Pelvic Organ Prolapse project

Sow mortality, specifically as the result of pelvic organ prolapses, has significantly increased in recent years in the U.S. swine industry. This recent increase in prolapses has been reported across different regions, frustrating producers and veterinarians alike primarily due to lack of mitigation strategies, or even the ability to execute mitigation-based research projects. In 2018, the Iowa Pork Industry Center received funding from National Pork Board to lead an industry-wide effort in identifying specific areas that may be contributing to the increasing incidence of prolapses. 

The original survey project was completed in early 2019 and identified some potential risk factors that could be areas of interest for research. Research on understanding the root causes and potential mitigation strategies for pelvic organ prolapse is ongoing. Please see more information about our work below.

In order to determine rates of pelvic organ prolapse and  develop solutions, pelvic organ prolapses need to be properly identified and recorded on-farm. This video will help pig caretakers identify and document prolapses. If you would like access to this video and accompanying fact sheet, please fill out this form.