Partus induction is an important integrative component of reproduction management in the swine industry. In this context, the question is to what extent the application of uterotonic
substances may influence the vitality of piglets. The blood pH value is used as a laboratory objective diagnostic parameter of neonatal acidosis. This parameter of the acid– base balance was examined in piglets born spontaneously at the 115th to 116th day of gestation (group 1, n ¼ 57) and after two different partus induction protocols starting at the 114th day of gestation (group 2: combination of 175 lg of cloprostenol and 20 IU of oxytocin, n ¼ 55; group 3: 175 lg of
cloprostenol and 35 lg of carbetocin, n ¼ 56). Initial blood samples were taken from each piglet at birth and 2 h later. The results show that the different protocols have no negative influence on the initial pH value and the compensation of neonatal acidosis until the second hour post-natum.