Ethology and assessment of the physiological and somatic status of newborn piglets in industrial conditions

Purpose: to study the main physiological indicators of newborn piglets in industrial conditions; adaptation based on the obtained data of the generally accepted Apgar scale for intensive production.

Materials and methods. 152 newborn piglets of a Landrace and Duroc mix, obtained from 12 different sows, were studied according to the existing methodology of the adapted Apgar scale in the conditions of an industrial pig farm. The sows from which the piglets were obtained were of different ages, clinically healthy. The sows were fed using the Dry Rapid feed distribution system, the sows had individual feeders, feeding with compound feed. All planned preventive measures (vaccination and deworming) were carried out according to the established schedule. From the first minutes of life, piglets were fed with colostrum and, later, sows' milk by selfsucking of the udder teats, then, for the introduction of complementary foods, on the 10th day, removable group feeders (pre-starter feeding) and nipple drinkers were provided. All piglets selected by us were examined immediately after birth and 5 and 20 minutes after birth. The assessment of their condition was carried out according to the following criteria: assessment of the general physical condition, the presence of visible developmental pathologies, activity, and the intensity of the sucking reflex. Assessment of the general condition, activity and presence of pathologies was carried out by general clinical methods - examination, palpation, auscultation. To assess the sucking reflex of each piglet, a reflexological method was used: a visual assessment of the sucking reflex on the nipples.

Results. In the course of the research, not only the main physiological indicators (parameters, standards) of the above criteria applicable to newborn piglets in industrial conditions have been established, but also the generally accepted Apgar scale for intensive production has been adapted, which will allow you to quickly and reliably assess the morphophysiological state of newborn piglets, their physiological maturity, as well as to make a forecast regarding their further general condition and, based on these signs, to cull.

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