Walter L. Hurley University of Illinois

Publish Date: June 13, 2022

Milk from the lactating sow is crucial to supply neonatal piglets with nutrition and antibodies to help them grow and thrive. In the period surrounding farrowing and lactation, sows and gilts are going through many physiologic changes that must be critically managed to ensure high levels of milk production. When these lactation levels are inadequate, a condition called Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome (PDS) occurs. PDS is characterized by any of the following: low milk production, anorexia (off-feed), fever, mastitis, and uterine infections; however, some females may not show obvious clinical signs other than producing piglets with below average weaning weights. PDS can be caused by changes in sow/gilt body composition and metabolism, response to stress in the environment, and the presence of infectious agents.