If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be a pig parent, this blog post is for you!
We’ll cover the basics of how long it takes for pigs to give birth and what to expect before, during, and after the birthing process.
Read on to find out all the details you need to know about raising your litter of piglets!
Table of Contents
How Long Does It Take for Pigs to Give Birth
The gestation period of a pig is typically 114-116 days, lasting just over 3 months. During this time, the piglets form and grow inside the sow (sow is a mother pig). The sow will be ready to give birth at the end of gestation.
The active birthing process can last anywhere from 30 to four hours, with 15-minute intervals between piglets. The sow will be in labor when her body works hardest to push the piglets out.
When the sow is in labor, it’s important to provide her with a clean and warm environment and keep a close eye on her as she delivers.
It’s also important to be aware of any unexpected complications that may arise during the birthing process. If anything seems off or out of the ordinary, it’s best to seek immediate veterinary assistance.
It’s also important to ensure the piglets are nursing properly once they are born. Generally, the piglets should fall asleep at the teat. If not, you may need to intervene and help the piglet latch on.
Finally, once the sow has given birth, it’s important to monitor her progress and her piglets’ health and behavior.
The sow may not be interested in food for a short period after giving birth, but her appetite should return soon. Additionally, separating the sow and piglets after delivery is important to ensure their safety.
Understand the Gestation Period
Pigs have a gestation period of about 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. During this period, piglets form and grow inside the sow’s uterus.
The sow will have a short break of 5-7 days before she is ready to be bred again. During this time, the sow should be given clean and warm bedding and monitored for any signs of labor.
It is important that the sow is provided with an ideal environment for the delivery and that she is monitored for any unexpected or worrying complications. It is also important to help the sow during delivery, as the active birthing process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours.
After delivery, the sow and piglets should be separated, and the piglets’ health and behavior should be monitored. Keeping track of the sow’s progress is essential to ensure that she and her piglets stay healthy.
Identify Signs of Labor
Once you understand the gestation period, it’s important to identify the signs of labor in the sow. As the pig approaches the end of the gestation period, she will become restless and often stop eating.
The sow may also start digging a nest to prepare for her babies. Additionally, her temperature will drop below the normal body temperature.
This can be measured with a rectal thermometer and should reach below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).
As the pig gets closer to delivery, the sow may also experience contractions, which can be seen as abdominal tightening. She may also release a straw-colored liquid, a sign that the birth is imminent.
Know When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
Pigs usually give birth without issues, but preparing for complications is important. If the sow has difficulty delivering her piglets or is not emerging properly, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Veterinarians can provide advice and treatments to help with the delivery process. Additionally, they can monitor the progress of the birth and assist if needed.
It is also important to watch for any signs of illness or distress in the sow during labor. If these signs are present, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Provide an Ideal Environment for Delivery
When providing an ideal environment for the delivery of a pig, it is important to keep a few things in mind. The sow should be clean, dry, and warm, free from drafts. The area should also provide plenty of space for the sow to move around and lie comfortably.
A bed of clean straws is ideal and should be changed regularly to prevent infection from bacteria and parasites. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid the buildup of carbon dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems.
The temperature should remain between 65°F and 75°F to ensure that the piglets don’t become too cold or too hot. Additionally, it is important to keep the sow and her piglets away from noisy and crowded areas, as this can cause undue stress.
Be Prepared for Unexpected Complications
Pregnancy in pigs can last anywhere from 114 to 116 days, but it is important to understand that unexpected complications can arise anytime.
Preparing for any potential risks or issues during delivery is important. Sometimes, a sow might require medical assistance to deliver her piglets. In other cases, the piglets may need to be manually extracted.
Knowing the signs of labor and when to seek veterinary assistance is key to ensuring safe and successful delivery.
Additionally, providing an ideal environment, such as clean and warm bedding, is essential to allowing the sow to feel secure and comfortable during labor.
Help the Pig During Delivery
For those raising pigs, it is important to know how to help the sow during childbirth. Doing so can make the delivery process smoother and ensure the safety of the piglets and the sow.
During labor, the sow will display signs of discomfort and may become agitated. It is important to provide a calm, quiet environment during this time. If the sow displays signs of distress or difficulty, Veterinarian assistance should be sought immediately.
Providing plenty of clean and warm bedding for the sow and her piglets is important. This will make the delivery process more comfortable and safer for the pig and her piglets.
Finally, monitor the piglets’ health and behavior after birth and keep track of the sow’s progress. Doing so can help ensure a successful delivery and a healthy litter.
Provide Clean and Warm Bedding
Providing clean and warm bedding is essential in ensuring the safety and comfort of the sow and piglets during delivery.
The bedding should be comfortable and warm enough so that the sow can rest and relax while giving birth. It should be soft enough to cushion and firm enough to support the sow’s weight. Moreover, it should be free of sharp objects that could harm the sow or the piglets.
The bedding should be free of any bacteria or parasites. If needed, the bedding should be changed regularly to ensure that the sow and piglets are safe and comfortable.
Separate the Sow and Piglets After Delivery
After the piglets have been delivered, separating the sow from the piglets is important. This will ensure the sow can rest and recover from the birth and that the piglets are kept safe from potential dangers.
The sow should be placed in a separate pen with plenty of food, water, and other necessities. The pen should also be well-ventilated and have warm, dry bedding. It is important to monitor the sow during this time to ensure she is not in pain or discomfort and is recovering properly.
If any signs of distress or illness are noticed, veterinary assistance should be sought immediately.
Monitor the Piglets’ Health and Behavior
Once the piglets are born, it is important to monitor their health and behavior to ensure that they develop properly.
After the active birthing phase, the sow should be checked to ensure that she is not in distress and that all piglets have been born.
It is also important to ensure that the piglets are nursing and eating. Piglets should be able to fall asleep at the teat, and if they seem to be struggling, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
It is also important to monitor the piglets’ behavior, as any signs of distress should be addressed immediately. Finally, the sow’s progress should be monitored to ensure that she is not in too much pain and is recovering properly.
If any signs of distress are noted, a veterinarian should be contacted as soon as possible.
Keep Track of the Sow’s Progress
After giving birth, it’s important to keep a close eye on the sow and her newborn piglets. Monitor her progress carefully for any signs of infection or other health issues.
Make sure to take her temperature regularly and check for any signs of discomfort or distress. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of her lactation, as she needs to produce enough milk to keep her piglets healthy. I
f she’s not producing enough milk, try supplementing the piglets’ diets with other sources of nutrition, such as formula or powdered milk. It’s also a good idea to keep a log of the sow’s and piglets’ weight and how often she is nursing them.
This will help you to stay on top of any issues that may arise and address them as quickly as possible.
