**5. Conclusions**

348 Basic and Clinical Endocrinology Up-to-Date

Cause of mortality *n* %

Stillborn 50 34.5 Starvation 30 20.7 Trauma 27 18.6 Infections 17 11.7 Other\* 21 14.5

Total 145 100

Table 1**.** Primary causes of piglet mortality (from birth to day 5 of life) determined after post-

A balanced nutritional program designed to avoid excessive weight loss during lactation is of great importance for successful lactation. It has been shown that feeding the sow with higher amounts of fiber during pregnancy, intake of feed during lactation can be increased with a corresponding increase in performance of piglets (Quesnel et al., 2009). It has also been shown, that increasing fiber intake throught the reproductive life of the sow appears as a feasible approach, contributing to improved welfare of the sow as well as good reproductive performance of the sow and improved growth performance of piglets

Piglet mortality and mean birth weight appear to be closely associated with littersize. When litter size increased from 10 to 15, number of stillborn piglets went up from 0,3 to 1,0 and the proportion of piglets weighing less than 1 kg went up from 3 to 15 %, respectively (Boulot et al., 2008). In large litters, supervision of farrowing is therefore necessary. The first issue there is an accurate prediction of farrowing. We have developed techniques, whereby prediction of farrowing becomes possible and feasible. Movement sensors monitoring impending farrowing can be used to predict the expulsion phase of farrowing 24 hours prior to the first birth of the first piglet (Oliviero et al., 2008b). Other modern technology, such as use of thermocameras may be applied to detect hypothermic newborn piglets that require

We argue that the present development regarding piglets born in the pig industry is not on a sustainable basis. Instead of the number of piglets born alive, more research effort should be aimed at increasing the birth weight of piglets born and decreasing the still birth rate. Moreover, more attention should be paid to the quality of newborn piglets, the quality of piglets weaned and the quality of fattening pigs. The quality of piglets and fattening pigs in the pig production may be achieved by long term studies, starting during the fetal period, focusing on early development of the piglet and finally exploring the

Intake of feed by sows during lactation appears as a key in enhancing gonadotrophin secretion and follicle development throughout lactation, however these effects of feeding become more evident towards the end of lactation (Kauffold et al., 2008). Follicle growth after weaning, as triggered by gondatrophins FSH and LH, then occurs the faster the better the stimulation by gonadotrophins has been prior to weaning (Kauffold et al., 2008).

\*Anaemia, malformed, autolysis.

(Peltoniemi et al., 2009).

immediate attention by the caretakers.

**4. Gonadotrophins and follicle development** 

fattening phase of the pig.

mortem examination (41 litters).

Successful farrowing includes components of maternal behavior, duration of farrowing, piglet mortality and colostrum intake. Feeding is considered as the major factor in the reproductive management of the hyperprolific sow. New insights such as adding more fiber to sow diets during pregnancy and especially in the period prior to farrowing prevent constipation, increase water intake of the sow around parturition and increase milk intake and performance of piglets. Use of modern technology in supervision of farrowing may improve losses related to large litters. Use of ultrasound technology after weaning to monitor follicular growth may further improve littersize. In breeding programs, new components of maternal characteristics such as maternal behavior, ease of parturition, colostrum production, and piglet quality parameters may be taken to further improve success rate of reproductive management.
