Mini Pig Pregnancy
In an attempt to NOT promote breeding of any kind, especially by inexperienced persons, we wanted to share some information regarding the birthing process in general because so many are rescuing pigs that come to them already pregnant and there are questions regarding the birthing process and expectations. We are limited in our knowledge of breeding, so we have enlisted the help of others that are more experienced so we could bring you accurate information regarding the overall birthing experience and things you should be on the lookout for. A pigs gestation period is 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days or approximately 114-116 days. If you have an intact male and intact female together, your female is likely pregnant. Males can breed super young and females can get pregnant after their first heat cycle which can be as early as 8 weeks. It only takes a few minutes for this to be accomplished, so PLEASE be responsible and separate intact pigs so you do not add to the unwanted pigs of the world. This article/information is a collaboration of several articles and individuals who have attempted to come together to create something that others could use when there were questions. Again, because we are NOT breeding experts, ONLY use this information as a guide and not as a breeding bible. One thing I did want to mention is that it is rare for sows' to reject their young, so regardless of the information you find online whether that be here or elsewhere, do not pull babies from a mother who is willing to care for her piglets. You are putting their lives at risk when pulling them too soon. If you should find yourself in a position of caring for underaged piglets, click here for more information regarding the care of young pigs.
How do you know for sure your pig is pregnant?
Unless your vet has done an ultrasound or blood work and confirmed, you don't. Some pigs, especially the morbidly obese pigs, may not look like they're pregnant. An ultrasound can confirm a pregnancy and later in the pregnancy, the vet may even be able to tell you how many piglets you can expect. We recommend finding a vet and establishing a relationship with them early on in the pregnancy or at least prior to the birth so if there are any complications or veterinarian assistance needed, you will have someone you know and trust, who also knows your pigs history that can help you. At really late stages in the pregnancy, you may feel the little ones kicking in the belly, possibly even see a little tiny hoof push on the belly and visible to the human eye. However, if you have an intact female with an intact male, its fairly safe to assuem theyve bred even if you havent actually seen it take place. If you do not want to bring unwanted piglets into the world, spay/neuter and/or separate intact pigs.
Unless your vet has done an ultrasound or blood work and confirmed, you don't. Some pigs, especially the morbidly obese pigs, may not look like they're pregnant. An ultrasound can confirm a pregnancy and later in the pregnancy, the vet may even be able to tell you how many piglets you can expect. We recommend finding a vet and establishing a relationship with them early on in the pregnancy or at least prior to the birth so if there are any complications or veterinarian assistance needed, you will have someone you know and trust, who also knows your pigs history that can help you. At really late stages in the pregnancy, you may feel the little ones kicking in the belly, possibly even see a little tiny hoof push on the belly and visible to the human eye. However, if you have an intact female with an intact male, its fairly safe to assuem theyve bred even if you havent actually seen it take place. If you do not want to bring unwanted piglets into the world, spay/neuter and/or separate intact pigs.
The signs when a sow is ready to give birth are those that are pretty universal to all species. First the sow will act oddly and may snap at other pigs and animals, generally not acting like herself. Then the sow will want to go to wherever she made her "nest". She will not be happy with anyone or anything near her and will bite if disturbed. A bloody show will appear and you will know that the birth of the piglets is very close at this time. Presence of milk usually indicates that farrowing will occur within 24 hours. The milk may be grayish in its earliest stage but becomes white as time of farrowing approaches. Sows may become restless or nervous, may try to escape the crate, chew on anything available, urinate frequently, and attempt to build a nest or bed. If milk is present, the sow should be prepared and moved immediately to the birthing (called farrowing) area. If farrowing facility space is available, move questionable sow to the area early rather than waiting “one more day.” We will start with how a pig may present when she is close to giving birth
The normal farrowing process
The Birth Process
The sow eventually will lie down on her side and will become completely self-absorbed. It is okay to approach her at this
time, just stay away from her head, move slowly, and be soothing. The last thing you want to do is shout or hop around a sow giving birth. Because we know music helps to calm pigs, playing some soothing background music may be helpful.
Attending your pig while birthing a litter decreases the number of “stillborn” pigs that die during birth or within the first few hours afterwards; pigs can be freed from membranes, weak pigs revived, and care can be given that reduces other deaths in the first few days after farrowing.
Normal Signs of Impending Parturition
Sow care from the beginning of birth
Duration of labor ranges from 30 minutes to more than 5 hours. Pigs may be born either-head first or rear feet first; either is normal. Fetal membranes or afterbirth may be expelled several times during delivery, but afterbirth generally occurs in a larger amount near the end of farrowing. Occasionally, if a pig is enclosed in the afterbirth material remove it immediately or the pig will quickly suffocate. “Stillborn” pigs are those that have died during farrowing; dead pigs may have been dead for only a few days or for an extended time; “mummies” are pigs that have been dead long enough for much reabsorption of the soft tissues, but not of the skeleton, to have taken place.
Normal Farrowing Timeline
The average interval between birth of pigs is approximately 15 minutes but can vary from simultaneous to several hours in individual cases. Use of oxytocin to speed up rate of delivery is helpful if correctly done and if farrowing is proceeding slowly but otherwise normally. A rule of thumb, not universally recommended but widely followed, is to administer oxytocin when the first interval of 30 minutes after birth of the previous pigs has occurred without birth of another pig or without expelling membranes that indicate farrowing is completed. Oxytocin should not be used until birth of one or more pigs has occurred. Oxytocin should not be used if symptoms, such as straining without delivery, indicate that a pig is blocking the birth canal.
Prolonged labor, especially that which is associated with difficult birth, and litters produced by large, older sows, are often accompanied by increased numbers of stillbirths and added death losses in the first few days after farrowing. Sows that have been overfed during gestation are more subject to prolonged labor, and some individuals seem to be genetically prone to this problem. Proper feeding can prevent overweight, or thin sows and selection and culling may eliminate animals that are prone to difficult births.
A piglet comes out feet first normally. The important thing is that they do get out of the sow. Each piglet will come out in its'
own sack that should then be pulled away from the piglet. Have towels, scissors, rubber gloves, aspirator, water and string
available at this time. You will need cool water in a shallow pan for the sow and warm water in a bucket for you to wash off.
Birthing is very messy business, so wear old clothing that you don't mind being ruined.
Signs of a difficult farrowing
***Intervention must be gentle. The tissues of the birth canal are easily bruised and torn. Damage can lead to swelling, hemorrhage, and death of the sow and litter. Excessive damage can also negate the option of the use of a cesarean section as a treatment.
Types of farrowing problems and methods of assistance
***Never use oxytocin before determining the cause of the problem
The Birth Process
The sow eventually will lie down on her side and will become completely self-absorbed. It is okay to approach her at this
time, just stay away from her head, move slowly, and be soothing. The last thing you want to do is shout or hop around a sow giving birth. Because we know music helps to calm pigs, playing some soothing background music may be helpful.
Attending your pig while birthing a litter decreases the number of “stillborn” pigs that die during birth or within the first few hours afterwards; pigs can be freed from membranes, weak pigs revived, and care can be given that reduces other deaths in the first few days after farrowing.
Normal Signs of Impending Parturition
- Swelling and reddening of the sow’s vulva about 4 days before farrowing.
- Mammary glands become taut, more turbid and tense about 2 days before farrowing.
- Mammary secretions (whitish, watery fluid) occur about 48 hours before farrowing and become more “milky” within 12-24 hours of the first pig’s birth. If milk is abundant and easily “milked out,” sow is probably within 6 hours of farrowing.
- Restlessness – getting up, lying down, switching from side to side, nesting behavior (pawing, rooting) – and increased respiration rate begins about 16-24 hours before farrowing, then peaks 9-10 hours before farrowing.
- About an hour before farrowing begins, sow activity recedes and she will likely lie quietly on her side. Straining begins.
- Intermittent abdominal straining occurs before the birth of the first pig. Sow draws her legs up to her abdomen. Shivering and straining indicates the farrowing process has begun.
- Small amounts of blood-tinged fluid will pass from the vulva, often with pellets of meconium (piglet defecation). Within 15-20 minutes, the first pig should be born.
- Straining after the first-born piglet usually becomes milder, except for the moments just before expulsion. The best sign that a pig will be born is the rapid twitching of the sow’s tail as a pig passes through the last few inches of the birth canal.
Sow care from the beginning of birth
- About an hour before farrowing begins, sow activity recedes and she will likely lie quietly on her side. Straining begins.
- Intermittent abdominal straining occurs before the birth of the first pig. Sow draws her legs up to her abdomen.
- Shivering and straining indicates the farrowing process has begun.
- Small amounts of blood-tinged fluid will pass from the vulva, often with pellets of meconium (piglet defecation). Within 15-20 minutes, the first pig should be born.
- Straining after the first-born piglet usually becomes milder, except for the moments just before expulsion. The best sign that a pig will be born is the rapid twitching of the sow’s tail as a pig passes through the last few inches of the birth canal.
- About an hour before farrowing begins, sow activity recedes and she will likely lie quietly on her side. Straining begins.
- Intermittent abdominal straining occurs before the birth of the first pig. Sow draws her legs up to her abdomen.
- Shivering and straining indicates the farrowing process has begun.
- Small amounts of blood-tinged fluid will pass from the vulva, often with pellets of meconium (piglet defecation). Within 15-20 minutes, the first pig should be born.
- Straining after the first-born piglet usually becomes milder, except for the moments just before expulsion. The best sign that a pig will be born is the rapid twitching of the sow’s tail as a pig passes through the last few inches of the birth canal.
Duration of labor ranges from 30 minutes to more than 5 hours. Pigs may be born either-head first or rear feet first; either is normal. Fetal membranes or afterbirth may be expelled several times during delivery, but afterbirth generally occurs in a larger amount near the end of farrowing. Occasionally, if a pig is enclosed in the afterbirth material remove it immediately or the pig will quickly suffocate. “Stillborn” pigs are those that have died during farrowing; dead pigs may have been dead for only a few days or for an extended time; “mummies” are pigs that have been dead long enough for much reabsorption of the soft tissues, but not of the skeleton, to have taken place.
Normal Farrowing Timeline
- Farrowing normally lasts about 2-3 hours (range: 30 minutes to more than 10 hours). Intervals between piglet births are normally 15-20 minutes (range: a few minutes
- up to several hours).
- The interval before a stillborn is normally longer – 35 minutes or more.
- Placental membranes (afterbirth) are normally expulsed within 4 hours after the last pig is born (range: 20 minutes to over 12 hours). Retained placenta is rare in sows, so failure to pass the afterbirth may indicate a pig or pigs remaining in the birth canal.
- The first pig is born
- About half of the pigs are presented headfirst and about half are presented tail first.
- The sow may exhibit mild straining
- More pigs are born approximately 15 minutes apart
- The total time for the delivery of the entire litter varies with litter size but the process usually takes less than 2.5 hours.
- The placenta, membranes surrounding the fetus, is usually delivered 2-4 hours after the last pig; however portions of the placenta may be delivered during the farrowing period
- You should not observe large volumes of discharge
The average interval between birth of pigs is approximately 15 minutes but can vary from simultaneous to several hours in individual cases. Use of oxytocin to speed up rate of delivery is helpful if correctly done and if farrowing is proceeding slowly but otherwise normally. A rule of thumb, not universally recommended but widely followed, is to administer oxytocin when the first interval of 30 minutes after birth of the previous pigs has occurred without birth of another pig or without expelling membranes that indicate farrowing is completed. Oxytocin should not be used until birth of one or more pigs has occurred. Oxytocin should not be used if symptoms, such as straining without delivery, indicate that a pig is blocking the birth canal.
Prolonged labor, especially that which is associated with difficult birth, and litters produced by large, older sows, are often accompanied by increased numbers of stillbirths and added death losses in the first few days after farrowing. Sows that have been overfed during gestation are more subject to prolonged labor, and some individuals seem to be genetically prone to this problem. Proper feeding can prevent overweight, or thin sows and selection and culling may eliminate animals that are prone to difficult births.
A piglet comes out feet first normally. The important thing is that they do get out of the sow. Each piglet will come out in its'
own sack that should then be pulled away from the piglet. Have towels, scissors, rubber gloves, aspirator, water and string
available at this time. You will need cool water in a shallow pan for the sow and warm water in a bucket for you to wash off.
Birthing is very messy business, so wear old clothing that you don't mind being ruined.
Signs of a difficult farrowing
- Gestation exceeding 116 days
- Off feed
- Blood tinged fluid and meconium are discharged without signs of straining
- Straining without delivery of pigs
- The time between the birth of pigs exceeds one hour, and the sow still has a full abdomen
- Foul smelling, brown /gray discharge
- Reddening of the sow's eyes
- Exhaustion after prolonged labor
- Sow distress: rapid breathing, weakness, inability to rise
***Intervention must be gentle. The tissues of the birth canal are easily bruised and torn. Damage can lead to swelling, hemorrhage, and death of the sow and litter. Excessive damage can also negate the option of the use of a cesarean section as a treatment.
Types of farrowing problems and methods of assistance
***Never use oxytocin before determining the cause of the problem
How to examine the birth canal
- Familiarize yourself with the basic anatomy of the reproductive tract
- Thoroughly clean the sow's rectal and vaginal area
- The manager's fingernails should be cut short
- The manager's arm should be washed with soap and water, gloved, and lubricated (KY Jelly/ Lubricant)
- The hand should be cupped in the shape of a cone, the lips of the vulva are parted, and the hand gently inserted into the birth canal
- If the sow is not ready to farrow the forward part of the canal will be closed
- The bony pelvis can be felt below and at the side of the hand
- The hand can be moved forward through the pelvis and into the uterus, which slopes downward and divides into 2 sides.
- The birth canal should be examined for evidence of damage (tears, bruises)
- The causes of delayed farrowing should be determined and corrected if possible
Assisting Sows During Farrowing
Sow parity, litter size, interval between pigs and sow’s history should be considered before providing assistance. Manual examination of the vagina and cervix to remove an obstruction or malpresentation of the piglet requires strict sanitation, the use of obstetrical gloves and lubricants. Intervals between pigs are commonly 15 to 40 minutes. Allow at least 30 minutes between pigs before assisting the sow.
Sow parity, litter size, interval between pigs and sow’s history should be considered before providing assistance. Manual examination of the vagina and cervix to remove an obstruction or malpresentation of the piglet requires strict sanitation, the use of obstetrical gloves and lubricants. Intervals between pigs are commonly 15 to 40 minutes. Allow at least 30 minutes between pigs before assisting the sow.
- Be very gentle.
- Be very sanitary. Wash your hands and the sow’s vulva thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Clip fingernails short to avoid damage to the sow’s delicate tissues.
- Lubricate well. Use a disposable plastic sleeve (wash it, too). Apply lubricant liberally to hand and arm to avoid friction in vaginal passage. A plastic squeeze bottle can help lubricate the first few inches of the vagina.
- If the sow is lying on her left side, use your left hand to explore the birth canal; if she is lying on her right side, use your right hand.
- Begin by placing two fingers very gently inside the vulva, checking for pigs. Finding none, shape your hand and fingers like a cone and very gently push your hand into the vagina.
- In a large, well-dilated sow, the vagina, cervix and uterus tend to blend together. Generally, it is not necessary to reach past your elbow. Do not reach any further than necessary.
- When you have reached a pig, if it is coming head first, wrap your thumb and forefingers around its ears and jaw and pull gently. (shown at right).
- If the birth canal is too tight, grasp the lower jaw with your thumb under the tongue and your index finger in the V-shaped bones of the lower jaw. Or, place your thumb over the pig’s nose and your index finger snugly behind the upper needle teeth for a firm grip. Squeeze and pull gently.
- If the pig is presented backwards, place your index finger between the legs, place your thumb on the outside of one leg and your middle finger on the outside of the other leg, squeeze together and pull gently.
- When the pig is out, do not break the umbilical cord so the blood supply continues until it breaks naturally. Remove placental tissues from around pig’s nose and body.
- Do not make extraordinary efforts to deliver more pigs right away, particularly if you have relieved an obstruction. Usually, the sow will deliver the remaining pigs without assistance.
Some sows may become temporarily ‘’hysterical” and vicious; these are likely to trample or lie on several of their pigs or kill them by biting; some producers cull these sows on temperament. Such sows must be attended to prevent loss of newborn pigs; loss can be prevented or minimized by removing pigs to a warm place until farrowing is completed. The hysteria generally subsides in a few hours. Test the sow by placing only one pig with her and watching her reaction.
Once the piglet is out of its' mother rub it briskly with a towel to get it breathing. Make sure that the nose and mouth are clear
and use the aspirator if necessary. Once you have all the sack off the piglet and the mucus cleared away, tie off the umbilical
with some string and cut the umbilical away. Make sure to cut between the tie and the sow, so that the area that is tied off is
still tied off. Do not put the piglet back with the sow until all the piglets are born and then put the sow and the piglets back
together and encourage the piglets to suckle on the sow.
Make sure that the sow and piglets appear healthy and check on them often to be proactive about any kind of health issues. Also
make sure to clean the pen thoroughly and often to prevent disease, and you should have a happy sow and healthy piglets.
Once the piglet is out of its' mother rub it briskly with a towel to get it breathing. Make sure that the nose and mouth are clear
and use the aspirator if necessary. Once you have all the sack off the piglet and the mucus cleared away, tie off the umbilical
with some string and cut the umbilical away. Make sure to cut between the tie and the sow, so that the area that is tied off is
still tied off. Do not put the piglet back with the sow until all the piglets are born and then put the sow and the piglets back
together and encourage the piglets to suckle on the sow.
Make sure that the sow and piglets appear healthy and check on them often to be proactive about any kind of health issues. Also
make sure to clean the pen thoroughly and often to prevent disease, and you should have a happy sow and healthy piglets.
Managing newborns
Over half of preweaning death losses occurs in the first 72 hours after birth.
Piglets are born with a body temperature of 102-104°F., but they lose body heat rapidly. It is very important that newborns are dry, warm and free from drafts. Drying agents help speed drying. Newborns normally get to their feet within 1-2 minutes and suckle within 15 minutes. However, there are exceptions. Based on the timeframe in which the birthing process takes place, some new mothers take longer than others to begin caring for her babies. YOU MUST GIVE THE SOW A CHANCE TO BE A MOM!
It is rare for a sow to reject newborns, people will claim a sow has rejected the piglets so they can pull them and sell them off as bottle babies. Other times, people pull the babies because of inexperience and uncertainty. We are NOT the breeding experts. I will be the forst to admit that. However, I have had several experienced people reach out to contribute to the information we have posted and wanted to clarify a few things.
From Shayla Hudson: In my experience, some Sow’s don’t want anything to do with the babies until they are completely done. Some allow nursing during birthing. And some don’t want any people around, it makes them nervous. So, when a bunch of people are around hovering, (which is very likely with inexperienced breeders), it stresses the sow. But in every instance, save 2-3 times, over a period of almost 10 years, my sow’s have always taken care of the babies after they finished birthing.
Sows are not like dogs and immediately start licking and caring for their young. And who knows what kind of environment some of these inexperienced people have for their sows. I believe environment and genetics play a huge part of how they act when they farrow. I also think that the sows own personal experience with HER mom, or lack thereof, plays a big part too. Many experienced breeders will cull a sow quickly that refuses a litter because that is not a trait they wish to include in their programs. Not only does it put the piglet’s health at risk, but opens the door for behavior and many other issues down the line. Everyone knows and agrees that it is in every piglet’s best interest to stay with its' mom whenever possible for as long as possible, within reason (8-12 weeks) and to only be raised by human’s in extreme circumstances. Some people use information to justify taking babies away, resulting in unnecessary piglet deaths. DO NOT PUT A PIGLETS LIFE AT RISK BY PULLING IT AWAY FROM THE SOW!
Colostrum is Critical!!
A good dose of colostrum is the single most important factor related to pig health and survival. This “first milk” is rich in disease-preventing immunoglobulins. Most pigs consume twice the amount of colostrum needed within their first 12 hours of life, so farrowing room attendants should focus on helping the smaller, at-risk pigs.
Some methods to ensure pigs receive adequate colostrums include:
Cross-fostering Guidelines
Consult with your veterinarian to establish farm-specific, crossfostering guidelines. Some general guidelines include:
*Allow pigs to nurse for at least 4-6 hours before crossfostering.
• Focus on smaller, weaker pigs that have not established teat fidelity.
• Match pigs for size, weight and number according to nurse sow’s capacity to milk.
• Chose small, docile nurse sows with small, slender nipples of medium length.
• Transfer male pigs only if female pigs may be retained for breeding.
• Do not crossfoster healthy pigs into sick litters.
• Limit crossfostering activities to the first 24 hours after birth.
Identifying Disadvantaged Pigs
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/health/farr.html
http://petcaretips.net/help-sow-give-birth.html
http://articles.extension.org/care-of-the-sow-during-farrowing-and-lactation
https://www.ncsu.edu/project/swine_extension/healthyhogs/soza.htm
http://nationalhogfarmer.com/site
An example of a pig giving birth in the video below.
Over half of preweaning death losses occurs in the first 72 hours after birth.
Piglets are born with a body temperature of 102-104°F., but they lose body heat rapidly. It is very important that newborns are dry, warm and free from drafts. Drying agents help speed drying. Newborns normally get to their feet within 1-2 minutes and suckle within 15 minutes. However, there are exceptions. Based on the timeframe in which the birthing process takes place, some new mothers take longer than others to begin caring for her babies. YOU MUST GIVE THE SOW A CHANCE TO BE A MOM!
It is rare for a sow to reject newborns, people will claim a sow has rejected the piglets so they can pull them and sell them off as bottle babies. Other times, people pull the babies because of inexperience and uncertainty. We are NOT the breeding experts. I will be the forst to admit that. However, I have had several experienced people reach out to contribute to the information we have posted and wanted to clarify a few things.
From Shayla Hudson: In my experience, some Sow’s don’t want anything to do with the babies until they are completely done. Some allow nursing during birthing. And some don’t want any people around, it makes them nervous. So, when a bunch of people are around hovering, (which is very likely with inexperienced breeders), it stresses the sow. But in every instance, save 2-3 times, over a period of almost 10 years, my sow’s have always taken care of the babies after they finished birthing.
Sows are not like dogs and immediately start licking and caring for their young. And who knows what kind of environment some of these inexperienced people have for their sows. I believe environment and genetics play a huge part of how they act when they farrow. I also think that the sows own personal experience with HER mom, or lack thereof, plays a big part too. Many experienced breeders will cull a sow quickly that refuses a litter because that is not a trait they wish to include in their programs. Not only does it put the piglet’s health at risk, but opens the door for behavior and many other issues down the line. Everyone knows and agrees that it is in every piglet’s best interest to stay with its' mom whenever possible for as long as possible, within reason (8-12 weeks) and to only be raised by human’s in extreme circumstances. Some people use information to justify taking babies away, resulting in unnecessary piglet deaths. DO NOT PUT A PIGLETS LIFE AT RISK BY PULLING IT AWAY FROM THE SOW!
Colostrum is Critical!!
A good dose of colostrum is the single most important factor related to pig health and survival. This “first milk” is rich in disease-preventing immunoglobulins. Most pigs consume twice the amount of colostrum needed within their first 12 hours of life, so farrowing room attendants should focus on helping the smaller, at-risk pigs.
Some methods to ensure pigs receive adequate colostrums include:
- Split Suckling – After the largest pigs have nursed, remove them from the litter and place in heated box for 1-2 hours. Give the sow 1⁄2 to 1 cc. of oxytocin and allow small pigs to nurse. Repeat this procedure in the morning and afternoon of the first 24 hour period after farrowing.
- Wipe small pigs dry and warm them for 5-10 minutes before allowing them to suckle.
- To collect colostrum, remove piglets from the sow for 1 hour, give her 1⁄2 to 1 cc. of oxytocin, wait 1-2 minutes, then strip teats to obtain colostrum. Store and freeze colostrum in ice cube trays. Do not thaw cubes in microwave.
- Stomach tubing – Give 10-15 cc. dose of milk to disadvantaged pigs via syringe with stomach tube; apply lubricant to tube before inserting 6-7 inches into pig’s stomach. (shown above)
Cross-fostering Guidelines
Consult with your veterinarian to establish farm-specific, crossfostering guidelines. Some general guidelines include:
*Allow pigs to nurse for at least 4-6 hours before crossfostering.
• Focus on smaller, weaker pigs that have not established teat fidelity.
• Match pigs for size, weight and number according to nurse sow’s capacity to milk.
• Chose small, docile nurse sows with small, slender nipples of medium length.
• Transfer male pigs only if female pigs may be retained for breeding.
• Do not crossfoster healthy pigs into sick litters.
• Limit crossfostering activities to the first 24 hours after birth.
Identifying Disadvantaged Pigs
- Comfortable piglets should lie in a prone position, gently touching each other.
- Disadvantaged pigs include:
- Lightweight pigs – Less than 23⁄4 lb. at birth
- Chilled pigs – Piling, fluffy hair coats and shivering are signs of chilling. Chilled pigs can be warmed quickly by submerging them to the neck in 90°F water for 5-10 minutes; dry completely; provide supplemental heat (85-95°F).
- Slow-to-nurse pigs – Late-born pigs receive less colostrum and may be oxygen- deprived.
- Splay-legged pigs – Tape legs about 1-inch apart to stabilize the legs or tape legs up under the belly so pigs can still get to the sow’s udder. Within 24-48 hours, they usually gain the stability needed to compete and nurse better.
- Anemic pigs – grayish-white appearance; these pigs are oxygen- deprived.
- Physical trauma – bitten, stepped on, laid on by the sow.
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/health/farr.html
http://petcaretips.net/help-sow-give-birth.html
http://articles.extension.org/care-of-the-sow-during-farrowing-and-lactation
https://www.ncsu.edu/project/swine_extension/healthyhogs/soza.htm
http://nationalhogfarmer.com/site
An example of a pig giving birth in the video below.
Although I do not approve of the words micro mini used in the same sentence with pig as the description of this video says, this is a mini pig giving birth and likely closer to what you may see.
A pig giving birth picture by picture
Downloadable birthing poster from farmers website below. Great resource!

birthing_poster.pdf |
An interesting fact I stumbled across during some research. Eastern tent caterpillars can interfere with more than equine reproduction. Recent experiments show that these caterpillars can cause abortions in pigs, say University of Kentucky researchers.
Source: AVMA.org
Source: AVMA.org