Correlation between urinary infection and reproductive performance of sows

The aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence and influence of the urinary infection in sows in the pre-partum period on their reproductive performance. Seventy-three sows were evaluated in the pre-partum period. Sows were submitted to urinalysis and separated into two groups: positive and negative for urinary infection. After the test results, the same number of negative sows were selected compared to the number of sows who have been diagnosed as positive for urinary infection (30 in each group). Each animal was considered an experimental unit. The urine collection occurred between three to five days preceding the farrowing. Sows housed in the maternity rooms were inspected by a clinical examination daily until weaning. Thermography images were evaluated to identify the hyperthermia of the breast system as early diagnosis of mastitis and its correlation with urinary infection. To evaluate the reproductive performance of sows were considered: number of piglets born alive and stillborn, adjusted time of the farrowing, clinical signs of post-partum illnesses, number of discarded sows, weaning-estrus interval and return to estrus post-insemination. After data collection, statistical analysis was performed using the Assistat software and means were compared by Mann-Whitney U test, Student's T test and chi-square test. The prevalence of urinary infection in sows during pre-partum period was high (41.1%). However, urinary infection has not influenced the number of piglets born alive and stillborn, number of discarded sows, weaning-estrus interval and return to estrus post-insemination. There was no correlation between the occurrence of urinary infection and temperature of the breast system in sows. The presence of urinary tract infection had no effect the reproductive performance of sows.