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
At what temperature is extended semen stored?
16-18 degrees C
What is the industry standard for viable sperm cells per dose?
3 billion viable sperm cells
What should the total volume be of semen for AI?
75-80 ml total volume with extender
Where should semen be deposited in AI?
into the cervix - interdigitating pads
How many inseminations should occur per estrus period?
2-2.2 inseminations
What are the different sites for semen insemination?
Conventional - in the cervix
Intrauterine - in the uterine body
Deep Intrauterine - 2/3 of the way up the uterine horn
What are the most important factors influincing fertility following AI?
Accuracy of estrus detection (heat checking) and timing of insemination during estrus
For successful AI, when should you aim to have enough viable sperm in the oviduct?
at the time of ovulation
True or False: Females display estrus signs longer during AI than during natural mating.
False - it is the other way around
What signs of estrus does a gilt or sow show?
Swelling and reddening of the vulva, mucus discharge, riding other females, seeking the boar, and standing response to back-pressure testing
Why is oxytoxin important for AI if there are poor contractions?
without smooth muscle contractions, there is poor sperm transport
When is the best insemination to ovulation interval?
0-24 hours before ovulation
True or False: There is lots of variation around the time of ovulation in relation to the onset of estrus.
TRUE
How can you overcome variations in estrus and ovulation?
By doing multiple inseminations during the estrus period
When should you not breed a female and why ?
If she will no longer stand because she is in early metestrus
What are the 2 known factors that play a role in how long estrus will last?
Parity (gilt vs. mature sow)and wean to estrus interval
What is the mean length for estrus in gilts?
40 hours
What is the mean length for estrus in sows?
55 hours
_____ returns to estrus have a longer estrus duration.
early
When are the most common breedings on most farms?
AM-AM breedings - you can have AM-PM-AM or PM-AM-PM breedings to try an increase fertility
What is the greatest barrier to success in AI?
inaccurate estrus detection
What are the advantages to post cervical artificial insemination?
Use less semen (fewer boars), better performance (only using best indexing boars), and breeding is faster
What is contemporary AI? - how is it done
The pipette is inserted into the cervix. Stimulation duiring insemination with a boar present.
What is PCAI? - how is it done
Use an inner catheter to go past the cervix. Semen is deposited just prior to the uterine horns. Boar is NOT present
What is the recommended dose of sperm and cells for traditional AI?
70-85 mL dose with 3.0 billion cells
What is the recommended dose of sperm and cells for PCAI?
40-45 mL dose with 1.5 billion cells
What is the PCAI protocol?
Detect estrus as normal (with boars). Mark sows found in heat and line up in a breed row. Wait 45 minutes for sows to become refractory and not in standing heat (the boars should be gone). This relaxes the cervix and allows for the inner catheter to pass easier
