Effects of different methods for myometrial contraction stimulation prior to AI on sows fertility

Abstract

These study compares farrowing rate and litter size in AI sows, treated with different methods for myometrial contraction stimulation, immediately around AI. The total of 249 sows, inseminated within 7 days after weaning, were divided into five groups. Group I: 10 IU oxytocine addition in semen dose immediately before AI (n=50), Group II: i/m vulvar injection of 5 IU oxytocin just prior to AI (n=50), Group III: cervix stimulation with AI catheter (n=49), Group IV: fence-line boar contact immediately around AI (n=50) and Group V: unstimulated AI (control) sows (n=50). Farrowing rate were significant higher (P<0.05) in all stimulated sows groups (92%, 88%, 90% and 84%), compared with unstimulated sows (78%). Subsequent litter sizes were not affected by treatment, ranged between 11.41 and 11.98 live born piglets. These results indicate that performed treatment for myometrial contractions stimulation can be useful method to improve sows fertility.

Keywords

• myometrium
• contraction
• stimulation
• oxytocin
• boar
• AI
• fertility
• sow