Association of Fusarium mycotoxicosis with failure in applying an induction of parturition program with PGF2alpha and oxytocin in sows

This trial was conducted ni a farrow-to-finish pig unit from November 1999 to February 2000. Since November 1998 an induction-of-parturition program was applied in gilts and sows with PGF2alpha (2 mL Dinolytic, im) 113 d post service, followed by oxytocin (1 mL Interocine-S, im) 24 h later. This program resulted in a high proportion of animals farrowing within the working hours of the day. At mid December 1999 splay-legs and edematous swelling and reddening of the vulva started to be observed in newborn piglets. a concurrent decline or parameters related to a parturition also was noticed. Mycotoxicological analysis of the feeds revealed a co-occurring contamination with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. For a 4-week period, sows were divided into two groups: (a) an induction-of parturition and (b) a non-induction-of-partuition group. Significant differences were found between the two groups relating to prevalence of dystocia (< .05) and pregnancy duration (< .05). Moreover, it was found that prevalence of splay-legs and swelling of the vulva were highly correlated (< .05) with reduction of percentage of sows farrowing within the working day and increase of pre-weaning morality. It was concluded that such an induction-of-parturition program should be avoided during a Fusarium mycotoxicosis. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc.