The effect of body condition on ovulation rate in the sow

1969 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hardy ◽  
G. A. Lodge
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Conception Rates

SUMMARYTwenty-four sows from three nutritional regimes imposed until weaning of their third litters were used to investigate the influence of weight and body condition on ovulation rate.For low-, medium- and high-plane sows respectively, mean corpora lutea numbers at 3 to 6 days post coitus were 13·8±0·78, 16·4±0·87 and 15·2±1·01 (not significantly different); conception rates at first service were 50, 87·5 and 100% percentages prenatal mortality were 36·1±7·95, 67·2±7·26 and 41·7±7·26, and mean numbers of pigs born alive were 9·0±1·19, 5·2±1·09 and 8·8±1·09.Pooled data indicated no significant effect of body weight but a significant effect of weight loss during the preceding lactation on ovulation rate (P<0–01).

The effect of time of mating on ovulation rate and potential lambing rate of Greyface ewes

1979 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn ◽  
J. M. Doney ◽  
W. F. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Differential Group ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Group Feeding ◽  
Lambing Rate

ABSTRACTOver 2 years, 104 Greyface ewes were mated at a synchronized oestrus either in early October or early November. From late September until slaughter at return to service or between 4 and 7 weeks after mating, ewes were fed to maintain their body condition score as previously adjusted by differential group feeding on grass. Ovulation rate and potential lambing rate were derived from counts of corpora lutea and viable embryos at slaughter. Both rates were higher in the early-mated ewes in comparable body condition. Stress factors were implicated as contributing to the decline in ovulation rate with time, while ewes which failed to hold to first mating were largely responsible for the decline in potential lambing rate.

scholarly journals Effect of Two Transport Options on the Welfare of Two Genetic Lines of Organic Free Range Pullets in Switzerland

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Sprafke ◽  
Rupert Palme ◽  
Paul Schmidt ◽  
Michael Erhard ◽  
Shana Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Genetic Line ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
Transportation Stress ◽  
Layer Farm

The welfare of two genetic lines of organic layer hen pullets—H&N Super Nick (HNS) and H&N Brown Nick (HNB)—was compared during two commercial transport variants of 15 flocks of mixed-reared birds. Birds were either transported overnight (with a break in travel), or were transported direct to the layer farm (without a break in travel). Samples of feces were collected non-invasively from 25 birds of each genetic line per flock for each transport variant before transportation to evaluate baseline values of glucocorticoid metabolites, and at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 10 h, 24 h, 34 h, 48 h, 58 h, and 72 h after the end of transportation, to measure transportation and translocation stress. We assessed the fear toward humans with the touch test before transportation, and we checked the birds’ body condition by scoring the plumage condition and the occurrence of injuries. Body weight before and weight loss after transportation were determined, and ambient temperature was measured before, during, and after transportation. Stress investigations showed no significant differences between the transport variants (effect: −0.208; 95% confidence interval (CI): (−0.567; 0.163)). Instead, we discovered differences between the pullet lines (effect: −0.286; 95% CI: (−0.334; 0.238)). Weight loss was different between the transport variants (2.1 percentage points; 95% CI: (−2.6; −1.5)) and between the genetic lines, as HNB lost significantly less weight than HNS (0.5 percentage points; 95% CI: (0.3; 0.7)).

scholarly journals Litter size components traits in two Algerian rabbit lines

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Rafik Belabbas ◽  
Maria de la Luz García ◽  
Hacina AinBaziz ◽  
Ali Berbar ◽  
Maria José Argente
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Principal Components ◽  
Local Population ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Synthetic Line

<p>The aim of this study was to estimate the limiting litter size components in rabbit females from a Synthetic line (n=32) and a Local population (n=34). Ovulation rate, number of implanted and live embryos were counted by laparoscopy at 12 d after mating. Prolificacy (total newborn, number born alive and mortality) and embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival at day of birth of the 3<sup>rd</sup> gestation were measured. The analysed traits were body weight of the female at mating, ovulation rate, implanted, live and resorbed embryos, embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival, as well as total newborn, number born alive and mortality at birth. Synthetic line females had a higher ovulation rate compared to the Local population (11.03±0.23 vs. 8.41±0.23 corpora lutea; <em>P</em>&lt;0.0001). Synthetic line displayed a higher number of implanted embryos (10.00±0.25 vs. 7.85±0.25 embryos; <em>P</em>&lt;0.0001). No difference was found between groups for number of resorbed embryos. Similar embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival rates were reported between the Synthetic line and the Local population. Additionally, total newborn was higher in the Synthetic line than in the Local population (+1.46 kits; <em>P</em>&lt;0.05). A principal components analysis was performed. The first four principal components (PC) explained more than 90% of the total variation in both lines. Total newborn, number born alive and live embryos were the main variables defining the 1<sup>st</sup> PC. Resorbed embryos and foetal survival were located in the 2<sup>nd</sup> PC. Ovulation rate and embryonic survival were the predominant variables defining the 3<sup>rd</sup> PC. The body weight of females was located in the 4<sup>th</sup> PC. The phenotypic correlation between total newborn and its components were high and positive in both lines, except for ovulation rate and total newborn, where it was moderate in Synthetic line. In conclusion, the females from Synthetic line have a higher total newborn than those from Local population, as a consequence of a higher number of released oocytes and embryos that successfully reach implantation. However, a higher uterine crowding in Synthetic line seems to limit survival of foetuses that reach term of gestation, while ovulation rate is the principal limiting factor of total newborn in Local population.</p>

The effects of components of body weight on reproductive efficiency in the Merino ewe

1972 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Guerra ◽  
C. J. Thwaites ◽  
T. N. Edey
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency

SUMMARYGroups of mature Merino ewes selected on the basis of either large or small bodysize were differentially fed during a pre-experimental period to produce subgroups of high and low body condition. These levels of body condition were maintained for 2 weeks before mating and for the first 5 weeks of gestation. Thereafter, the four subgroups grazed together until lambing.Big ewes had more multiple ovulations than small ewes (14/41 υ 6/53; P < 0·01), and there was a significant linear regression of ovulation rate on body size. Body condition was positively related to the incidence of multiple ovulations, but the regression of ovulation rate on body condition at mating failed to reach significance. Body weight was significantly related to both ovulation rate and the incidence of multiple ovulations, and proved to be a more effective predictor of ovulation rate than either body size or condition.These results make it clear that size and condition, the two components of body weight, each have a considerable independent influence on some aspects of reproduction, and that the precision of some experiments and the effectiveness of some production routines could be improved by considering them separately.

The effects of body weight and its components on lambing performance in some commercial flocks in Britain

1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Geisler ◽  
J. S. Fenlon
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Standard Condition ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Skeletal Size ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTAn analysis of the records of ewe weight and condition at mating together with subsequent lambing performance for several commercial flocks in the UK revealed no significant relationship between lambing performance and size, measured by weight transformed to a standard condition. The relationship between mating weight and body condition score at mating was linear though there was considerable variation in weight at a fixed body condition, suggesting a substantial spread in skeletal size. Increases in ovulation rate were not discernible from lambing figures over the range of body conditions observed in these flocks.

scholarly journals Increased ovulation rate in gilts treated with dihydrotestosterone

Reproduction ◽  
2002 ◽  
pp. 527-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Cardenas ◽  
WF Pope ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Fsh Receptor ◽  
Receptor Mrna ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles ◽  
Early Follicular Phase

Treatment with testosterone increases ovulation rate in pigs. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a non-aromatizable androgen receptor ligand, on ovulation rate and amounts of androgen receptor and FSH receptor mRNAs in postpubertal gilts. In Expt 1, ovulation rate in response to daily i.m. injections of 0, 6, 60 or 600 microg DHT kg(-1) body weight from day 13 of the oestrous cycle (day 0 = day 1 of oestrus) to the following oestrus increased with each dose of DHT (P < 0.05). The mean increase in number of corpora lutea ranged from approximately three to 17 over the three dosages of DHT. In Expt 2, gilts treated daily with 60 microg DHT kg(-1) body weight during the early follicular phase (from day 13 to day 16), coincident with follicular recruitment, or the late follicular phase (day 17 to oestrus), had higher (P < 0.05) rates of ovulation compared with gilts that received vehicle, and were not different from gilts treated with DHT from day 13 to oestrus. Percentage recovery of day 3 embryos was not altered when gilts were treated from day 13 to day 16 or from day 17 to oestrus; however, treatment of gilts with DHT from day 13 to oestrus decreased recovery of day 3 (Expt 1) or day 11 (Expt 2) conceptuses. Daily administration of 6 microg DHT kg(-1) body weight to gilts from day 13 of the oestrous cycle to the following oestrus (Expt 3) did not affect the relative amounts of androgen receptor mRNA, but increased (P < 0.05) the amounts of FSH receptor mRNA in preovulatory follicles as determined by RT-PCR. The results of these experiments indicate that androgens may regulate ovulation rate in gilts. One of the roles of androgens might be regulation of the amounts of FSH receptor mRNA in ovarian follicles.

Some factors associated with the behaviour and survival of newly shorn sheep

1969 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 513 ◽  
Author(s):  
KJ Hutchinson ◽  
BH McRae
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Mortality Level ◽  
Factors Associated

Sheep deaths in the 12-day period following shearing were related to a high rate of body weight loss during the 4 weeks before shearing. The body weight or body condition of sheep at shearing was unimportant. Mortality level was not influenced by the amount of herbage available after shearing although the grazing activities of the survivors increased. Mortality was associated with a massive infiltration of lipid into the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex.The shorn sheep spent more time standing and less time grazing during the night. These results are discussed in relation to possible management practices to reduce sheep losses.

The interaction of nutrition and body condition at mating on ovulation rate and early embryo mortality in Scottish Blackface ewes

1975 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn ◽  
J. M. Doney
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Service Rate ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Mortality ◽  
Poor Condition ◽  
High Level

SUMMARYOne hundred and fifty-six Scottish Blackface ewes were differentially group-fed over a 2-month period to achieve three distinct levels of body condition (good, moderate and very poor). Over 5 weeks prior to mating, one group of good-condition ewes was maintained in that condition, one group of good- and one of moderate-condition ewes were brought down in condition by restricted feeding and one group of moderate and the very poor condition ewes were raised in condition by a high level of feeding. Ewes were therefore in good, moderately good or poor condition at mating. After mating, ewes were killed either on return to service or at 25 ± 5 days for counts of corpora lutea and viable embryos.Poor body condition, irrespective of feeding level, was associated with a delay or suppression of oestrus and with a high return-to-service rate. Ovulation rate was positively related to body condition at mating but not to the level of pre-mating food intake at the condition levels studied.Embryo mortality decreased as body condition at mating increased and the interaction between condition and the level of pre-mating food intake had a differential effect on mortality of single- and multiple-shed ova. The lowest rate of embryo mortality was found in ewes in moderately good condition which had been well-fed before mating.

Fertility in Cheviot ewes. 1. The effect of body condition at mating on ovulation rate and early embryo mortality in North and South Country Cheviot ewes

1979 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn ◽  
J. M. Doney
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Mortality ◽  
Breed Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Breed Difference ◽  
North And South ◽  
Lambing Rate

ABSTRACTIn two experiments over 2 years, 113 North Country Cheviot and 132 South Country Cheviot hill ewes were differentially group-fed over a 10-week period to achieve either good or moderate body con- dition. Ewes were maintained in these levels of condition over the 5 weeks prior to mating. After mating, ewes were killed either on return to service or between days 23 and 85 for counts of corpora lutea and viable embryos.Ovulation rate in each breed was positively related to body condition at mating. Embryo mortality, as ova loss, was not influenced overall by breed, type of ovulation, year of recording, or body condition. Although comparisons of loss were partly confounded by a differen- tial distribution in the number of ova shed in each breed and body condition group, there was an apparent breed difference in loss of single- and multiple-shed ova. Potential lambing rate therefore showed greater response to improved body condition at mating in the North Country Cheviot breed than it did in the South Country Cheviot.

Pre-mating herbage intake and the reproductive performance of north Country Cheviot ewes in different levels of body condition

1991 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn ◽  
W. F. Smith ◽  
A. J. Senior ◽  
E. Barthram ◽  
D. A. Sim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
The North ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Body Condition Scores

ABSTRACTOver 4 years, a flock of mature North Country Cheviot ewes was grazed on different swards between weaning in August and mid October to achieve a range of condition scores at 5 weeks before mating (post-weaning period). During the subsequent 5 weeks before a synchronized mating (pre-mating period), all ewes were grazed on a perennial ryegrass/white clover sward, provided at high (H) or low (L) herbage masses (1600 to 2100 or 1200 to 1400 kg dry matter (DM) per ha, respectively). Ovulation rate was derived from the number of corpora lutea in 101 ewes slaughtered after first mating. Conception and lambing rates were derived from the number of lambs born to first mating of 406 ewes. In 2 out of the 4 years, 79 ewes were used to estimate herbage intake.There was no effect of post-weaning management on reproductive performance. Herbage intake and reproductive performance were examined in relation to the body condition of the ewes at 5 weeks before mating. On an H herbage mass pre-mating, herbage intake in the period immediately prior to mating was greatest in ewes in low body condition and declined significantly with increasing condition. On an L herbage mass pre-mating, herbage intake did not vary significantly with condition. Ovulation rate was low in ewes in low body condition (scores =≤·25) at 5 weeks before mating, increased significantly with increasing condition up to scores 2·50/2·75 but did not change significantly above such intermediate scores. Conception and lambing rates increased significantly with increasing body condition up to scores 2·50/2·75 and then decreased significantly as condition increased above these levels. These effects of body condition were greater on an L herbage mass pre-mating than they were on an H herbage mass. Ewes in the intermediate body condition scores of 2·50 and 2·75 at 5 weeks before mating had a low sensitivity to contemporary nutrition pre-mating. Such condition levels are therefore considered to be above the range of condition in the North Country Cheviot breed within which reproductive response is affected by contemporary nutrition pre-mating.The lower reproductive performance of ewes in high body condition (scores 3=3·00) at 5 weeks before mating was related to an increase in estimated ova and embryo loss and may be associated with a reduced herbage intake.

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