Improving Sow Urogenital Health with Protected Organic Acids

Olufemi Babatunde, Ph.D., Technical Specialist, Swine and Poultry (US/Canada)
Akaradet Seemacharoensri, Technical Specialist Swine (SEA)
Glenmer B. Tactacan, Ph.D., Technical Services Lead, Swine and Poultry (Asia and ME)

Urogenital tract infections (UTIs) and other reproductive health challenges remain significant concerns for swine producers in Canada. These conditions, including cystitis (bladder inflammation), pyelonephritis (inflammation of one or both kidneys), and endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining), lead to severe economic losses due to increased culling rates, reproductive inefficiencies, and reduced piglet performance. As antibiotics face growing restrictions, innovative strategies are needed to address these challenges. The use of protected products such as Jefo’s protected organic acids – Jefo P(OA) – offers a science-backed, practical solution to promote urogenital health in sows while improving productivity and profitability. 

Take-home messages

• Urogenital infections in sows significantly reduce reproductive performance and increase piglet mortality, often without clear clinical signs.
• Jefo's protected organic acids – Jefo P(OA) – support both urinary and reproductive health by improving gut microbiota, reducing pathogen shedding, and limiting bacterial contamination.
• Its mode of action includes increasing urinary citrate to prevent calcium stone formation and reducing bacterial proliferation in the urinary tract.
• Field results show fewer infections, improved farrowing performance, and increased piglet survivability when Jefo P(OA) is used alongside strong hygiene and water-management practices.

Understanding urogenital tract infections in sows 

Urogenital tract infections and other post-partum urogenital diseases are often caused by opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp., and Staphylococcus sp. These bacteria typically originate in the lower urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract and ascend into sterile regions like the bladder or uterus, leading to infections.

The domino effect: impact on productivity 

Urogenital tract infections create a domino effect, negatively influencing sow health, reproduction, and piglet performance. Clinical signs, such as purulent vulvar discharge, evidence of blood and pus in the urine, and abnormal urine pH (>7.5), are often absent, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Infected sows are prone to reproductive failures, including prolonged weaning-to-estrus intervals, reduced conception and farrowing rates, and smaller litter sizes. The impact extends to piglets, as infections can compromise colostrum and milk production, increasing pre-weaning mortality. Studies show piglet mortality rates of 24.2% in herds with infected sows compared to 10.4% in healthy herds. 

A proactive approach: protected organic acids 

To combat urogenital health challenges, prevention is more effective than treatment. The use of protected organic acids such as Jefo P(OA), a proprietary blend of microencapsulated organic acids, provides dual benefits by addressing both urinary and reproductive tract infections. Its slow-release matrix technology ensures targeted action in the hindgut, where it promotes a favorable microbiota by suppressing pathogenic bacteria and supporting beneficial species. 

Mechanism against reproductive tract infections 

Jefo P(OA) reduces reproductive tract infections by lowering pathogen shedding in manure and limiting environmental contamination (Figure 2). By maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, it indirectly supports a healthier reproductive environment, reducing the risk of bacterial colonization in the genital tract. This approach not only improves sow health but also enhances piglet survivability and performance. 

Mechanism against urinary tract infections

Jefo P(OA) is particularly effective in preventing urinary tract infections by increasing urinary citrate concentrations. Citrate acts as a potent inhibitor of calcium stone formation by binding to calcium ions, preventing their interaction with oxalate or phosphate. This reduces stone formation and facilitates bacterial clearance through increased urine flow. Table 1 illustrates the significant increase in urinary citrate and calcium levels in sows fed Jefo P(OA), showcasing its efficacy. Additionally, Jefo P(OA) minimized bacterial proliferation in the urinary tract of treated sows. 

Implementation and results 

Incorporating Jefo P(OA) into sow diets requires strategic dosing: 

• Prevention: 1 kg/ton in lactation feed and 0.5 kg/ton in gestation feed.
• Treatment: 2 kg/ton during lactation, starting three to five days before farrowing. 

Field studies demonstrate a significant reduction in abnormal vulvar discharge, improved reproductive performance, and enhanced piglet health. Producers report fewer incidences of dystocia, higher farrowing rates, and reduced piglet mortality (Figure 3). 

Beyond prevention: holistic management

While the use of protected organic acids is a powerful tool, it works best when integrated into a comprehensive management plan. Key practices include: 

• Ensuring access to clean, fresh water to promote frequent urination.
• Minimizing fecal contamination through regular cleaning of breeding and farrowing areas.
• Encouraging standing positions to facilitate urination. 

Conclusion 

Maintaining optimal urogenital health in sows is crucial for improving reproductive performance and overall herd productivity. By addressing both urinary and reproductive tract infections, protected organic acids offer an innovative solution to these persistent challenges. Their ability to prevent calcium stone formation, reduce pathogenic bacteria, and support a healthy microbiota lays a solid foundation for healthier sows and better piglet outcomes. When integrated into a comprehensive management plan, including proper hygiene practices and adequate water access, these organic acids can help Canadian producers achieve sustainable improvements in herd health and profitability. With the growing need for alternatives to antibiotics, such solutions provide a valuable tool in advancing the productivity and welfare of swine operations.