MMA syndrome in sows is one of the common problems that causes major losses in pig breeding. The disease not only reduces milk production and affects piglet health, but also increases treatment costs and sow culling rates. Vemedim will share information on the causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and effective treatment of MMA syndrome, helping farmers gain the knowledge needed to care for and protect their herds properly.
General introduction to MMA syndrome in pigs
MMA syndrome (Mastitis - Metritis - Agalactia) is a disease complex commonly seen in sows after farrowing (usually 12 - 18 hours after giving birth). The disease is characterized by mastitis, metritis, and agalactia or reduced milk production. MMA syndrome is one of the most economically damaging causes for breeding sow farms.
When a sow is stressed during farrowing, the body increases cortisol secretion, weakening the immune system. At this time, bacteria already present in the environment or on the skin multiply rapidly, invade the mammary gland, causing acute mastitis, completely disrupting milk secretion, and causing metritis.
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Causes of MMA syndrome in pigs
To effectively control MMA, it is necessary to clearly understand its origin and causative factors. MMA is not caused by a single factor but usually results from a combination of factors, including:
Microbial causes
When barns are not hygienic, humidity is high, bedding is dirty, etc., bacteria in the environment can easily invade the reproductive tract or mammary gland, causing metritis and mastitis. Opportunistic bacteria present in the barn environment include:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp.
- Mycoplasma spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp.
Nutritional causes
If the sow’s diet lacks fiber or contains excess protein or minerals, the sow is more likely to become constipated and develop metabolic disorders. In addition, insufficient drinking water also increases the risk of MMA because less milk is produced and the circulatory system is disrupted.
Causes related to care and management
Improper farrowing assistance and artificial insemination techniques, unsterilized instruments, or rough intervention during difficult farrowing all create conditions for bacteria to enter. In addition, an unclean farrowing house and sows not being washed before farrowing are also contributing factors that increase the risk of disease.
Clinical symptoms of MMA syndrome in pigs
MMA syndrome usually appears within 12 - 24 hours after farrowing and can be easily recognized through systemic and local signs:
Symptoms in sows
- High fever from 40 - 41°C, lethargy, loss of appetite, reduced water intake.
- Constipation, reduced movement, often lying prone, refusing to nurse piglets.
- The udder is swollen, hot, red, and hard; the pig reacts clearly with pain when touched.
- The vagina discharges a cloudy white fluid, which may contain pus and have a fishy or foul odor.
- Milk production is markedly reduced, sometimes completely absent.
Symptoms in piglets
- Reduced daily weight gain, continuous squealing due to hunger.
- Dry skin, bristly hair, sunken abdomen.
- Many piglets develop diarrhea because they do not receive enough antibodies from colostrum or because the milk is contaminated.
Treatment of MMA syndrome
When a sow is found to have a fever above 39.5°C 12-18 hours after farrowing or shows signs of MMA, treatment should be initiated immediately. The treatment plan for MMA aims to prevent the spread of infection and restore milk production in the sow.
Use of antibiotics
Use broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, especially those containing Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, or Cephalosporin to control E. coli, Klebsiella, and Streptococcus. Polymyxin antibiotics (such as Colistin) may also be combined to enhance bactericidal efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria.
It is recommended to inject 1 dose of Vemedim Loxic Inject - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with highly effective anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. It is especially effective in treating MMA syndrome.
Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic
Using anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs from the Corticosteroid or NSAID groups helps reduce swelling and pain in the udder, while also limiting systemic inflammatory reactions.
Stimulating milk secretion and uterine contractions
Inject preparations containing Oxytocin to support uterine contractions, expel inflammatory fluid, and stimulate milk secretion to resume.
Overall support
- Supplement vitamins (A, D, E, C, B group) and minerals (Ca, P, Se) with products such as Vemedim AD3E, Vemedim Anagin C or Vemedim Aminovit to increase resistance.
- Ensure the sow drinks enough warm water and is fed easily digestible feed; thin porridge can be given during the first few days.
- If the sow completely loses milk, milk replacer should be provided for the piglets to ensure nutrition and antibodies.
Prevention of MMA syndrome in sows
Effective disease prevention is the way to help farms maintain stable productivity and reduce economic losses. MMA prevention should focus on hygiene, nutrition, and reproductive management. For example:
- Keep the farrowing house clean, dry, cool, and quiet to reduce stress in sows.
- Wash and disinfect sows with Vemedim Altacid before moving them into the farrowing house.
- Farrowing tools and the hands of the person assisting must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
- Provide a balanced diet in energy, protein, minerals, and fiber to avoid constipation.
- Manage the sow’s pregnancy period and provide postpartum support
- After farrowing, it is advisable to inject Vemedim Vimesen to support uterine contractions, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection, thereby lowering the risk of mastitis - metritis.
- Reduce stress by maintaining a quiet environment and stable temperature.
Understanding the pathogenesis, strictly applying hygiene - management - nutrition measures, and choosing the right treatment method are the keys to controlling MMA syndrome in pigs. With the support of Vemedim and suitable specialized solutions, farmers can minimize risks, improve sow milk production, enhance piglet performance, and maximize farming efficiency.
