EFFECTS OF COLD STRESS AND REPEAT MATING ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SWINE

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. SWIERSTRA ◽  
G. W. RAHNEFELD
Keyword(s):  
Cold Stress ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Minimum Temperature ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Temperature Ranges ◽  
Single Mating

The effects of cold stress, as measured by minimum ambient temperatures at day(s) of mating, on conception rate (CR), and litter size were studied in purebred Yorkshire and Lacombe swine populations maintained at the Canada Agriculture Research Station, Brandon, Manitoba (49°50′N, 99°57′W). One hundred and sixty-nine Yorkshire and 160 Lacombe boars were used to hand mate 406 Yorkshire gilts (505 estruses) and 460 Lacombe gilts (558 estruses). All gilts were bred on the 1st day of standing estrus, and gilts still in estrus the next day were mated a second time with the same boar. All matings were carried out in December and January over an 8-year period. Gilts and boars were housed separately in outside pens with wooden cabins as shelter. The data were grouped on the basis of minimum temperature on day(s) of mating into the following arbitrarily chosen temperature ranges: < −25, −25 to −18, −17 to −10 and > −10 C. The CR for gilts mated once were 81, 73, 58, and 56%, respectively, for the four temperature ranges. Corresponding values for the gilts mated more than once were 88, 81, 73, and 65%. Chi-square analyses indicated that CR were dependent (P < 0.01) on ambient temperatures. Repeat mating per estrus increased CR of the Yorkshire gilts by 12.5% (77.9 vs. 65.4%) and of the Lacombe gilts by 11.3% (80.4 vs. 69.1%) as compared with single mating. In both breeds, repeat mating increased litter size by 0.3 piglets (9.2 vs. 8.9, P = 0.10) over single matings. Litter size was not influenced by cold stress at time of mating.

Effect of using vasectomised boars for additional matings on sow reproductive performance

1986 ◽  
Vol 1986 ◽  
pp. 123-123
Author(s):  
O D Davies
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Large White ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Single Mating

Vasectomised boars are already in use on some commercial farms for detecting and synchronising oestrus, especially in gilts. Increasing the number of matings a sow receives during oestrus has been found to increase subsequent litter size and conception rate (Reed 1982, Tilton and Cole 1982). If vaginal-uterine stimulation is the underlying cause for this reproductive improvement, then similar effects should be possible using vasectomised boars.A total of 200 Large White/Landrace cross sows were weaned at 4 to 5 weeks and housed adjacent to mature fertile boar where physical contact was possible through a barred gate. The sows were inspected for signs of oestrus each morning and, if receptive, were given a single mating with a fertile boar. Approximately 3 hours later, alternate sows were penned with a vasectomised boar and one service was supervised. These sows remained with the vasectomised boar overnight and were then remated with the original boar. The control sows were also remated with a fertile boar, 24 hours after the first service.From weaning to service all sows were offered 2.7 kg of a 155 g/kg crude protein, barley based sow nut. After service this was reduced to 2.2 kg per day.

145 Effect of Substandard Teats on Piglet and Sow Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 133-134
Author(s):  
Mark Knauer ◽  
Zack Peppmeier
Keyword(s):  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Large White ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Maternal Line ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Piglet Survival

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate sow teat quality in relation to subsequent reproductive throughput. Data included one cohort of 42 Landrace × Large White second parity maternal line sows at the Tidewater Research Station (Plymouth, NC). Functional teats (FUNCTIONAL) were classified pre-farrow as acceptable (ACCEPTABLE) or substandard (SUBSTANDARD). Teats were categorized as SUBSTANDARD when teat size was ≤75% of ACCEPTABLE. At day 20 of lactation, ACCEPTABLE and SUBSTANDARD were assessed for the presence of a swollen mammary gland and piglets observed nursing SUBSTANDARD were recorded (24 piglets from 15 litters). Means for FUNCTIONAL, ACCEPTABLE and SUBSTANDARD were 15.07, 13.59 and 1.48 teats, respectively. Biological dam traits included birth weight (BWT), total number born (TNB), litter size at weaning (LSW) and piglet survival (LSW/TNB). Weaning weight (WWT) was considered a trait of the nurse dam. Means for TNB, LSW, litter BWT and litter WWT were 13.4, 10.9, 17.8 kg and 57.8 kg, respectively. Data was analyzed using a chi-square test for binary traits and linear mixed models for continuous traits. At weaning, a greater (P &lt; 0.01) proportion of ACCEPTABLE had a functional mammary gland when compared to SUBSTANDARD (76 vs. 47%). Within litters, piglets nursing SUBSTANDARD tended (em&gt;P = 0.09) to be 158 grams lighter at weaning in comparison to ACCEPTABLE. Yet BWT of SUBSTANDARD piglets did not differ (em&gt;P = 0.60) from piglets nursing ACCEPTABLE. Across litters, an increase in one SUBSTANDARD tended (em&gt;P = 0.07) to reduce litter WWT by 1.74 kilograms. An increase in one SUBSTANDARD tended (em&gt;P &lt; 0.07) to increase piglet survival by 3.5%. Results suggest substandard teats, identified pre-farrow, are less likely to have a functional mammary gland at weaning, impair piglet quality yet may enhance piglet survival.

THE ACCUMULATIVE EFFECT OF FINNSHEEP BREEDING IN CROSSBREEDING SCHEMES: REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY ◽  
JACQUES J. DUFOUR
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Size At Birth

Reproductive performance and body weight were studied on 361 ewes, representing Finnsheep (F), DLS (a population of 1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) and seven combinations ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 Finnsheep breeding. Conception rate in yearlings was 61.5% for DLS compared to 89.0% for F with the crosses being intermediate. Conception rate in older ewes was similar in the different genetic groups (avg. 94%). Ovulation rate and litter size at birth of DLS ewes were 1.72 and 1.44 lambs, which was less than half those of F ewes (3.51 and 2.86 lambs, respectively). Both traits increased progressively with an increase in F breeding in crosses and with advances in age. DLS ewes weaned 1.22 lambs compared to 2.03 lambs for F ewes and 1.84 lambs for 4/8 F ewes. The heaviest litters at weaning (31.7 kg) were raised by 4/8 F ewes, followed by 7/8 F (30.8 kg) while those raised by DLS ewes weighed 23.0 kg and F ewes 29.1 kg. Percentage of ova lost per ewe mated averaged 24% and ranged between 18% (DLS and 1/8 F) and 29% (6/8 F). About 3.6% of lambs were born dead and a further 13.8% died before weaning. Preweaning mortality rate was highest in F (22.9%) and lowest in 3/8 F (9.4%). Average kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe exposed was highest in 4/8 F (27.6 kg) followed by F (26.0 kg), whereas that of DLS was the lowest at 18.1 kg. The 4/8 F cross showed 25% heterosis in kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed and 52.5% increase over DLS. Significant positive linear regressions were calculated for ovulation rate, litter size and preweaning mortality rate on proportion of Finnsheep breeding in crosses. The relation was quadratic for percent ova lost and lamb mortality at weaning. Yearling DLS females weighted 36 kg compared to 44 kg for F yearlings. However, at 5 yr of age DLS ewes weighed 62 kg, 5 kg heavier than F ewes. The heaviest ewes at all ages were the 4/8 F (45 kg at 1 yr, 65 kg at 5 yr). Key words: Reproduction, DLS sheep, Finnsheep, crossbreeding, heterosis, repeatabilities

scholarly journals Sperm concentration on the intrauterine artificial insemination in swine

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1671-1674
Author(s):  
Joana Miller ◽  
Ana Luísa Neves Alvarenga ◽  
Luis David Solis Murgas ◽  
Adriana Cristina da Silva ◽  
Ricardo Sales Araújo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Intrauterine Insemination ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Cervical Canal ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Estrus Detection ◽  
Farrowing Rate

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the intrauterine insemination (IUI) in swine, considering the conception rate, farrowing rate, litter size (alive born pigs). For the IUI, the females had been insemination at 24 and 48 hours after the estrus detection, and the inseminating doses of 500 million, 1 billion, 1.5 billion and 2 billion spermatozoa in 20 mL extender had been used. The procedure of catheter insertion through the cervical canal was successfully performed in 97.9% of the females. The conception rate was 6.3% in the IUI. The farrowing rate in IUI was 87.2% but the farrowing rate was 100% for the sperm concentration of 500 million. Regarding the number of born pigs and alive born pigs observed in females inseminated with IUI, no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). The concentration of 500 x 10(6) spermatozoa in 20 mL extender in the intrauterine insemination resulted in an optimal reproductive performance.

82 CRYOPRESERVATION OF BOAR EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA; ADDITION OF SEMINAL PLASMA TO THAWING SOLUTION IMPROVES REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE BY ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
T. Okazaki ◽  
T. Akiyoshi ◽  
M. Kan ◽  
H. Teshima ◽  
M. Shimada
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Maximum Effect ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Epididymal Spermatozoa

Epididymal spermatozoa are one of the available male germ cells for cryopreservation. It has been reported that frozen–thawed porcine epididymal spermatozoa have a high fertilization competence in vitro as compared with that in ejaculated one. However, there is little information about reproductive performance, such as conception rate or litter size, after artificial insemination (AI) using frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa. Recently, we demonstrated that the addition of seminal plasma to thawing solution improves membrane and acrosomal integrity, and enhanced both in vivo and in vitro fertilizing activity of frozen–thawed ejaculated spermatozoa. Moreover, the injection of seminal plasma to uterus with frozen–thawed spermatozoa significantly increased the number of implantation site (Okazaki et al. 2009 Theriogenology 71, 491–498). Thus, to apply those positive functions of seminal plasma to AI using frozen–thawed epididymal sperm, in this study, we added seminal plasma to thawing solution and then analysed the sperm functions including AI test using frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa. Epididymal spermatozoa collected by flushing caudal epididymis were frozen as described in our previous study (Okazaki et al. 2009). Frozen-spermatozoa were thawed in Modena solution with or without different percentages of seminal plasma. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation as a marker of capacitation was detected by western blotting. To examine the reproductive performance, the sows of natural oestrus were artificially inseminated two times (5 × 109 50 mL–1 per injection). When the frozen–thawed ejaculated or epididymal sperm was incubated up to 6 h, the motility of epididymal sperm was significantly higher than that of ejaculated sperm (19.6 v. 37.6%). However, the acrosomal membrane was damaged in epididymal sperm group at 3-h incubation period (15.2 v. 36.0%). The addition of seminal plasma [0, 10, 15, 20% (v/v)] in Modena solution protected the acrosomal injury (3 h; 35.2, 19.5, 15.6, 14.6%) and maintained high rate of motility (6 h; 38.8, 48.8, 62.5, 60.0%) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of seminal plasma suppressed the expression of the 15 kDa phosphoprotein (early capacitation status), and the maximum effect was detected at 15% (v/v) seminal plasma. When the frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa with 15% (v/v) seminal plasma were artificially inseminated to swine (n = 15), the conception rate and the mean number of litter size were increased as compared with control (93 v. 43%, 10.0 v. 5.0). From these results, we concluded that the addition of seminal plasma to thawing solution was a beneficial method for artificial insemination using frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa in the pig. This work was supported by the Programme for Promotion of Basic and Applied Researches for Innovations in Bio-oriented Industry, and JST-Grant (No. 12-068 and No. 12-104).

Reproductive performance in purebred and crossbred commercial rabbits

1981 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Partridge ◽  
S. Foley ◽  
W. Corrigall
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Annual Production ◽  
Reciprocal Crosses ◽  
Contributory Factors ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Size At Birth

ABSTRACTThe reproductive performance of does of New Zealand White (N) and Californian (C) strains of rabbit was compared with that of the two reciprocal crosses, C × N and N × C (sire × dam). Both types of crossbred doe showed a reproductive performance superior to the purebred strains, having both a higher conception rate and mean litter size at birth. C × N, N × C, N and C does reared on average 6·6, 7·4, 5·0 and 4·9 pups to weaning age respectively. Expressed in terms of an estimated annual production of weanlings the N × C does produced nearly twice as many progeny to 4 weeks of age as the purebreds N and C (37 pups cf. 21 and 19 pups respectively). Total losses prior to weaning were approximately 25% in all breeds, largely from stillbirths, and subsequent chilling and/or starvation in the nest (36% and 38% of diagnosed deaths respectively). Other contributory factors are discussed.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance of rabbits fed groundnut (Arachis hypogea) haulms

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-280
Author(s):  
O. S. Abe ◽  
J. A. Abiona
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Arachis Hypogea ◽  
Better Than

The 20 parent rabbits used in this study were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (diets 2-5) plus a control diet (Dietl) while the 20 FI does were maintained on the parental diet. The number of matings per conception were higher in the parent does than the FI does. Generally the Fl does performed better than the parent does in most of the parameters considered. The lowest value of 50.0 and 50.0 obtained in FI does were higher than the lowest value of 33.33 and 25.0 obtained in purent does for conception rate (%) and reproductive efficiency (%) respectively. Although, one cases of abortion and two cases of stillbirth were recorded in parent does, none was observed in FI does. The litter size of FI does which ranged between 4.0-5.5 was lower than the parent does which ranged between 40-6.5 It could however be inferred that the overall superior performance of the FI does may not be unconnected with the inclusion of groundnut haulms in their diet from the start after weaning.

scholarly journals Effect of lighting schedule, intensity, and colour on reproductive performance of rabbit does

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Yingjie Wu ◽  
Ang Zhao ◽  
Yinghe Qin
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
White Light ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Size At Birth

<p>In order to establish a lighting regime suitable for rabbit farms in East China, the effects of lighting schedule, intensity and colour on the reproductive performance of rabbit does were evaluated by three experiments, respectively. In experiment 1, does were exposed to different lighting schedules: 16L:8D-continuous, 16L:8D-18d (6 d before artificial insemination (AI) to 12 d post-AI), 16L:8D-6d (6 d before AI to the day of AI) and 12L:12D-continuous. In experiment 2, does were exposed to different light intensities: 40 lx, 60 lx, 80 lx and 120 lx. In experiment 3, does were exposed to different light colours: white, yellow, blue and red. For all experiments, conception rate, kindling rate and pre-weaning mortality were calculated; litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning, litter weight at weaning and individual kit weight at weaning were recorded. Results showed that none of the reproductive parameters of does were affected by the application of 16L:8D-18d lighting schedule compared with the continuous 16L:8D group(<em>P</em>&gt;0.05). Moreover, rabbits does exposed to 80 lx light performed as well as those under 120 lx light in conception rate, kindling rate, litter size (total and alive) at birth and litter weight at birth (<em>P</em>&gt;0.05). Furthermore, the exposures of 60 lx and 80 lx light were beneficial for litter weight at weaning. In addition, red light had a positive effect, as it led to a larger litter size and litter weight at weaning and lower pre-weaning mortality than white light (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05). In summary, a 16L:8D photoperiod with 80 lx red light from 6 d before AI to 12 d post-AI is recommended for use in breeding of rabbit does according to our results.</p>

15 Effects of Timed Artificial Insemination Protocol Using Prostglandin F2α and Estradiol Benzoate on Conception Rate in High-Producing Dairy Cows

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
M. Yamaguchi ◽  
M. Takayama ◽  
H. López
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Parity Number ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Synchronization Protocol

For several years, milk production per Holstein cow has been increasing while reproductive performance has declined worldwide. Timed AI (TAI) protocols with synchronization of oestrus and ovulation are tools for the improvement of reproductive performance in high producing dairy herds. In protocols for synchronization of oestrus and ovulation, oestradiol benzoate (EB) has been used to increase the number of animals that show oestrous behaviour, synchronize ovulation, and improve conception rate (CR). The objective of this study was to compare a simple oestrus synchronization and TAI protocol using prostaglandin F2α (PG) and EB with a more complicated TAI protocol or oestrus detection and AI on CR in high-producing Holstein cows. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2016, using 1,036 Holstein cows from 3 commercial dairy herds in central Hokkaido, Japan. The average parity number was 2.6 ± 1.5, and days open averaged 152.2 ± 82.0 days. The average milk yield (305 days) was 11,348 ± 1,619 kg. Oestrus synchronization of cows was achieved using PG followed by EB and TAI (PG was given to cows with a cutoff for CL diameter of >20 mm by ultrasonography; EB (1 mg) was administered 24 h later and AI was carried out 24 to 48 h after EB injection), or by Heatsynch + CIDR [gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection and CIDR insertion at random stages of the oestrous cycle, CIDR removal, and PG injection 7 days later, EB injected 24 h after CIDR removal, and TAI 24 to 32 h after EB injection]. Cows observed in natural oestrus were used as controls. All cows were inseminated after the onset of standing heat or removal of the tail chalk (Paintstik®, LA-CO Industries, Elk Grove Village, IL, USA). Pregnancy diagnoses were performed using ultrasonography between 30 and 45 days after AI. The CR were compared using chi-square test. The CR (no. of pregnant cows/no. of total cows in the treatment group) of the natural oestrus group, PG + EB, and Heatsynch + CIDR cows were 39.2% (302/771), 38.7% (48/124), and 31.2% (44/141), respectively. Overall CR for the 3 groups was 38.0%. There were no significant differences in CR among the 2 groups (P > 0.07). These results show that a simple oestrus synchronization protocol with injection of PG followed by EB can be used effectively for high-producing dairy herds, yielding a satisfactory CR similar to that obtained with the Heatsynch + CIDR protocol or natural oestrus.

An analysis of reproductive performance in pigs based on records of performance of the boar

1977 ◽  
Vol 17 (85) ◽  
pp. 256 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Baharin ◽  
RG Beilharz
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Large White ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Commercial Farm ◽  
Heritability Estimates

The reproductive performance of 308 boars with total records of 9220 matings from a large commercial farm was analysed. The boars were purebred Large White, Landrace and from the newly synthesized M breed and were mated to purebred and crossbred sows of the same breeds. The M breed was derived from crossing between Large White and Landrace pigs with foundation females selected on the basis of their ability to produce large litters. Over half the total records were from matings with sows of parity 1 and parity 2. Overall production statistics were 78.8 per cent conception rate, an average total litter size of 9.3 pigs born per litter, 6.5 per cent stillbirths, an average litter weight (live piglets) at birth of 12.2 kg, average birth weight per piglet of 1.43 kg and average gestation length of 11 5 days. Most of the traits analysed showed significant effects due to parity of dams, with performance increasing from parity 1 to parity 6 to 8, after which the performance began to decline. There were significant heterosis effects (mainly maternal) on reproduction of the sows and survival performance of the litters resulting in an estimated improvement of 11 per cent in number of live pigs born, 12.4 per cent in total litter weight at birth and 35 per cent reduction in stillbirths. Heritability estimates were generally low for most traits except for boar conception rate which was moderate (0.29).

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