The mother and her husband are trained
Spring to early summer is the peak season for female animals, such as cattle, horses, donkeys, pigs, and sheep, to give birth. The most critical period for dams—especially in terms of health and survival—is right before and after childbirth. During this time, poor management and improper care can lead to high mortality rates among both the mother and her offspring, resulting in significant economic losses. To ensure a safe and healthy birthing process, it's essential to understand the physiological changes that occur in the dam and implement proper feeding strategies.
First, let's look at the physiological changes in the mother and her body before and after giving birth. As the pregnancy progresses, the fetus grows rapidly, causing the mother’s abdomen to expand significantly. This growth puts pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its capacity and often leading to issues like indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation. Feeding large amounts of roughage during this time can restrict fetal movement and affect blood circulation, potentially causing malpresentation or difficult labor. After delivery, the mother has used up a lot of energy, and her reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus, are still recovering. Her digestive system remains weak during this period, requiring careful attention.
In terms of feeding practices, it's important to adjust the diet before and after birth to support the dam’s health and the well-being of the newborns. Before labor, feed should be controlled to prevent overfeeding, which can cause indigestion or dystocia. Easily digestible feeds should be prioritized. In pig farming, for example, sows require more nutrients in the later stages of pregnancy, so multiple small meals are recommended. Coarse feed should be gradually reduced, and the amount of concentrate increased based on the sow’s condition. This helps avoid an oversized stomach that could press on the fetus and cause complications.
Three to four days before farrowing, feed intake should be decreased, and easily digestible options like bran should be provided. This helps the sow have smooth bowel movements, making labor easier and preventing postpartum constipation or overly rich milk that might cause diarrhea in piglets. Immediately after birth, the umbilical cord and membranes should be removed to prevent the sow from swallowing them, which could lead to digestive issues or affect milk production.
On the second day after delivery, the sow can be given easily digestible feed. By the third or fourth day, regular feed can be gradually reintroduced. For other types of dams, the feed should be reduced 10 to 15 days before delivery, especially limiting roughage and focusing on easily digestible options. No additional feed should be given within 7 to 10 days after birth; instead, a gradual feeding approach should be used to return to normal levels. High-quality, easily digestible feeds should be chosen to maximize nutrient absorption.
The feeding strategy should always be adjusted based on the individual needs of the dam. Some may not need their feed reduced if they are already eating well, while others with signs of discomfort, such as bloating or poor appetite, may benefit from earlier reduction. Postpartum feeding should also be tailored to the dam’s appetite, digestion, and milk production to ensure optimal recovery and lactation.
By understanding these physiological changes and adjusting feeding practices accordingly, farmers can significantly improve the health and survival rates of both mothers and their young, ultimately leading to better productivity and fewer losses.
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