Blood pressure in the sow: an attempt of indirect measuring ante partum.

Farrowing disorders in the sow have detrimental consequences in pig farming and many points of the condition still remain obscure. It was suggested to investigate blood pressure since this might provide an early indication of farrowing disturbances. A first study involved 29 pregnant sows. Blood pressure was measured indirectly using a pediatric occlusive cuff unrolled around the base of the tail and connected to a manometer. The recordings were made on resting sows in recumbent position. The disposal was considered suitable. The values obtained showed a good repeatability. Then a prospective survey involving 122 sows was undertaken. Blood pressure was measured at the 111th day of pregnancy. Systolic values ranged from 89 to 142 mm Hg (mean: 112.4). Physical profile of the sows (weight, backfat thickness) slightly influenced systolic level. On the other hand the sows obtaining the lowest values for systolic pressure were more prone to develop a prolonged farrowing. According to the lack of a parallel direct blood pressure measurement, these results have to be taken with caution. The perspective of early detection of "at risk" individuals with respect to MMA through blood pressure measurement, needs further work.