Page 52 of articles about genetics-reproduction

The present study was conducted to evaluate non-return rate (NR), farrowing rate (FR), and number of total pigs born/litter (TB) of weaned sows after intra-uterine insemination (IUI) using low numbers of frozen–thawed (FT) spermatozoa.

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for stillborn piglets at sow level in commercial pig herds in northern Belgium. In total, 545 sows of 22 pig herds were included in the study. Stillborn piglets were observed in 48.3% of the litters and the mean stillbirth rate of the sows was 7.5%.

Post-weaning treatment with Altrenogest of first litter sows influenced follicle size and shortened the follicular phase, but did not affect ovulation rate or early embryonic development.

This study was designed to investigate the influence of a high level of feeding during early gestation on embryonic survival and variability of embryonic development in hyperprolific LW gilts.

Mammary gene expression of AA transporter is not affected by dietary protein intake.

Stillbirth in swine ranges from 2 to 9%, resulting in a significant loss of piglets. Previous studies clearly indicate a relationship between prolonged birth intervals and stillbirth, but factors influencing birth intervals are not fully known. To characterize birth intervals and stillbirth, farrowing was recorded during three farrowing seasons.

The present studies confirm an adverse effect of inseminating FT sperm on sperm quality and sow fertility but suggest that thawing FT sperm in 50% SP may partially alleviate these adverse effects.

Allowing the sow to move freely before farrowing, reducing the constipation state and avoid excessive fattening during late pregnancy all appear to be key factors in shortening farrowing time and reducing perinatal mortality.