Evaluation of zootechnical parameters of piglets born and suckled from dams treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug after farrowing

Abstract

Background: Farrowing is a precarious moment in pig production potentially associated with a wide range of ailments in sows and gilts, and often having a negative impact on pre-weaned piglet zootechnical performances. Aim: To evaluate zootechnical parameters of piglets born and suckled from dams treated postpartum with tolfenamic acid at a commercial farm. Methods: Dams were randomised to receive an intramuscular injection of 4% tolfenamic acid at 2 mg/kg body weight within 12 hours postpartum (TA group) or no inflammatory treatment (control group). Evaluated parameters included individual piglet live weight at birth (day 0); number of live piglets at day 2; mortality at weaning; and individual weight at weaning. IgG transfer assessment was conducted in a subset of piglets stratified by suckling position. Results: 81 dams and their litters were included (TA group: 20 sows, 21 gilts, 472 piglets; Control group: 20 sows, 20 gilts, 458 piglets), with IgG transfer assessment conducted in 80 piglets of 20 randomly selected dams (TA group: 40; Control group: 40). Piglet performances in the TA versus control groups respectively, were: average daily gain 0.23 ± 0.06 versus 0.20 ± 0.06 kg (p [Open Vet J 2023; 13(11.000): 1436-1442]

Keywords

• nsaid
• tolfenamic acid
• within-litter
• weight
• variation