Abstract

EVALUATION OF HERBAL PRODUCT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FARROWING STRESS IN SOWS AND IMPROVING LITTER WEIGHT

M. Kalyana Chakravarthi, K. Ravikanth, Shivi Maini and Ankush Reothia*

Abstract

This study examined the impact of herbal product in the management of farrowing stress in sows and improving litter weight. 20 sows which were in their late gestation period were randomly divided into two groups (n=10). Group T0 sows served as no treatment control group and group T1 sows were supplemented with herbal antistress product, Stresomix (M/S Ayurvet Ltd., Baddi) administered for 10 days prior to farrowing and & 6 weeks post farrowing. The analysis of result revealed that mean piglet weight improved in Stresomix supplemented group by 18.8%. Average litter size was also more in Stresomix supplemented group (8) than control group (7.7). A decrease in mortality was observed in Stresomix supplemented group at the time of birth and during preweaning period. In Stresomix supplemented group average milk yield post partum was 131.5 liters and in control group was 103.5 liters. Stresomix supplementation to the sows tended to have positive effect on productivity.

Keywords: Farrowing stress, Mean piglet weight, Average mortality.