It is the most serious form of expression of the so-called postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS), it is a complex syndrome that occurs in sows shortly after farrowing (from 12h to 3 days). It is characterized by inflammation of the udder (mastitis) and inflammation of the reproductive system (metritis) that ends in a failure to release milk or a decrease in its production (agalactia).

Mastitis refers to inflammation of the mammary gland, due to an injury to it or by the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms., mainly by bacteria of the genera E. Coli, Klebsiella, Staphilococcus and Streptococcus.

Metritis is the inflammation of the uterus, generally caused after a complicated delivery (prolonged, dystocic, with retained placenta or fetus), cystitis-pyelonephritis or by an ascending infection with pathogenic microorganisms from feces and/or the environment.

Agalactia is characterized by suppression of milk secretion after delivery or abnormal cessation of milk during lactation.

Main causes of the syndrome:

1. Bacterial: due to Coli, Klebsiella, Staphilococcus and Streptococcus.
2. Hormonal imbalance: of hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, estrogens, progesterone and insulin.
3. Management practices: high temperatures, inadequate facilities, stress.
4. Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation: excess food, diets with low fiber content that cause constipation, little water consumption.

The signs observed in this syndrome are divided into those presented by sows and those presented by piglets.

Sow:

1. Loss of body condition (difficulty in recovering it).
2. Fever, prostration, anorexia.
3. Reluctant to move, preventing piglets from suckling.
4. Susceptibility to suffer from “opportunistic” diseases.

Piglets:

1. Increased mortality due to hypoglycemia or crushing.
2. Diarrhea due to the lack of colostrum in the sow and its consequent decrease in the consumption of antibodies.
3. Weak animals with bad hair.
4. Delay in the growth of the litter.
5. Unequal litters at weaning.
6. Susceptibility to diseases, especially digestive (coli…).

It is necessary to focus the prevention of MMA syndrome on good hygiene, apply measures to ensure an adequate environment, management and nutrition, as well as reduce stress at the end of pregnancy and especially near delivery.

Regarding nutrition, it is recommended to increase the fiber intake at the end of pregnancy, to facilitate intestinal transit and avoid constipation, wheat bran or beet pulp can be used.

Fiber not only satisfies and calms the sow, but also allows the capacity of the digestive system to be adapted to the lactation phase, where nutritional needs are greater.

A regulation of the microbiota through natural active ingredients (Alquerfeed Biota), will also help the sow to have better intestinal health and less pathogenic load that can trigger the syndrome.