Swine Gestation Calculator

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A sow that bred on 19 Nov 2024 has an approximate farrow date of

Thursday, March 13, 2025

The due date could fall between 10 Mar and 16 Mar. Learn more about the Key Gestation Milestones.

114 Days Until Birth
Photo of calculator author Wes NolteCreated by Wes Nolte.Last updated Jun 10, 2024. References.

Swine Gestation Milestones

Here's a list of key milestones in swine pregnancy, broken down by stages:

PhaseTimeCharacteristics
Fertilization and Early PregnancyWeeks 1-2 Starting 19 Nov
  • Mating and Fertilization: Successful mating leads to fertilization.
  • Embryo Formation: Fertilized eggs form embryos and travel to the uterus.
Embryo ImplantationWeek 3 Starting 4 Dec
  • Implantation: Embryos implant in the uterine lining.
  • Early Signs of Pregnancy: Slight behavioral changes might be noticeable.
Fetal DevelopmentWeek 4 Starting 11 Dec
  • Veterinary Confirmation: A vet can confirm pregnancy through palpation or ultrasound.
  • Visible Physical Changes: Enlargement and darkening of nipples; slight abdominal enlargement.
Rapid Growth PeriodWeeks 5-6 Starting 11 Dec
  • Ultrasound Viability: Heartbeats are detectable via ultrasound.
  • Significant Physical Changes: Noticeable increase in the mother's abdominal size; increased appetite.
Preparation for BirthWeek 7 Starting 1 Jan
  • Fetal Development Completion: Piglets develop most features by now.
  • Nesting Behavior: The mother may start looking for a place to give birth.
Pre-Labor StageWeek 8 Starting 8 Jan
  • X-ray Viability: An X-ray can show the number of piglets.
  • Physical Readiness: The mother's body prepares for labor; she may show signs of discomfort.
Final Week and LaborWeek 9 Starting 22 Jan
  • Labor Signs: Restlessness, nesting, loss of appetite, temperature drop.
  • Labor and Delivery: The onset of labor leading to the birth of piglets.
Post-Birth13 Mar
  • Immediate Postpartum: Ensuring all piglets are nursing and the mother is caring for them.
  • Veterinary Check-up: Post-birth check-up for mother and piglets.
Additional Milestones
  • Health Monitoring: Regular health check-ups throughout pregnancy.
  • Diet and Nutrition Adjustment: Increased and adjusted feeding as the pregnancy progresses.
  • Farrowing Crate Preparation: Setting up a comfortable birthing area before the due date.

How Do You Calculate a Swine's Due Date?

Piglets in a pen

Calculating a swine's due date primarily revolves around the date of mating. Here's a simple step-by-step process to calculate a swine's due date:

  1. Determine the Date of Mating: Record the date(s) when the sow was bred. If there were multiple matings, note all the dates.
  2. Understand the Average Gestation Period: The average gestation period for a swine is about 114 days (or approximately 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days), but it can range between 111 and 117 days.
  3. Use the First Mating Date as a Starting Point: If you know only one mating date, use this date. If there are multiple mating dates, you can either use the first date or an average of the dates for a rough estimate. Using the first mating date is commonly advised for simplicity.
  4. Add 114 Days to the Mating Date: Count 114 days forward from the mating date to estimate the due date.
  5. Consider the Range: Keep in mind the normal variation in gestation length (111 to 117 days). This means the sow could deliver a few days before or after the calculated due date.
  6. Monitor for Signs of Approaching Farrowing: As the estimated due date approaches, look for signs of labor like nesting behavior, restlessness, or loss of appetite.

Pregnancy Durations For Swine

The gestation period for swine is generally consistent. The average gestation period for swine is about 114 days, but it can range from 111 to 117 days.

Swine Pregnancy Reference Table

Below is a reference table showing the due date for all days of the year.

Swine gestation and farrow table for the entire year

References

  1. National Pork Board (NPB) - Swine Care Handbook
  2. MSD Veterinary Manual - Overview of Management of Reproduction: Pigs
  3. University of Missouri Extension - Care of Pigs From Farrowing to Weaning