Diseases affecting confined sows. Data from epidemiological observations.

Having described certain aspects of confinement in modern pig reproductive farms, the writers give a list of the main diseases in sows. Urinary problems are the most frequent. They can be linked to certain aspects of confinement, as can also be locomotory or respiratory troubles. This is not sufficient, however, to condemn modern conditions in reproductive pig farms but appropriate adjustments can be made to associate good health in the animals and satisfactory performances. The advantage of studies on the behaviour of sows is stressed, notably within the framework of ecopathological studies.