Blood glucose concentration in highly prolific sows before farrowing: Its relationship with parity and litter size

Farrowing is an energy-demanding period for prolific sows, with blood glucose levels serving as key indicators affecting farrowing outcomes and piglet survival. This study aimed to evaluate blood glucose levels in prolific sows prior to farrowing, assess the prevalence of hypoglycemia in late gestation, and investigate the relationship between blood glucose levels, parity, and litter size under tropical conditions. A total of 67 Danish Landrace × Yorkshire sows were grouped based on litter size (6–14, 15–17, or ≥18 piglets) and parity (2–4 and 5–6). To determine glucose levels, blood samples were collected at 115.8 ± 1.6 days of gestation, at 30 and 480 min after the last feeding before farrowing, and analyzed using a glucometer. On average, blood glucose concentrations decreased from 84.4 ± 2.9 mg/dl at 30 min after feeding to 72.6 ± 2.1 mg/dl at 480 min after feeding (P < 0.001). Sows of parities 5–6 tended to have lower blood glucose levels than those of parities 2–4 (P = 0.081). In the 30-min group, sows with ≥18 piglets per litter had significantly lower blood glucose levels than those with 6–14 piglets (P = 0.020). In conclusion, this study offers a practical method to assess blood glucose in late-gestation sows. Glucose declined post-feeding, with older sows and those carrying ≥18 piglets showing lower levels and higher hypoglycemia risk. Pre-farrowing monitoring may help identify at-risk sows and guide management to prevent complications.