOSTRUM PHASE
- 5 minutes
Udder development and colostrum production starts during late gestation but before the birth process has started.
The amount of colostrum that is produced depends on genetic and hormonal factors as well as body condition. The intrinsic quality of colostrum is also influenced by stress.
Correct water and feed supply to the sow in the last third of gestation is essential for optimal colostrum production.
LACTATIONAL MILK
- 5 minutes
A rapid and straight forward birth process helps the production of normal lactation milk.
The amount of milk produced by the sow depends in some part on the vitality and number of piglets:
Only strong, active piglets suckling the udder stimulate milk production of the sow
Well timed and consistent milk intake by the piglets is important in maintaining the whole lactation of the sow.
USING NATURAL PROTECTIVE AGENTS IN MATURE MILK
- 5 minutes
The protective agents released during the entire lactation remain active in the piglets’ intestines.
CREATE MAXIMUM “PULL”– GIVE ALL YOU CAN TO YOUR OFFSPRING
- 5 minutes
Milk production is at peak level on day 18 +/- 1 of lactation where up to about 16 litres/day is produced depending on:
Litter size and vitality of the suckling pigs
Genetic potential
Health status
THIS IS WHAT THE SOW CAN DELIVER
- 5 minutes
Up to 40 milking bouts per day!
Natural protective agents in the sow’s mature milk are active in the piglet’s intestines.
• No milk-no protective agents!
►pathogens readily multiply in the intestines
• Hourly milk-take
is a prerequisite for a healthy gut and a healthy piglet
WHY A HEALTHY GUT IS SO IMPORTANT
- 5 minutes
The regulation of organ-development, as well as the performance of specific organs follows a certain nutritional cascade.
MILK FLOW - HORMONAL BLOCKING
- 5 minutes
Progesterone in the uterus blocks milk production. Only when the birth process is complete and the after-births have been delivered does this blocker stop.
Prolactin is important, especially in the last third of gestation, for proper udder-development. Furthermore prolactin is the main milk-promoting hormone during lactation.
Be aware of endotoxins and inflammations in the sow!
Endotoxins i.e E.coli endotoxins and inflammatory processes inhibit these milk-hormones.
REVVING UP THE MILK PRODUCTION
- 5 minutes
Oral application of an anti-inflammatory agent: Less stress and improved animal welfare
Research at the LfULG Kollitsch showed:
Anti-inflammatory agents, when applied orally and at the right moment will result in
Lower (normal) body-temperature of the sow
Better feed-intake of the sow
7 % less pre-weaning losses and higher weaning weights
PIGLETS PREPARE THE SOW
- 5 minutes
Strong, active piglets will stimulate the sow to produce the maximum amount of milk.
WEAK PIGLETS – IRREGULAR RETURN TO OESTRUS
- 5 minutes
Piglets that are not actively massaging the udder and thereby stimulating the release of prolactin leads to:
Premature cessation of milk production
Irregular return to oestrus