Induction of parturition in sows using prostaglandin F2 alpha or the analogue cloprostenol.

The induction of parturition in sows has been studied using prostaglandin F2 alpha or the analogue cloprostenol on day 112, 113 or 114 of gestation. No difference between treatments was found concerning the interval from injection to parturition, the incidence of stillborn piglets or the piglet viability during the first 48 hours. Whiel 58.3 per cent of the PGF2 alpha-treated sows demonstrated side effects, the corresponding percentage among cloprostenol-treated sows was 5.0. The dominating side effects were biting of cage bars and increased respiratory rate.