Porcine Savaging of Piglets Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Savaging (also called maternal infanticide or puerperal psychosis) refers to aggressive behavior exhibited by newly farrowed sows or gilts toward their own newborn piglets, involving deliberate biting attacks that can result in severe injury or death. This behavioral abnormality accounts for approximately 4% of pre-weaning piglet deaths and affects up to 18% of litters, representing a significant welfare concern and economic burden in swine production.

The condition occurs almost exclusively during or immediately after farrowing and is most common in gilts (primiparous sows). Understanding the etiology, recognition, prevention, and management of savaging is essential for NAVLE preparation, as it integrates concepts of reproductive physiology, animal behavior, pharmacology, and herd management.

Definition and Epidemiology

Clinical Definition

Savaging is defined as an active attack on piglets using the jaws that results in serious or fatal bite wounds within the first 24 hours of birth. The behavior is distinct from passive neglect or accidental crushing. Affected piglets typically exhibit severe trauma to the head, shoulders, and back, characterized by cuts, tears, and bite wounds that dry quickly in the warm farrowing environment.