Research

7 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Single, Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination in Gilts Using Two Different Protocols to Synchronize Ovulation

by Lima Rodrigues, Rocio Amezcua, Glen Cassar, Terri L O’Sullivan and Robert Friendship

Animals 2020, 10(2), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020306 - 14 Feb 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

In order to efficiently have a consistent supply of service-ready gilts available to incorporate into each batch of breeding sows, it is necessary to manipulate the timing of estrus and possibly the timing of ovulation of gilts. Estrus can be synchronized by the [...] Read more.

In order to efficiently have a consistent supply of service-ready gilts available to incorporate into each batch of breeding sows, it is necessary to manipulate the timing of estrus and possibly the timing of ovulation of gilts. Estrus can be synchronized by the withdrawal of altrenogest after at least 14 days of treatment. It is possible that protocols developed to induce ovulation, and therefore allow fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), can improve the predictability of gilt breeding. This study investigated the effect of two FTAI protocols in gilts on reproductive performance and timing of farrowing and piglet weaning weight compared to gilts bred based on signs of estrus after cessation of altrenogest. Puberty was induced in gilts, followed by treatment with altrenogest. Following altrenogest withdrawal, 180 gilts were assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 gilts (LUT, n = 62) were treated with 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin 24 h after altrenogest withdrawal and 5 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) 80 h later, followed by a single FTAI 36 h after pLH. Group 2 gilts (TRI, n= 61) received 2 mL of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, triptorelin acetate, intravaginally 6 d after altrenogest withdrawal and were bred by a single FTAI 24 h later. Group 3 gilts (CON, n = 57) were observed for estrus and bred twice by AI, 24 h apart. LUT and TRI gilts farrowed closer together (2.4 ± 1.6 and 2.9 ± 1.2 d(days), respectively) compared to CON gilts (4.5 ± 3.3 d). Piglets in LUT were 80 g (p < 0.001) heavier and piglets in TRI were 64 g (p < 0.05) heavier at weaning than CON piglets, when controlling for birth weight. Results indicate that FTAI might be useful as a means of minimizing the time from the first to the last gilt farrowing in a breeding batch of gilts. However, modifications of the protocols may be required to ensure optimum farrowing rates and litter size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

12 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dextrose Supplementation in the Pre-Ovulatory Sow Diet to Reduce Seasonal Influences on Litter Birth Weight Variation

by Kate Plush, Dannielle Glencorse, Jena Alexopoulos, Sally Tritton, Roy Kirkwood and Darryl D’Souza

Animals 2019, 9(12), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121009 - 21 Nov 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4928

Abstract

In this experiment, we proposed two hypotheses: birth weight variation would increase in litters from sows bred in summer, and dextrose supplementation during the wean to mate period would ameliorate this manifestation of seasonal infertility. Five hundred and ninety-one multiparous sows were allocated [...] Read more.

In this experiment, we proposed two hypotheses: birth weight variation would increase in litters from sows bred in summer, and dextrose supplementation during the wean to mate period would ameliorate this manifestation of seasonal infertility. Five hundred and ninety-one multiparous sows were allocated to Control; standard diet, or Dextrose; control +5% dextrose diets from weaning until insemination during summer and winter. Dextrose sows farrowed 1.0 and 1.4 more total pigs born and pigs born alive than Control sows, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a tendency for a higher co-efficient of variation (CV) birth weight in summer than winter (16.6 ± 0.4 versus 15.8 ± 0.4; p = 0.1), but no effect of treatment or interaction between treatment and season was observed. Piglet average daily gain was unaffected in those born to sows bred in summer, but when born to sows bred in winter, Dextrose piglets grew 23 g per day faster than Control (p < 0.05). This experiment identified evidence for increased birth weight CV in sows bred during the summer months despite the reduced litter size, suggesting that this is another way seasonal infertility can manifest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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14 pages, 1417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Concentrations of AMH and E2 and Ovarian and Uterine Traits in Gilts

by Alicia Steel, Rebecca Z. Athorn and Christopher G. Grupen

Animals 2019, 9(10), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100811 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2487

Abstract

Poor sow retention due to reproductive failure is a common reproductive inefficiency amongst piggeries. This shows that traditional methods of gilt selection are inadequate and a marker of reproductive success is needed. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating levels [...] Read more.

Poor sow retention due to reproductive failure is a common reproductive inefficiency amongst piggeries. This shows that traditional methods of gilt selection are inadequate and a marker of reproductive success is needed. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating levels of AMH and E2 at D80 and D160 are associated with uterine and ovarian traits at D160. Uterine weight, horn length and horn diameter were measured, and ovarian follicle counts were determined histologically. There was a negative relationship between both D80 and D160 AMH levels and D160 ovarian follicle populations. There was also a positive relationship between D80 E2 levels and uterine capacity in gilts that were pubertal at D160. The findings indicate that D80 and D160 AMH could be used to predict ovarian reserve and that D80 E2 levels may be indicative of uterine capacity in precocial gilts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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9 pages, 2061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Sows with Excess Backfat: Up-Regulated Cytokine Expression and Elevated Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Placenta

by Yuanfei Zhou, Tao Xu, Yinghui Wu, Hongkui Wei and Jian Peng

Animals 2019, 9(10), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100796 - 14 Oct 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2967

Abstract

In sows, excess backfat during late gestation is associated with increased farrowing difficulties and influences the fetus, but the impact of backfat thickness on placental inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular development has not been defined. In this study, 120 sows were divided into [...] Read more.

In sows, excess backfat during late gestation is associated with increased farrowing difficulties and influences the fetus, but the impact of backfat thickness on placental inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular development has not been defined. In this study, 120 sows were divided into six groups based on backfat thickness (≤16, 17–18, 19–20, 21–22, 23–24, and ≥25 mm) in late gestation. The placental lipids, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, inflammatory-related cytokine and angiogenesis were determined. The concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL–C), and free fatty acid (FFA) linearly increased (p < 0.05) associated with increased late gestation backfat. ROS and MDA increased and TAC decreased (p < 0.05) as the backfat thickness increased. The mRNA expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) 2, TLR4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)–1β, IL–6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)–1 increased with increased backfat in late gestation. There were no differences in IL–8 and IL–10 mRNA expression among sows with different backfat thickness. Placental vessel density initially increased and then decreased with increasing backfat thickness of sows. Similarly, the mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also increased and then decreased. Excessive backfat in late gestation was associated with greater oxidative stress, greater expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and decreased expression of placental angiogenic regulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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7 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Fixed-Time Insemination and Improved Catheter Design in an Effort to Improve Swine Reproduction Efficiency

by Matthew McBride, Rocio Amezcua, Glen Cassar, Terri O’Sullivan and Robert Friendship

Animals 2019, 9(10), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100748 - 29 Sep 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2280

Abstract

Conventional practice is to breed sows by artificial insemination (AI) at least twice using approximately three billion sperm per insemination upon estrus at standing heat. This research explored the use of combined technologies, including fixed-time insemination (FTAI) and an alternative catheter design that [...] Read more.

Conventional practice is to breed sows by artificial insemination (AI) at least twice using approximately three billion sperm per insemination upon estrus at standing heat. This research explored the use of combined technologies, including fixed-time insemination (FTAI) and an alternative catheter design that reportedly reduces semen backflow, in order to reduce the number of inseminations and the semen dosage and maintain reproductive efficiency. The FTAI technique used in this study was to inject I.M. 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at weaning and 5 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) to stimulate ovulation 80 h later, followed by a single insemination 36 h after the pLH injection. The two catheters used in this study were a conventional foam-tipped insemination catheter and a Gedis catheter. The Gedis catheter is designed to be completely inserted into the vagina. The semen is enclosed along the length of the rod and held in place by a gel cap that melts when inserted into the cervix. Sows were assigned to the following treatments: Group 1 (n = 135), bred twice with a conventional catheter and a standard semen dose of approximately three billion sperm in 80 mL; Group 2 (n = 123), FTAI with conventional catheter and a standard semen dose; Group 3 (n = 127), FTAI with Gedis catheter and a standard semen dose; Group 4 (n = 126), FTAI with Gedis catheter and a reduced semen dose with one billion sperm. The farrowing rates were 81.6%, 77.7%, 74.0%, and 62.7% for Groups 1 to 4, respectively. The likelihood of farrowing was lower for Group 3 and Group 4 compared to Group 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57; p = 0.08 and OR = 0.35; p = 0.001, respectively). Likewise, litter size of Group 3 and Group 4 was smaller than Group 1 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.04, respectively). Overall, the combination of Gedis catheter and FTAI resulted in decreased reproductive performance that outweighed the value of using less semen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

5 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Oxytocin, Cloprostenol or Buserelin in Semen Doses on Sow Fertility

by Rodrigo Manjarín, Roy N. Kirkwood, Jose Ngula, Felipe Martinez-Pastor, Beatrix Alegre and Juan Carlos Domínguez

Animals 2019, 9(10), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100746 - 29 Sep 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

During the periods January to April, May to August, and September to December in two consecutive years, sows were assigned at breeding to receive semen doses supplemented with 87 µg cloprostenol (PG; n = 158), 5 IU oxytocin (OT; n = 154), 2 [...] Read more.

During the periods January to April, May to August, and September to December in two consecutive years, sows were assigned at breeding to receive semen doses supplemented with 87 µg cloprostenol (PG; n = 158), 5 IU oxytocin (OT; n = 154), 2 µg buserelin (GN; n = 93), or served as non-supplemented controls (CON; n = 605). Sows were inseminated at the detection of estrus, and again 24 h later, but only the first inseminations were supplemented. Compared to CON, only buserelin increased pregnancy and farrowing rates (p ≤ 0.05); there was no effect of a period or a treatment × period interaction. Litter size was larger (p ≤ 0.001) for all seminal additive groups during the first two periods and tended to increase in GN compared to CON (p ≤ 0.1) during the third period, resulting in a tendency (p < 0.1) for a period × treatment interaction. The addition of cloprostenol, oxytocin or buserelin to semen doses at first insemination increases litter size in multiparous sows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

10 pages, 1987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implication of Polyhistidine, a Novel Apoptosis Inhibitor, in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis in Boar Sperm

by Tianzeng Song, Yi Shi, Yangang Wang, Izhar Hyder Qazi, Christiana Angel and Ming Zhang

Animals 2019, 9(10), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100719 - 24 Sep 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) released from Gram-negative bacteria binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and induces boar sperm apoptosis. Similarly, polyhistidine (pHis), a TLR4 agonist, can also bind to TLR4. We hypothesized that pHis could inhibit LPS-induced sperm apoptosis by competitively binding to TLR4 to [...] Read more.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) released from Gram-negative bacteria binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and induces boar sperm apoptosis. Similarly, polyhistidine (pHis), a TLR4 agonist, can also bind to TLR4. We hypothesized that pHis could inhibit LPS-induced sperm apoptosis by competitively binding to TLR4 to then improve sperm quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine whether pHis can inhibit LPS-induced sperm apoptosis and affect sperm quality. The results showed that the concentrations of bacterial colonies were significantly increased from 36 to 120 h under liquid storage conditions (p < 0.05); however, concentrations of LPS in boar semen showed a relatively constant trend (4.98 ± 1.55 EU/mL) following 120 h storage. The addition of 100 μg/mL pHis in the BTS extender significantly improved boar sperm motility and viability at 37 °C, and it significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited boar sperm apoptosis under liquid storage (17 °C) and at 37 °C incubation conditions. The co-treatment of LPS and pHis further confirmed that pHis played its role in inhibiting LPS-induced sperm apoptosis. In conclusion, our preliminary findings provide reasonable evidence that pHis could act as an inhibitor of LPS-induced apoptosis in boar sperm stored for longer periods of time. pHis might inhibit LPS-induced sperm apoptosis by competitively binding to TLR4. Nevertheless, further mechanistic studies are awaited to fully elucidate its potential implication in inhibiting LSP-induced apoptosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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13 pages, 3864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nucleus, Cytoskeleton, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase p38 Dynamics during In Vitro Maturation of Porcine Oocytes

by Payungsuk Intawicha, Li-Kuang Tsai, Shih-Ying Yen, Neng-Wen Lo and Jyh-Cherng Ju

Animals 2019, 9(4), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040163 - 13 Apr 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3275

Abstract

The mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) p38, a member of the MAPK subfamily, is conserved in all mammalian cells and plays important roles in response to various physiologic cues, including mitogens and heat shock. In the present study, MAPK p38 protein expression in porcine oocytes [...] Read more.

The mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) p38, a member of the MAPK subfamily, is conserved in all mammalian cells and plays important roles in response to various physiologic cues, including mitogens and heat shock. In the present study, MAPK p38 protein expression in porcine oocytes was analyzed during in vitro maturation (IVM) by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The levels of p-p38 or activated p38 and p38 expression were at the lowest in the germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocyte, gradually rising at the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and then reaching a plateau throughout the IVM culture (p < 0.05). Similarly, the expression level of total p38 was also lower in the GV oocyte than in the oocyte of other meiotic stages and uprising after GVBD and remained high until the metaphase III (MII) stage (p < 0.05). In the GV stage, phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) was initially detectable in the ooplasm and subsequently became clear around the nucleus and localized in the ooplasm at GVBD (18 h post-culture). During the metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII) stages, p-p38 was evenly distributed throughout the ooplasm after IVM for 30 or 42 h. We found that the subcellular localization increased in p-p38 expression throughout oocyte maturation (p < 0.05) and that dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton, including microfilaments and microtubules, was progressively changed during the course of meiotic maturation which was likely to be associated with the activation or networking of p38 with other proteins in supporting oocyte development. In conclusion, the alteration of p38 activation is essential for the regulation of porcine oocyte maturation, accompanied by the progressive reorganization and redistribution of the cytoskeleton and MAPK p38, respectively, in the ooplasm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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9 pages, 387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Culling Patterns during the Breeding Cycle and Lifetime Production from the Aspect of Culling Reasons for Gilts and Sows in Southwest China

by Chao Wang, Yinghui Wu, Dingming Shu, Hongkui Wei, Yuanfei Zhou and Jian Peng

Animals 2019, 9(4), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040160 - 12 Apr 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3679

Abstract

To investigate culling patterns during the breeding cycle and lifetime production associated with culling reasons, 19,471 culling records were collected in southwest China. Lifetime pigs born alive (LPBA) and parity for culling reasons, and reason distribution at different parities and breeding cycle were [...] Read more.

To investigate culling patterns during the breeding cycle and lifetime production associated with culling reasons, 19,471 culling records were collected in southwest China. Lifetime pigs born alive (LPBA) and parity for culling reasons, and reason distribution at different parities and breeding cycle were analyzed. Sows culled for stress and death (SD), lameness (LA), common disease (CD), not being pregnant, return to estrus, and abortion (NP) had fewer than 20 LPBA (p < 0.05). Gilts were mainly culled for anestrus beyond nine months (AB9), CD, and LA, while weaned sows were culled for reproductive system disease (RS), CD, and anestrus beyond seven days (p < 0.0033). Gestating sows were mainly culled for NP, CD, and SD, while lactating sows were mainly culled for low or no milk production (NM), poor litter size, and CD (p < 0.0033). Moreover, sows were mainly culled at parity 0, 1, and 2 (p < 0.0024). Besides CD and RS, LA and NP were the primary reasons for parity 1 and 2 culls, respectively. In conclusion, SD, LA, CD, and NP sharply decrease sow lifetime production. AB9, RS, NP, and NM mainly occurred in gilts, weaned, gestating, and lactating sows, respectively. Low parity sows had a higher risk of CD, RS, LA, and NP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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11 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Vagina–Cervix Length Measurement in Evaluation of Future Reproductive Performance of Sows: A Preliminary Study under Commercial Conditions

by Ryszard Tuz, Tomasz Schwarz, Martyna Małopolska and Jacek Nowicki

Animals 2019, 9(4), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040158 - 11 Apr 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5605

Abstract

The length of the distal part of the internal reproductive tract seems to be related to the length and capacity of uterine horns, which is the most important anatomical property influencing litter size in sows. The aim of this study was to evaluate [...] Read more.

The length of the distal part of the internal reproductive tract seems to be related to the length and capacity of uterine horns, which is the most important anatomical property influencing litter size in sows. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in vagina–cervix length (VCL) in gilts and differences in reproductive performance of sows according to VCL. The study was performed in a commercial farm using 221 gilts introduced into the breeding herd. Females were divided into three groups: (S) short (26.0 ± 2.0 cm, n = 36), (M) medium (31.3 ± 1.46 cm; n = 121), and (L) long VCL (36.0 ± 1.4 cm; n = 42) (p < 0.01). Mean live weight of gilts did not differ significantly among groups. Mean first litter size significantly varied between groups S (10.47 ± 3.01) and L (11.98 ± 2.32) (p = 0.0075) and M (10.67 ± 2.98) and L (p = 0.0054), while there was no significant difference between group S and M. Significant advantage (p = 0.023) was noted in the number of litters obtained from sows in groups L (4.69 ± 3.14), M (3.67 ± 2.71), and S (3.36 ± 2.40), and thus in total life production of sows (p = 0.0054), i.e., the number of piglets born alive. To conclude, the differences in vagina–cervix length in gilts during the first service was associated with significant variability in litter size during the first reproductive cycle, giving an advantage to females with longer VCL. Gilts with longer VCL were culled later and gave significantly more litters. Consequently, their lifetime piglet production was greater than gilts with shorter VCL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are Larger Litters a Concern for Piglet Survival or An Effectively Manageable Trait?

by Sophia A. Ward, Roy N. Kirkwood and Kate J. Plush

Animals 2020, 10(2), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020309 - 17 Feb 2020

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6194

Abstract

As sows continue to be selected for greater prolificacy, it is important to review problems that arise in larger litters, and whether these issues can be appropriately managed. Although a proportion of piglets in larger litters can be born underweight, proper supervision around [...] Read more.

As sows continue to be selected for greater prolificacy, it is important to review problems that arise in larger litters, and whether these issues can be appropriately managed. Although a proportion of piglets in larger litters can be born underweight, proper supervision around farrowing and adequate colostrum intake has the potential to improve the survival of low-birth-weight piglets and their ongoing growth to weaning. As larger litters can impart greater stress and discomfort on sows, implementing a low-stress environment leading up to parturition may improve sow performance and subsequent survival of piglets. Additionally, treating sows with anti-inflammatory compounds, either dietary or pharmacologically, shows some promise for alleviating sow discomfort and improving piglet survival in larger litters. Understanding that selecting sows for larger litters not only affects piglet survival but the well-being of the sow, the decision to continue selecting for larger litters, regardless of management strategies, remains a topic of ethical concern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

21 pages, 1792 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Non-Confinement Accommodation on Farrowing Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Farrowing Crates Versus Pens

by Dannielle Glencorse, Kate Plush, Susan Hazel, Darryl D’Souza and Michelle Hebart

Animals 2019, 9(11), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110957 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6216

Abstract

There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of farrowing house accommodation on piglet performance. The aim of this investigation was to use a systematic review and meta-analyses to summarise the results of publications that focused on direct comparisons between full confinement conventional crates [...] Read more.

There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of farrowing house accommodation on piglet performance. The aim of this investigation was to use a systematic review and meta-analyses to summarise the results of publications that focused on direct comparisons between full confinement conventional crates and various designs of loose-housed farrowing pens from loading until weaning. Literature searches in Scopus, BIOSIS Previews, Cab Abstracts, and Web of Science identified 6695 articles. Twenty-two publications were retained for the systematic review and individual meta-analyses after screening for inclusion criteria. The random effects meta-analyses were performed on crate versus pen for number of piglets born alive, number of stillborn piglets, pre-weaning mortality, and number of piglets weaned. Additionally, the modifiers of confinement length (no confinement from loading until weaning or partial confinement for shorter periods of time in the early stages post parturition), enrichment (no enrichment or enrichment provided), and pen size (small, medium, or large) were examined. There was a 14% increase in the relative risk of piglet mortality in farrowing pens when they were compared with crates (p = 0.0015). The number of stillborns per litter was not different between the pen and crate. However, when providing enrichment in the pens, there was an increase in stillborns within farrowing crates versus pens (p = 0.009). There was no overall effect on piglets that were born alive or number weaned. As there is no difference between piglets born alive and mortality is significantly higher in farrowing pens, a reduction in the number of piglets weaned was expected but not observed, which was possibly due to the lack of weaning details provided in the publications. This was the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted on the performance of farrowing accommodation and identified that farrowing pens do compromise post-natal piglet survival. Future efforts should focus on improving sow comfort in the farrowing crate to maximize both piglet and sow welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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17 pages, 2981 KiB

Open AccessReview

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction

by Johannes Kauffold, Olli Peltoniemi, Axel Wehrend and Gary C. Althouse

Animals 2019, 9(11), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110950 - 11 Nov 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8378

Abstract

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has [...] Read more.

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal’s breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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12 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessReview

Parturition and Its Relationship with Stillbirths and Asphyxiated Piglets

by Pieter Langendijk and Kate Plush

Animals 2019, 9(11), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110885 - 31 Oct 2019

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 5373

Abstract

The transition from an intra- to extrauterine existence is extremely challenging for the pig. This is evidenced by the fact that conservative estimates place intrapartum piglet death at between 5% and 10%. The main cause of this loss is the parturition process itself, [...] Read more.

The transition from an intra- to extrauterine existence is extremely challenging for the pig. This is evidenced by the fact that conservative estimates place intrapartum piglet death at between 5% and 10%. The main cause of this loss is the parturition process itself, with a long farrowing duration resulting in reduced oxygenation to the piglet via uterine contractions stretching, and in some cases, causing rupture of the umbilical cord. Sows that experience a long expulsive stage of parturition are likely compromised before the birth of the first piglet, and so any strategy to reduce stillbirth should be applied before this. Even in piglets born alive, 15% to 20% will have suffered asphyxiation because of a long cumulative farrowing duration. These individuals are significantly disadvantaged with regards to behavioural progression, colostrum intake, growth and survival extending past the lactation phase, and so require more labour and resources than littermates in order to make them viable. Given these immediate and longer-term impacts, identifying ways to correctly manage the sow before parturition leading to a reduction in farrowing duration should be a priority in order to maximise piglet performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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15 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gilt Management for Fertility and Longevity

by Jennifer Patterson and George Foxcroft

Animals 2019, 9(7), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9070434 - 09 Jul 2019

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9321

Abstract

Substantial evidence supports successful management of gilts as an absolutely necessary component of breeding herd management and the pivotal starting point for the future fertility and longevity of the breeding herd. Therefore, gilt management practices from birth have the potential to influence the [...] Read more.

Substantial evidence supports successful management of gilts as an absolutely necessary component of breeding herd management and the pivotal starting point for the future fertility and longevity of the breeding herd. Therefore, gilt management practices from birth have the potential to influence the future reproductive performance of the sow herd. A good gilt management program will address several key components such as birth traits that determine the efficiency of replacement gilt production; effective selection of the most fertile gilts for entry to the breeding herd; effective management programs that provide a consistent supply of service eligible gilts; and appropriate management of weight, physiological maturity, and a positive metabolic state at breeding. Good gilt management can largely resolve the existing gap between excellent genetic potential and the more modest sow lifetime productivity typically achieved in the industry. Investment in good gilt development programs from birth represents a foundational opportunity for improving the efficiency of the pork production industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

1 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessErratum

Erratum: Rodrigues, L.; Amezcua, R.; Cassar, G.; O’Sullivan, T.; Friendship, R. Comparison of Single, Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination in Gilts Using Two Different Protocols to Synchronize Ovulation. Animals 2020, 10, 306

by Lima Rodrigues, Rocio Amezcua, Glen Cassar, Terri L O’Sullivan and Robert Friendship

Animals 2020, 10(4), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040641 - 08 Apr 2020

Viewed by 1396

Abstract

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pig Reproduction)

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