Update on postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows

Postparturient disorders in sows represent an economically important disease complex in modern piglet production worldwide. Possible findings affecting the mammary glands and/or the reproductive tract and the sow's general condition are summarized as a syndrome consisting of a set of symptoms such as mastitis and/or metritis. The term postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is most commonly used, but other names such as mastitis-metritis-agalactia, agalactia toxemica or agalactia complex have been suggested, too. The predominant symptom is reduced milk production with or without apparent mastitis during the first days after farrowing. Here, Kemper discusses recent insights into PDS gained in the last decade, with a main emphasis on mastitis and its prevention by considering the respective contributory factors.