Lallemand Animal Nutrition is next week hosting a CPD-accredited webinar around assessing external signs and internal implications of farrowing difficulties, including an emphasis on the specific role of the sow microbiota.

The CPD webinar, The farrowing process in sows: developments and consequences, will take place online from 3-4pm on Thursday, February 11. It will feature presentations from well-known pig specialist and senior researcher at Scotland’s Rural College, Dr Emma Baxter, and Lallemand’s global swine product manager, David Saornil DVM.

Mr Saornil said: “As many vets are aware, it’s important to be mindful of both the external signs and internal implications of farrowing difficulties, so that precautions can be taken before significant issues arise.”

He will also discuss the importance of maternal microbial imprinting in relation to the farrowing process and subsequent piglet survival.

“By paying attention to sow nutrition pre-farrowing, the microbial profile can be bolstered, ensuring sows are fit for farrowing and piglets are exposed to a healthier microbial profile, leading to increased vitality at and after birth,” he said.

The second speaker, Emma Baxter, specialises in animal behaviour and welfare in pigs, with main research interests including neonatal survival, farrowing systems and mitigating the health and welfare impacts of selection for production traits such as hyper-prolificacy.

Ms Baxter said: “We know that farrowing can be a challenging time for sows, which can result in a range of different issues including constipation, fatigue and dystocia. However, through research and new techniques, producers can take precautions to improve management and limit these negative effects.

“When it comes to piglets, careful management is crucial and the timing of interventions can significantly impact subsequent performance.”

All attendees will be sent an email certificate after the event to count towards CPD points, and recordings of the webinar will also be available on request.

Register for the webinar, by clicking HERE.