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Related Experiment Videos

Intersexuality in pigs: clinical, physiological and practical considerations

R H Hunter1, T Greve

  • 1Department of Clinical Studies, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Intersex pigs, often XX, exhibit varied sexual development and gonadal types, impacting fertility and causing economic losses in the swine industry. Identifying carrier boars is crucial to prevent the spread of this genetic condition.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Science
  • Genetics
  • Animal Reproduction

Background:

  • Intersex conditions in pigs, previously termed hermaphroditism, present a spectrum of sexual development with significant economic implications for breeding herds.
  • The most common phenotype involves masculinization in XX animals, characterized by enlarged clitoris, potential scrotal development, and coarse hair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the phenotypic and gonadal characteristics of intersex pigs.
  • To investigate the genetic basis and inheritance patterns of intersexuality in swine.
  • To outline the economic consequences of intersex conditions in the pig industry.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic assessment of external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics.
  • Surgical exploration to examine internal reproductive organs and gonadal tissue.

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  • Chromosomal analysis (banding, molecular probing) to determine sex chromosomes and Y-related sequences.
  • Review of breeding records to identify inheritance patterns.

    • Main Results:

    • Intersex pigs display a range of gonadal development, from ovotestes to testicular-like structures, typically with XX chromosomes.
    • Spermatozoa and germ cells are absent in affected testicular tissue; Sertoli-like cells are present.
    • The condition is frequently linked to an autosomal recessive gene carried by boars, with offspring incidence potentially reaching 4-5% or higher.
    • Economic losses stem from infertility, aggressive behavior, boar taint, and propagation of the condition.

    Conclusions:

    • Intersexuality in pigs is a complex condition with significant genetic and economic ramifications.
    • Understanding the inheritance is key to managing and reducing its prevalence in commercial herds.
    • Early identification of carrier boars is essential for disease control and economic sustainability in pig farming.