Swine 3 Flashcards
Reduced fertility in a swine herd refers to what?
Reduced total weaned pig output, either due to fewer or smaller litters - fewer pigs produced per time period
Why is benchmarking reproduction performance important?
Because it is important to know what a herd should be doing when trying to identify sub-clinical reproductive problems
What is the realistic goal to be in in regards to thhe benchmarking average?
To be in the top 25% of the industries benchmarking average
What are the key efficiency metrics to focus in on when benchmarking reproduction performance?
Farrowing rate, total pigs born (litter size), pigs born alive, % pre-weaning mortality, pigs weaned/mated female/year (PSY)
Define farrowing rate.
Number of sows farrowed/number of sows bred
Define total pigs born.
number of live born pigs + stillbirths + mummies per litter
Define pigs born alive.
number of live born pigs per litter
Define % pre-weaning mortality (%PWM).
of piglets that died prior to weaning divided by the number born alive
Define Pigs weaned/mated female/ year (PSY).
total number of pigs weaned divided by average breeding female inventory
What is the normal estrus cycle length in swine (average)?
21 days
If a sow is in estrus today, when will she be in estrus again if there is no conception?
21 days
What does the adjusted farrowing rate account for?
Sows not farrowing due to non-reproductive reasons - should not differ from farrowing rate by more than 2-3%
When are sows becoming non-pregnant?
Failure to conceive or maintain pregnancy
What is the basic theory of AI?
- Use good quality/viable sperm
- Put in enough sperm
- Put them in the right place
- Do it at the right time
When should fresh boar semen be used by?
within 48 hours (no extender)
When should semen extenders be used?
If you are using semen 48 hours post-collection
What type of extenders are there?
2 day and 7 day extenders