Related Experiment Videos
[Post-partum oestrous behaviour in sows is not associated with ovulation]
N Y P Souren1, P Langendijk, N M Soede
1Departement Dierwetenschappen, Wageningen Universiteit.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|September 22, 2005
Summary
Post-partum oestrus (PPO) in sows, occurring shortly after farrowing, varied widely in incidence across farms. Younger sows with more backfat were more likely to exhibit PPO, though it did not impact reproductive success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology in swine
- Animal reproduction and behaviour
- Veterinary gynaecology
Context:
- Post-partum oestrus (PPO) is an occasional reproductive phenomenon in sows.
- Understanding PPO is crucial for optimizing swine reproductive efficiency.
- Previous research on PPO incidence and contributing factors is limited.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence and potential causes of post-partum oestrus (PPO) in sows.
- To analyze the relationship between sow characteristics (age, backfat) and PPO occurrence.
- To assess the effect of PPO on subsequent reproductive parameters.
Summary:
- This study examined PPO incidence on nine Dutch farms using lactation records (n=1374), backfat measurements (n=25), and ultrasonography.
- PPO incidence varied significantly (0-62%) across farms, typically starting 59 hours post-farrowing and lasting 55 hours.
- Younger sows (parity 3.8) with greater backfat (21.3 mm) showed higher PPO incidence; follicle growth occurred, but ovulation was absent. PPO did not affect weaning-to-mating interval or piglet mortality.
Impact:
- Provides data on PPO incidence and influencing factors in commercial sow herds.
- Identifies sow characteristics associated with PPO, aiding in management strategies.
- Clarifies that PPO does not negatively affect key reproductive outcomes like weaning-to-mating interval.