Effects of Elevated Ambient Temperature on Pregnant Sows

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Abstract
Results are reported on the reactions of 14 sows to ambient temperatures ranging as high as 99° F. Thirteen were 85 or more days pregnant and one was open. Increasing the ambient temperature elevated markedly the respiratory rate and body (rectal) temperature of the pregnant swine. Feed and water consumptions were lowered. Of the 13 pregnant sows, 11 successfully farrowed following their return to normal conditions after being under experiment for periods averaging 8 days. During these experimental periods, they were exposed to high temperatures for 24 to 72 hours. The 12th sow died from heat prostration carrying a litter which was apparently normal. The remaining sow aborted, but the majority of her litter gave evidence that it was undergoing resorption before the experiment was started. No evidence was accumulated that indicated that rise in body temperature under these conditions would cause abortion of a normal litter. The open sow lost weight and had a lowered feed and water consumption comparable to the pregnant sows. However, her respiratory and body temperature responses were much less pronounced. Copyright © . .

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