Late Estrus or Metestrus Insemination after Estrual Inseminations Decreases Farrowing Rate and Litter Size in Swine

K. J. Rozeboom, M. H.T. Troedsson, G. C. Shurson, J. D. Hawton, B. G. Crabo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

A study was conducted with 360 gilts and sows from four herds to determine whether fertility was affected when the final of multiple inseminations was performed in late estrus or metestrus (late insemination). Sows and gilts were inseminated at 24-h intervals immediately after the detection of estrus. After receiving a first insemination, females were paired according to parity and estrus status on d 2 of estrus. Each pair set was inseminated with extended semen from the same semen collection(s). Control females were inseminated once on d 1 if they were not in estrus on d 2 (n = 31) or on both days if they were in estrus on d 2 (n = 149). Late inseminated females in each pair were managed and inseminated in the same manner as control females and then inseminated again 24 h later regardless of estrus status. Overall reproductive performance was similar among the four herds. Late insemination caused a drop in farrowing rate in parity 1 and 2 females (23 and 22%; P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and average litter size decreased by 1.1 pigs per litter (P < .05) regardless of parity. There were no differences in either litter size or farrowing rate between late inseminated females in estrus and those that were in metestrus at the time of their last insemination.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2323-2327
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Animal Science
Volume75
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1997

Keywords

  • Artificial Insemination
  • Farrowing Rate
  • Litter Size
  • Sow Reproduction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Genetics

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