Increased incidence of still birth in piglets associated with levels of atmospheric carbon monoxide.

Raised levels of atmospheric carbon monoxide, associated with malfunctioning gas-fired creep heaters and inadequate ventilation, appeared responsible for an increased incidence of stillbirths in two herds. In one, a concentration of 180 to 200 ppm of carbon monoxide was readily produced. Both problems resolved when the ventilation and heating were improved, the incidence of stillbirths in one herd falling from 28 to 6.7 per cent. It is suggested that similar incidents may have occurred during cold weather but have been ascribed to other causes.