Prostaglandin use in sows

SIR, – I refer to pages 12 and 13 of the recently circulated bva Code of Practice on Medicines, which suggest guidelines for the supply of prostaglandins to pig farms. I agree with the precautions proposed. However, both the text on page 12 and the specimen ‘Safe use of prostaglandin products in sows’ form on page 13 refer to the use of prostaglandins for the induction of farrowing only. Lutalyse, manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn, has another indication which is widely used in sows, namely, administration between 24 and 48 hours after farrowing to reduce both the weaning to oestrus interval and the weaning to fertile Service interval. May I suggest that this postfarrowing use of prostaglandins is added to section 6 of the form when it is presented to pig farmers, so that the Option for such usage is covered.