Postpartum Agalactia Syndrome

This pathology consists of inflammation of the udder (mastitis) and inflammation of reproductive tract (metritis) resulting in a poor milk release or reduction of its production (Agalactia).

Alternative names: Mastitis, metritis, agalactia, MMA, PPAS

This pathology consists of an inflammation of the udder (mastitis) inflammation of reproductive tract (metritis) resulting in poor release of  milk or reduction of its production (Agalactia). The etiology of this condition has not been identified but suspected to be multifactorial.

Lactating sows

• Loss of appetite.
• Can have fever.
• Mammary tissue is not well developed and/or it is reabsorbing.
• Mammary tissue  can be well developed, but there is no milk production.
• It may show as an infection in the urogenital system.
• Constipation.

Piglets

• Weak and starving piglets.
• Mortality in first few days of life.

• It is seen few days after farrowing (usually up to three days after farrowing)
• Older sows
• Excessive body condition.
• Lack of water.
• Bad design of the farrowing crates.
• Sequelae of edema or mastitis.
• Poor hygiene of farrowing crates and farrowing rooms.
• Possible viral infection?

• It is based in litter appearance, with hungry piglets.
• Sow udder is "drying up" or it is a well-developed udder but without milk production.

• Not good respond to treatment.
• Oxytocin can be used to help with milk let down.
• Use of antibiotics will have mixed results.
• Asses if the sow needs to be culled.
• Improve hygiene during farrowing.
• Make sure sows have good access to clean water at all times.
• Implement a good feeding program during gestation to minimize sows having an excessive body condition at farrowing.
• Use a systematic approach to feeding to ensure sows do not go off feed during lactation.