Changes in Respiratory Rate and Rectal Temperature of Swine near Parturition

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Abstract
Sixty Yorkshire, Hampshire and Yorkshire × Hampshire gilts and sows were used to study changes in respiratory rate and rectal temperature before, during and after parturition. Measurements began around 12 hr before birth of the first piglet was anticipated and continued at hourly intervals until 12 hr after parturition. Ambient temperature was 20 C±3. Data for each female were averaged over five periods: (A) 24 to 12 hr before birth of the first piglet, (B) 12 to 4 hr before birth of the first piglet, (C) 4 hr before birth of the first piglet, (D) parturition, and (E) 24 hr after birth of the last piglet. Respiratory rate was highest (P<.05) during period B.. Respiratory rate (breaths min-1, mean ±SE) during periods A, B, C, D and E was, respectively: 54±7, 91±4, 72±4, 35±3 and 25±3. Rectal temperature was higher (P<.05) during periods C, D and E than during periods A and B. Rectal temperature (C, mean±SE) during the five respective periods was: 39.1±.09, 39.1±.06, 39.5±.05, 39.7±.04, 39.8±.04. These data indicate that respiratory rate rises during the 12-hr period before onset of parturition in sows and gilts that are not heat-stressed. Results also show that rectal temperature of swine remains elevated slightly for at least 24 hr after parturition, suggesting this is normal rather than pathological. Copyright © 1978. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1978 by American Society of Animal Science.