Based on the provided reference, when a pig eats its placenta after birth, no signs of ill health are observed, and the practice, which is common in mammals, may offer potential physiological benefits related to subsequent births and milk production.
Understanding Placentophagia in Sows
Placentophagia, the act of eating the placenta, is a natural behavior observed in many mammal species, including pigs (sows). While it might seem unusual, it is extremely common in parturient mammals (mammals that have recently given birth).
Key Outcomes Based on Reference
According to the information provided:
- No Ill Health: Notably, there are no signs of ill health in placenta-fed sows. This suggests the behavior is not detrimental to the sow's health.
- Potential Benefits: Citing Kristal (1980), the reference indicates that the high protein and hormone levels found in the placenta may facilitate expulsion of the next young (if it's a multiple birth) and regulate lactation (milk production). These potential benefits could support the sow's recovery and ability to care for her piglets.
Summary of Effects
Here's a quick overview based on the reference:
| Outcome | Description | Based On Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Health | No signs of ill health observed. | Yes |
| Subsequent Birth | May facilitate expulsion of next young (potentially due to hormones/protein). | Yes |
| Lactation | May regulate milk production (potentially due to hormones/protein). | Yes |
| Commonality | Extremely common behavior in many mammals. | Yes |
This behavior, while potentially linked to benefits like aiding subsequent births and lactation through nutritional and hormonal content, is specifically noted in the reference as not causing health issues in the sow.
