Effect of Calcium Ion Supplementation on Swine Parturition

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of calcium ion supplementation on swine parturition. The focus of this trial was to determine if increased cytostolic calcium levels would reduce the inter-pig birth interval and reduce the number of Type II stillbirths. Thirty-four females were divided into either a control group (n = 17) or a treatment group (n = 17). The treatment group received 70 g of a calcium-chloride supplement, top dressed daily, for five days pre-farrowing. Results showed a reduction in inter-pig birth interval and reduction in Type II stillbirths for the treatment group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05).