Association of Fusarium mycotoxicosis with failure in applying an induction of parturition program with PGF2alpha and oxytocin in sows

Theriogenology. 2001 May 1;55(8):1745-57. doi: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00517-9.

Abstract

This trial was conducted in a farrow-to-finish pig unit from November 1999 to February 2000. Since November 1998 an induction-of-parturition program was applied in gilts and sows with PGF2alpha (2 mL Dinolytic, i.m.) 113 d post service, followed by oxytocin (1 mL Intertocine-S, i.m.) 24 h later. This program resulted in a high proportion of animals farrowing within the working hours of the day. At mid December 1999 splay-legs and edematous swelling and reddening of the vulva started to be observed in newborn piglets. A concurrent decline of parameters related to parturition also was noticed. Mycotoxicological analyses of the feeds revealed a co-occurring contamination with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. For a 4-week period, sows were divided into two groups: (a) an induction-of-parturition and (b) a non-induction-of-parturition group. Significant differences were found between the two groups relating to prevalence of dystocia (<.05) and pregnancy duration (<.05). Moreover, it was found that prevalence of splay-legs and swelling of the vulva were highly correlated (<.05) with reduction of percentage of sows farrowing within the working day and increase of pre-weaning mortality. It was concluded that such an induction-of-parturition program should be avoided during a Fusarium mycotoxicosis.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animals
  • Dinoprost / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / epidemiology
  • Fetal Death / veterinary
  • Fusarium*
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Labor, Induced / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Mycotoxicosis / physiopathology
  • Mycotoxicosis / veterinary*
  • Mycotoxins / analysis
  • Oxytocin / pharmacology*
  • Swine / physiology*
  • Swine Diseases / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Mycotoxins
  • Oxytocin
  • Dinoprost