Correlation analysis reveals that umbilical cord diameter and farrowing duration affect the reproductive performance of sows

This study evaluated the relationships between sow parity, prepartum faecal score, farrowing and umbilical cord traits, and reproductive performance. Data were obtained from sows of different parities on commercial farms with records of litter characteristics, farrowing intervals and duration, prepartum faecal scores, and umbilical cord artery and vein diameters. Fourth- and sixth-parity sows produced more total piglets and live-born healthy piglets than first-parity sows, while piglets born to second- to fourth-parity sows had higher live birthweights. Parity did not influence the number of piglets born weak or perinatal mortality rates. Faecal scores of 3.00–3.99 and >4.00 three days prepartum were associated with increased numbers of healthy piglets and reduced numbers of stillborn piglets. Short farrowing intervals (<10 minutes) were numerically associated with higher numbers of live-born piglets and fewer stillborn piglets per litter, although these differences were not statistically significant, and a tendency towards an increased number of piglets born weak was observed. Prolonged farrowing duration was associated with increased perinatal mortality. A higher umbilical cord vein diameter was associated with increased live birthweights and fewer piglets born weak, whereas umbilical artery diameter showed no clear association with reproductive performance. Stillbirths tended to increase with umbilical cord vein diameters of 3.6–4.0 mm. These results indicate that sow parity, prepartum faecal score, farrowing traits, and umbilical cord vein traits are closely associated with reproductive outcomes and perinatal mortality. Optimising gastrointestinal function during the prepartum period and improving farrowing management may contribute to enhanced piglet viability and birthweight. (Submitted 27 June 2023; Accepted 10 February 2026; Published 23 February 2026)