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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #71146
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF AN IN-HOUSE FARROWING PROGRAM AT A METROPOLITAN RESEARCH FACILITY

Author
item BIGGS, FRANKIE - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE
item ASBERRY, HORACE - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE
item CUNNINGHAM, JIM - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE
item SANDERS, T - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE

Submitted to: Lab Animal
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The need for ready access to neonatal pigs prompted the development of an in-house farrowing program for domestic sows in 1990 at the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston. Methods to achieve this objective: (1) Selection of proven breeders with sow parity ranging from 2-4; (2) Creation of an ergonomic approach to improve ease of handling and transportation of 400- to 650-lb sows; (3) Provision of sustained technica support by laboratory animal technicians supervised by a clinical veterinarian; (4) Use of commercially available, elevated farrowing stalls monitored by videocamera pre- and post-parturition; (5) Ensuring animal well-being by establishing neonatal-care protocol and reporting unusual conditions to investigators and veterinarian. Results: Investigators at a metropolitan research facility gained immediate, ongoing access to suckling pigs given premium-quality, in-house care. Conclusion: The farrowing program has enhanced investigators' study procedures pertaining to more than 80 sows housed since its inception.