Agalactia in Sows: Early Recognition and Proper Management Can Save Piglets
Authors
Dr. Prashant Tiwari
ICMR-NIHR, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dr. Chetna Motla
Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Introduction
Pig farming is one of the fastest-growing livestock enterprises, and the survival and growth of piglets largely depend on adequate milk from the sow during the first few weeks after birth. Unfortunately, some sows fail to produce enough milk or stop producing milk altogether after farrowing. This condition is known as agalactia, and it is one of the major causes of piglet starvation, poor growth, and early mortality.
Agalactia commonly occurs as part of the Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome (PDS) or the Mastitis–Metritis–Agalactia (MMA) syndrome. Early recognition and timely intervention are essential to protect both the sow and her litter.
Why Does Agalactia Occur?
Several factors can reduce milk production in sows:
- Poor nutrition during late pregnancy, particularly inadequate protein and essential amino acids.
- Insufficient clean drinking water.
- Heat stress or extreme cold.
- Mastitis (infection of the mammary glands).
- Metritis (uterine infection after farrowing).
- Stress during or after farrowing, leading to reduced oxytocin release.
- Feeding mouldy feed contaminated with mycotoxins.
- Poor hygiene and inadequate housing management.
Most cases result from a combination of nutritional, environmental, infectious, and management-related factors.
Recognising the Problem
Signs in the Sow
Clinical signs of agalactia in sows include little or no milk production, swollen, warm, and painful mammary glands, fever (body temperature above 103°F or 39.5°C), loss of appetite, depression or lethargy, and reluctance or refusal to allow piglets to suckle. These signs are often accompanied by restless, continuously crying piglets that fail to gain weight due to inadequate milk intake.
Signs in Piglets
Piglets born to affected sows are usually restless and cry continuously because of hunger. They repeatedly attempt to suckle but receive little or no milk, resulting in poor weight gain, weakness, dehydration, reduced activity, and chilling. If prompt nutritional support and treatment are not provided, the condition can rapidly progress, significantly increasing the risk of piglet mortality.
What Should Farmers Do?
Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
Early veterinary intervention greatly improves the chances of recovery. Depending on the underlying cause, the veterinarian may recommend:
- Oxytocin to assist milk let-down.
- Appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections such as mastitis or metritis.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and fever.
- Supportive therapy, including fluids when necessary.
Avoid self-medication, as inappropriate treatment may worsen the condition.
Support the Piglets
Piglets should never be left without nutrition.
- Feed a commercial pig milk replacer whenever possible.
- If available, transfer piglets to another lactating sow (foster sow).
- Closely monitor piglets during the first 48 hours after birth, as this period is critical for survival.
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
Provide a Balanced Diet
Pregnant and lactating sows require adequate energy, high-quality protein, minerals, and vitamins. Proper nutrition during late gestation ensures good mammary gland development and adequate milk production after farrowing.
Avoid overfeeding and never feed mouldy or spoiled feed.
Ensure Unlimited Access to Clean Water
Milk is composed largely of water. Even mild dehydration can significantly reduce milk production. Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available before and after farrowing.
Maintain Good Housing Hygiene
A clean and comfortable farrowing pen reduces stress and lowers the risk of bacterial infections.
Farmers should ensure:
- Daily cleaning and disinfection.
- Dry bedding.
- Good ventilation.
- Protection from excessive heat or cold.
- Adequate space for the sow and piglets.
Monitor Sows Closely After Farrowing
The first three days after farrowing are the most critical.
Check daily for:
- Normal appetite.
- Adequate milk production.
- Healthy mammary glands.
- Piglets nursing normally.
- Any signs of fever or illness.
Early detection prevents serious complications.
Practical Tips for Farmers
- Feed pregnant sows a balanced ration during late gestation.
- Always provide clean drinking water.
- Keep the farrowing house clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Observe piglets for signs of hunger or weakness.
- Examine the sow’s udder daily after farrowing.
- Consult a veterinarian immediately if milk production decreases or the sow develops fever.
Conclusion
Agalactia is a serious but largely preventable condition in sows. Proper nutrition, good hygiene, adequate water supply, and careful monitoring during the first few days after farrowing can prevent most cases. Early diagnosis and prompt veterinary treatment not only improve the health of the sow but also save piglets, reduce mortality, and increase the profitability of pig farming.
