Prevalence and Surgical Management of Umbilical Hernias in Piglets at Selected Farms in Oyo State

Umbilical hernias represent a common congenital defect in pigs and can result in significant economic losses for smallholder farmers when left unmanaged. This study investigates the prevalence and surgical correction outcomes of umbilical hernias in piglets across selected pig farms in Oyo State, located in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across twelve farms in Ibadan and its environs between January and December 2023. Piglets were examined clinically within the first four weeks of life, and those presenting with visible umbilical swellings were diagnosed and categorized by hernia size and reducibility. Surgical herniorrhaphy was performed on sixty-three piglets under local anesthesia, and postoperative outcomes were assessed at seven and twenty-one days. The overall prevalence of umbilical hernia was 8.4%, with large white and Landrace crossbreeds recording higher rates than local breeds. Reducible hernias comprised 79% of all cases. Surgical correction was successful in 91% of operated piglets, with wound dehiscence occurring in 9% of cases, most frequently associated with poor postoperative husbandry practices. Farmer education and early detection significantly improved outcomes. The study recommends routine neonatal screening on commercial pig farms in South Western Nigeria and the integration of basic surgical skills training into veterinary extension programs. These results provide practical guidance for rural practitioners managing swine production under resource-limited conditions. Keywords: umbilical hernia, piglets, herniorrhaphy, Oyo State, swine surgery.