[hogies]

Hi All

After the disaster with my last sow I am a bit of a worrier with the new sow. She farrowed 15 piglets 1.5days ago and it all went smoothly though there were 2 still born the  3rd to last and last piglet were the still born.

Now my next concern is milk production, how do I know the sow is producing enough milk?

The piglets seem to be doing well though there is one runty one that I am keeping an eye on and may just give her some supplement feed but would love to know any tips to check the sow is producing enough.

Thankks

[hughesy]

The piglets seem to be doing well

I would have thought you've answered your own question really.

[hogies]

I would have thought you've answered your own question really.

I was hoping for some tips to identify any issues.

I did notice a yellow discharge from her vulva just now will ask the vets in the morning about this as not sure if it is normal 2 days post farrowing?

[HappyHippy]

Piglets who aren't getting enough milk will fight and squabble and just never seem content or settled. A big pile of sleeping piglets tells you they've all got full bellies  Pigs will provide enough milk no matter how many piglets they have, providing they're getting enough food (6lbs for the sow and half a pound, working up to a pound per piglet when they are around 2 weeks old)
A yellow discharge from the vulva doesn't sound so good though  Take her temperature NOW and check for signs of infection, if it's high you'll most likely need an anti-biotic - but I'd get the vet out to check first.
Don't delay - the sooner you act, the quicker it'll be treated 

Oh and congratulations on your piglets 
Karen 

[hogies]

Thanks Karen

Great advice!

[Mrs Snoodles]

Congratulations on your litter!   I had alot of old pig people giving me some advice when we had our litters and they said the same as Karen. If they are not getting enough milk they will be unsettled and pestering the sow.

We were advised to expect to lose a couple with a big litter - the weaker ones perhaps struggling to get at the teats, so I kept a good close eye on them. There was one that seemed to lag a bit, so I gave her some colostrum booster stuff called farrow mate - just a squirt of two a day.  She was fine after a few days and now, running around with all the other weaners. I'd have trouble identifying her now.

[Fowgill Farm]

Yahoo, a good litter. Congratulations.
All good pointers from the others, just make sure she has plenty to drunk, a lactating sow CAN drink upto 30ltrs of water a day so make sure she has free access to her water and encourage her to drink after her meals. Build her meals up gradually and make sure she's pooing & weeing ok, if her wee is very strong she's not drinking enough so offer water often and if necessary make her feeds wet.
Sounds like an antibiotic jab is in order re the discharge it may just be the remenats of afterbirth but better safe than sorry.
HTH
mandy