Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age ( 210 d and 210 d) and the growth rate (GR; 700 g/d and 700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 co

Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age ( 210 d and 210 d) and the growth rate (GR; 700 g/d and 700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 co

Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age ( 210 d and 210 d) and the growth rate (GR; 700 g/d and 700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 co

Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age ( 210 d and 210 d) and the growth rate (GR; 700 g/d and 700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 co

Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age ( 210 d and 210 d) and the growth rate (GR; 700 g/d and 700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 co

Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age ( 210 d and 210 d) and the growth rate (GR; 700 g/d and 700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 co

Evaporative snout cooling system on the performance of lactating sows and their litters in a subtropical region

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different temperature control systems on the voluntary feed intake (VFI), percentage of weight loss (PWL) and performance of lactating sows as well as on the weight of their piglets. Two systems were used: traditional temperature control system (TTCS) with curtain management and an evaporative snout cooling system (ESCS). The study was performed during the summer of 2011. After farrowing and at the weaning, 241 sows were weighed to evaluate the PWL during lactation. TTCS sows lost more weight (5.3±0.9%; P 0.05) than ESCS sows (2.2±0.9%). VFI was measured at intervals of four days in 32 primiparous and 39 multiparous sows. ESCS sows had higher VFI (5.8±0.2kg day-1; P 0.05) than TTCS sows (4.8±0.2kg day-1). Primiparous sows (4.4±0.2kg day-1) had a lower VFI than multiparous sows (6.3±0.2kg day-1, P 0.05) regardless of the temperature control system. Primiparous sows in the TTCS (10.9±1.3 days) had a longer weaning-to-oestrus interval than primiparous sows in the ESCS (7.0±1.2 days, P 0.05). Subsequent litter size tended to be higher (P=0.095) in ESCS than in TTCS (12.0±0.5 and 10.9±0.6 piglets born, respectively). Litters housed in ESCS were heavier (65.3±1.4kg; P 0.05) at weaning than litters in TTCS (60.7±1.4kg). The results suggest that in general sows and piglets housed in the ESCS have better performance than sows and piglets housed in TTCS.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de controle de temperatura sobre o consumo voluntário de ração (VFI), porcentagem de peso perdido (PWL) e desempenho de fêmeas lactantes e de suas leitegadas. Dois sistemas foram utilizados no estudo: o sistema tradicional de controle de temperatura (TTCS), com manejo de cortina e o sistema de resfriamento adiabático evaporativo (ESCS). O estudo foi realizado no verão de 2011. Após o parto e ao desmame, 241 fêmeas foram pesadas e foi avaliado o PWL durante a lactação. Fêmeas TTCS perderam mais peso (5,3±0,9%; P 0,05) do que as fêmeas ESCS (2,2±0,9%). VFI foi medido em intervalos de quatro dias em 32 fêmeas primíparas e 39 multíparas. Fêmeas ESCS tiveram maior VFI (5,8±0,2kg-1 dia; P 0,05) do que fêmeas TTCS (4,8±0,2 kg dia-1). Primíparas (4,4±0,2kg dia-1) tiveram menor VFI do que multíparas (6,3±0,2 kg dia-1, P 0,05), independentemente do sistema de controle de temperatura utilizado. Primíparas do TTCS (10,9±1,3 dias) tiveram maior intervalo desmame-estro do que primíparas do ESCS (7,0±1,2 dias, P 0,05). O tamanho da leitegada do parto subsequente tendeu a ser maior (P=0,095) no grupo alojado no ESCS do que no TTCS (12,0±0,5 e 10,9±0,6 leitões nascidos, respectivamente). Leitegadas alojadas no ESCS foram mais pesadas (65,3±1,4kg; P 0,05) ao desmame do que no TTCS (60,7±1,4kg). Os resultados observados sugerem que fêmeas e leitões alojados no ESCS apresentam melhor desempenho do que fêmeas e leitões alojados no TTCS.

Evaporative snout cooling system on the performance of lactating sows and their litters in a subtropical region

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different temperature control systems on the voluntary feed intake (VFI), percentage of weight loss (PWL) and performance of lactating sows as well as on the weight of their piglets. Two systems were used: traditional temperature control system (TTCS) with curtain management and an evaporative snout cooling system (ESCS). The study was performed during the summer of 2011. After farrowing and at the weaning, 241 sows were weighed to evaluate the PWL during lactation. TTCS sows lost more weight (5.3±0.9%; P 0.05) than ESCS sows (2.2±0.9%). VFI was measured at intervals of four days in 32 primiparous and 39 multiparous sows. ESCS sows had higher VFI (5.8±0.2kg day-1; P 0.05) than TTCS sows (4.8±0.2kg day-1). Primiparous sows (4.4±0.2kg day-1) had a lower VFI than multiparous sows (6.3±0.2kg day-1, P 0.05) regardless of the temperature control system. Primiparous sows in the TTCS (10.9±1.3 days) had a longer weaning-to-oestrus interval than primiparous sows in the ESCS (7.0±1.2 days, P 0.05). Subsequent litter size tended to be higher (P=0.095) in ESCS than in TTCS (12.0±0.5 and 10.9±0.6 piglets born, respectively). Litters housed in ESCS were heavier (65.3±1.4kg; P 0.05) at weaning than litters in TTCS (60.7±1.4kg). The results suggest that in general sows and piglets housed in the ESCS have better performance than sows and piglets housed in TTCS.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de controle de temperatura sobre o consumo voluntário de ração (VFI), porcentagem de peso perdido (PWL) e desempenho de fêmeas lactantes e de suas leitegadas. Dois sistemas foram utilizados no estudo: o sistema tradicional de controle de temperatura (TTCS), com manejo de cortina e o sistema de resfriamento adiabático evaporativo (ESCS). O estudo foi realizado no verão de 2011. Após o parto e ao desmame, 241 fêmeas foram pesadas e foi avaliado o PWL durante a lactação. Fêmeas TTCS perderam mais peso (5,3±0,9%; P 0,05) do que as fêmeas ESCS (2,2±0,9%). VFI foi medido em intervalos de quatro dias em 32 fêmeas primíparas e 39 multíparas. Fêmeas ESCS tiveram maior VFI (5,8±0,2kg-1 dia; P 0,05) do que fêmeas TTCS (4,8±0,2 kg dia-1). Primíparas (4,4±0,2kg dia-1) tiveram menor VFI do que multíparas (6,3±0,2 kg dia-1, P 0,05), independentemente do sistema de controle de temperatura utilizado. Primíparas do TTCS (10,9±1,3 dias) tiveram maior intervalo desmame-estro do que primíparas do ESCS (7,0±1,2 dias, P 0,05). O tamanho da leitegada do parto subsequente tendeu a ser maior (P=0,095) no grupo alojado no ESCS do que no TTCS (12,0±0,5 e 10,9±0,6 leitões nascidos, respectivamente). Leitegadas alojadas no ESCS foram mais pesadas (65,3±1,4kg; P 0,05) ao desmame do que no TTCS (60,7±1,4kg). Os resultados observados sugerem que fêmeas e leitões alojados no ESCS apresentam melhor desempenho do que fêmeas e leitões alojados no TTCS.

Lysine supplementation in late gestation of gilts: effects on piglet birth weight, and gestational and lactational performance

Lysine requirements for gain in maternal body reserves and piglet birth weight, during pregnancy, in contemporary prolific genotypes, are not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary lysine in late pregnancy on piglet birth weight, and on the gestational and lactational performance of gilts. Pregnant gilts were uniformly distributed into two groups and received, from 85 to 110 days of gestation, either of two lysine levels in their diet: Control group - 28g lysine/day (n=136), and Lysine group - 35g lysine/day (n=141). There were no effects (P>0.10) of supplemental lysine on body weight and backfat (BF) gain of females or on piglet birth weight. Gilts supplemented with lysine tended to have a lower percentage of stillbirths (P=0.077), reduced within-litter birth weight variation (P=0.094) and a lower percentage of piglets weighing less than 1100g (P=0.082) than in the Control group. During lactation, the performance of sows and litters was also evaluated in a subgroup of sows (n=26/group). There were no differences between the Control and Lysine groups (P>0.10) in voluntary feed intake, body reserve losses (weight and BF), weaning-to-estrus interval of the sows, and litter weaning weight. In conclusion, an increase in lysine (from 28 to 35g/day) in late gestation of gilts (85 to 110 days) tends to reduce the rate of stillbirths and to improve the uniformity of litter weight at birth, but does not affect the performance of females until farrowing or during subsequent lactation.

As exigências de lisina durante a gestação, para o ganho de reservas corporais maternas e peso ao nascer dos leitões, não estão bem estabelecidas nos genótipos contemporâneos prolíficos. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da suplementação de lisina no terço final da gestação, sobre o peso ao nascer dos leitões e o desempenho gestacional e lactacional de leitoas. Leitoas prenhes foram uniformemente distribuídas em dois grupos que receberam, dos 85 aos 110 dias de gestação, diferentes níveis de lisina na dieta: Grupo Controle - 28g lisina/dia (n=136), e Grupo Lisina - 35g lisina/dia (n=141). Não houve efeito (P>0,10) da suplementação de lisina no ganho de peso e espessura de toucinho (ET) das fêmeas e no peso dos leitões ao nascer. Leitoas suplementadas com lisina tenderam a ter menor percentagem de natimortos (P=0,077), menor variação de peso dentro da leitegada (P= 0,094) e menor percentagem de leitões pesando menos que 1100g (P=0,082), em comparação ao grupo controle. Durante a lactação, o desempenho das fêmeas e das leitegadas foi avaliado em um subgrupo de fêmeas (n=26/grupo). Não houve diferença entre os grupos Controle e Lisina (P>0,10) no consumo voluntário de ração, perdas de reservas corporais (peso e ET), intervalo desmame-estro das fêmeas e peso da leitegada ao desmame. Em conclusão, um incremento de lisina (de 28 para 35g dia-1) no terço final da gestação de leitoas (85 até 110 dias) tende a reduzir o número de natimortos e aumentar a uniformidade do peso dos leitões ao nascer, mas não afeta o desempenho das fêmeas até o parto ou na fase lactacional subsequente.

Effect of different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the performance of sows and their litters / Effect of different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the performance of sows and their litters

Background: In tropical and subtropical regions, temperature values above thermoneutrality for pigs are often experienced and lactating sows maintained outside the thermal comfort zone might have their performance compromised. The use of ventilation or evaporative cooling to maintain animal thermoregulation might be alternatives to minimise animal production losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the productivity of sows and their litters. Materials, Methods & Results: Three systems of environmental temperature control were evaluated: air-conditioned: AC (n = 79), with farrowing facility temperature controlled by a system of evaporative cooling pads combined with negative pressure ventilation; snout cooler: SC (n = 82), with a cold air outlet directed toward sows, combined with management of curtains; and management of curtains: MC (n = 83). Piglet weight was recorded at cross-fostering, and at 14 and 20 days of age. Temperature (TEMP) and relative humidity (RH) were measured daily at five time points (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 h). The variables concerning the sows were analysed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of system and random effects of period and period × system interaction. The weight of piglets, TEMP and RH inside the farrowing

Background: In tropical and subtropical regions, temperature values above thermoneutrality for pigs are often experienced and lactating sows maintained outside the thermal comfort zone might have their performance compromised. The use of ventilation or evaporative cooling to maintain animal thermoregulation might be alternatives to minimise animal production losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the productivity of sows and their litters. Materials, Methods & Results: Three systems of environmental temperature control were evaluated: air-conditioned: AC (n = 79), with farrowing facility temperature controlled by a system of evaporative cooling pads combined with negative pressure ventilation; snout cooler: SC (n = 82), with a cold air outlet directed toward sows, combined with management of curtains; and management of curtains: MC (n = 83). Piglet weight was recorded at cross-fostering, and at 14 and 20 days of age. Temperature (TEMP) and relative humidity (RH) were measured daily at five time points (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 h). The variables concerning the sows were analysed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of system and random effects of period and period × system interaction. The weight of piglets, TEMP and RH inside the farrowing

Lysine supplementation in late gestation of gilts: effects on piglet birth weight, and gestational and lactational performance

Lysine requirements for gain in maternal body reserves and piglet birth weight, during pregnancy, in contemporary prolific genotypes, are not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary lysine in late pregnancy on piglet birth weight, and on the gestational and lactational performance of gilts. Pregnant gilts were uniformly distributed into two groups and received, from 85 to 110 days of gestation, either of two lysine levels in their diet: Control group - 28g lysine/day (n=136), and Lysine group - 35g lysine/day (n=141). There were no effects (P>0.10) of supplemental lysine on body weight and backfat (BF) gain of females or on piglet birth weight. Gilts supplemented with lysine tended to have a lower percentage of stillbirths (P=0.077), reduced within-litter birth weight variation (P=0.094) and a lower percentage of piglets weighing less than 1100g (P=0.082) than in the Control group. During lactation, the performance of sows and litters was also evaluated in a subgroup of sows (n=26/group). There were no differences between the Control and Lysine groups (P>0.10) in voluntary feed intake, body reserve losses (weight and BF), weaning-to-estrus interval of the sows, and litter weaning weight. In conclusion, an increase in lysine (from 28 to 35g/day) in late gestation of gilts (85 to 110 days) tends to reduce the rate of stillbirths and to improve the uniformity of litter weight at birth, but does not affect the performance of females until farrowing or during subsequent lactation.

As exigências de lisina durante a gestação, para o ganho de reservas corporais maternas e peso ao nascer dos leitões, não estão bem estabelecidas nos genótipos contemporâneos prolíficos. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da suplementação de lisina no terço final da gestação, sobre o peso ao nascer dos leitões e o desempenho gestacional e lactacional de leitoas. Leitoas prenhes foram uniformemente distribuídas em dois grupos que receberam, dos 85 aos 110 dias de gestação, diferentes níveis de lisina na dieta: Grupo Controle - 28g lisina/dia (n=136), e Grupo Lisina - 35g lisina/dia (n=141). Não houve efeito (P>0,10) da suplementação de lisina no ganho de peso e espessura de toucinho (ET) das fêmeas e no peso dos leitões ao nascer. Leitoas suplementadas com lisina tenderam a ter menor percentagem de natimortos (P=0,077), menor variação de peso dentro da leitegada (P= 0,094) e menor percentagem de leitões pesando menos que 1100g (P=0,082), em comparação ao grupo controle. Durante a lactação, o desempenho das fêmeas e das leitegadas foi avaliado em um subgrupo de fêmeas (n=26/grupo). Não houve diferença entre os grupos Controle e Lisina (P>0,10) no consumo voluntário de ração, perdas de reservas corporais (peso e ET), intervalo desmame-estro das fêmeas e peso da leitegada ao desmame. Em conclusão, um incremento de lisina (de 28 para 35g dia-1) no terço final da gestação de leitoas (85 até 110 dias) tende a reduzir o número de natimortos e aumentar a uniformidade do peso dos leitões ao nascer, mas não afeta o desempenho das fêmeas até o parto ou na fase lactacional subsequente.

Effect of different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the performance of sows and their litters / Effect of different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the performance of sows and their litters

Background: In tropical and subtropical regions, temperature values above thermoneutrality for pigs are often experienced and lactating sows maintained outside the thermal comfort zone might have their performance compromised. The use of ventilation or evaporative cooling to maintain animal thermoregulation might be alternatives to minimise animal production losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the productivity of sows and their litters. Materials, Methods & Results: Three systems of environmental temperature control were evaluated: air-conditioned: AC (n = 79), with farrowing facility temperature controlled by a system of evaporative cooling pads combined with negative pressure ventilation; snout cooler: SC (n = 82), with a cold air outlet directed toward sows, combined with management of curtains; and management of curtains: MC (n = 83). Piglet weight was recorded at cross-fostering, and at 14 and 20 days of age. Temperature (TEMP) and relative humidity (RH) were measured daily at five time points (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 h). The variables concerning the sows were analysed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of system and random effects of period and period × system interaction. The weight of piglets, TEMP and RH inside the farrowing

Background: In tropical and subtropical regions, temperature values above thermoneutrality for pigs are often experienced and lactating sows maintained outside the thermal comfort zone might have their performance compromised. The use of ventilation or evaporative cooling to maintain animal thermoregulation might be alternatives to minimise animal production losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different systems for the control of environmental temperature on the productivity of sows and their litters. Materials, Methods & Results: Three systems of environmental temperature control were evaluated: air-conditioned: AC (n = 79), with farrowing facility temperature controlled by a system of evaporative cooling pads combined with negative pressure ventilation; snout cooler: SC (n = 82), with a cold air outlet directed toward sows, combined with management of curtains; and management of curtains: MC (n = 83). Piglet weight was recorded at cross-fostering, and at 14 and 20 days of age. Temperature (TEMP) and relative humidity (RH) were measured daily at five time points (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 h). The variables concerning the sows were analysed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of system and random effects of period and period × system interaction. The weight of piglets, TEMP and RH inside the farrowing

Influence of birth weight and of oral, umbilical or limb lesions on performance of suckling piglets / Influência do peso ao nascimento e de lesões orais, umbilicais ou locomotoras no desempenho de leitões lactentes

Background: Several factors infl uence the survival and performance of piglets during lactation. Birth weight appears as one of the most important factors affecting the survival of piglets, mainly during the fi rst week after birth. There is also a positive correlation between birth weight and weaning weight. In addition to the birth weight, the presence of oral, umbilical or limb lesions can compromise the performance of suckling piglets, affecting their weaning weight. Although limb lesions are common among suckling piglets, there is little information associating these lesions with piglet performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the infl uence of birth weight as well as of oral, umbilical or limb lesions on mortality and performance of piglets at 7, 14 and 21 days of age.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a pig farm located in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 2004 piglets were evaluated for the presence of oral (at the fi rst day of life), umbilical and limb lesions (at the end of fi rst and second weeks of life). Piglets were weighed at birth and at 7, 14 and 21 of age. Overall, birth and weaning weights were respectively 1546 ± 8.2 g and 5837 ± 32.0 g (means ± SEM). Mortality rate from birth to weaning was 4.7% and 79.0% of deaths occurred during the fi rst week of life. Piglets with birth weight until 1200g showed pre-weaning

Background: Several factors infl uence the survival and performance of piglets during lactation. Birth weight appears as one of the most important factors affecting the survival of piglets, mainly during the fi rst week after birth. There is also a positive correlation between birth weight and weaning weight. In addition to the birth weight, the presence of oral, umbilical or limb lesions can compromise the performance of suckling piglets, affecting their weaning weight. Although limb lesions are common among suckling piglets, there is little information associating these lesions with piglet performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the infl uence of birth weight as well as of oral, umbilical or limb lesions on mortality and performance of piglets at 7, 14 and 21 days of age.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a pig farm located in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 2004 piglets were evaluated for the presence of oral (at the fi rst day of life), umbilical and limb lesions (at the end of fi rst and second weeks of life). Piglets were weighed at birth and at 7, 14 and 21 of age. Overall, birth and weaning weights were respectively 1546 ± 8.2 g and 5837 ± 32.0 g (means ± SEM). Mortality rate from birth to weaning was 4.7% and 79.0% of deaths occurred during the fi rst week of life. Piglets with birth weight until 1200g showed pre-weaning

Influence of birth weight and of oral, umbilical or limb lesions on performance of suckling piglets / Influência do peso ao nascimento e de lesões orais, umbilicais ou locomotoras no desempenho de leitões lactentes

Background: Several factors infl uence the survival and performance of piglets during lactation. Birth weight appears as one of the most important factors affecting the survival of piglets, mainly during the fi rst week after birth. There is also a positive correlation between birth weight and weaning weight. In addition to the birth weight, the presence of oral, umbilical or limb lesions can compromise the performance of suckling piglets, affecting their weaning weight. Although limb lesions are common among suckling piglets, there is little information associating these lesions with piglet performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the infl uence of birth weight as well as of oral, umbilical or limb lesions on mortality and performance of piglets at 7, 14 and 21 days of age.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a pig farm located in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 2004 piglets were evaluated for the presence of oral (at the fi rst day of life), umbilical and limb lesions (at the end of fi rst and second weeks of life). Piglets were weighed at birth and at 7, 14 and 21 of age. Overall, birth and weaning weights were respectively 1546 ± 8.2 g and 5837 ± 32.0 g (means ± SEM). Mortality rate from birth to weaning was 4.7% and 79.0% of deaths occurred during the fi rst week of life. Piglets with birth weight until 1200g showed pre-weaning

Background: Several factors infl uence the survival and performance of piglets during lactation. Birth weight appears as one of the most important factors affecting the survival of piglets, mainly during the fi rst week after birth. There is also a positive correlation between birth weight and weaning weight. In addition to the birth weight, the presence of oral, umbilical or limb lesions can compromise the performance of suckling piglets, affecting their weaning weight. Although limb lesions are common among suckling piglets, there is little information associating these lesions with piglet performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the infl uence of birth weight as well as of oral, umbilical or limb lesions on mortality and performance of piglets at 7, 14 and 21 days of age.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a pig farm located in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 2004 piglets were evaluated for the presence of oral (at the fi rst day of life), umbilical and limb lesions (at the end of fi rst and second weeks of life). Piglets were weighed at birth and at 7, 14 and 21 of age. Overall, birth and weaning weights were respectively 1546 ± 8.2 g and 5837 ± 32.0 g (means ± SEM). Mortality rate from birth to weaning was 4.7% and 79.0% of deaths occurred during the fi rst week of life. Piglets with birth weight until 1200g showed pre-weaning

Indução de partos em suínos: uso de cloprostenol associado com ocitocina ou carbetocina

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a synthetic analogue of PGF2 (sodium cloprostenol) associated to carbetocin or oxytocin on the efficiency of farrowing induction in swine. In Experiment I, 284 females were distributed in four treatments: - cloprostenol; - cloprostenol and 0.10mg of carbetocin; - cloprostenol and 10UI of oxytocin; and saline solution. In Experiment II, 276 females were distributed in four treatments: cloprostenol; cloprostenol and 0.10mg of carbetocin; cloprostenol and 0.05mg of carbetocin; and cloprostenol and 10UI of oxytocin. Farrowing induction was performed at 113 days of gestation using an injection of 0.175mg cloprostenol by vulvar submucosal route. Carbetocin or oxytocin was administered 24h after cloprostenol, by intramuscular route. The interval induction-farrowing was shorter (P 0.05) in groups with cloprostenol compared to the group without farrowing induction. Cumulative farrowing, within 26h and 28h after cloprostenol administration, was higher (P 0.05) when carbetocin or oxytocin was used. The use of carbetocin resulted in a shorter (P 0.05) farrowing length. In experiment I, higher stillbirth rate (P 0.05) was observed with the use of carbetocin or oxytocin compared to group without farrowing induction. Furthermore, stillbirth rate was higher (P 0.05) with cloprostenol + carbetocin than with cloprostenol alone. In experiment II, there was no difference (P>0.05) in stillbirth rate among treatments. The use of oxytocic drugs, in association with cloprostenol, results in anticipated and more synchronized farrowings. Following the use of carbetocin in association with cloprostenol, occurs a reduction in farrowing length and 99% or more of farrowings take place within 4h after carbetocin administration, regardless of the dose used.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um análogo sintético da PGF2 (cloprostenol sodico), associado à ocitocina ou carbetocina, sobre a eficiência da indução ao parto em suínos. O experimento I foi realizado com 284 fêmeas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: cloprostenol; cloprostenol e 0,100mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 10UI de ocitocina; solução salina (NaCl 0,9%). No experimento II, foram utilizadas 276 fêmeas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: cloprostenol; cloprostenol e 0,10mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 0,05mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 10UI de ocitocina. A indução do parto foi realizada aos 113 dias de gestação, pela aplicação de 0,175mg de cloprostenol, via submucosa vulvar. A carbetocina ou a ocitocina foram aplicadas 24h após a aplicação de cloprostenol, pela via intramuscular. O intervalo indução-parto foi menor (P 0,05) nos grupos cujo parto foi induzido com cloprostenol, em comparação ao grupo sem indução do parto. A aplicação de carbetocina ou ocitocina resultou em maior concentração dos partos (P 0,05) até 26 e 28h após a administração de cloprostenol. A utilização de carbetocina resultou em menor (P 0,05) duração do parto. No experimento I, o uso de ocitocina ou de carbetocina resultou em maior natimortalidade (P 0,05) do que no grupo sem indução do parto. Além disso, a natimortalidade foi maior (P 0,05) com o uso de carbetocina do que na indução somente com cloprostenol. No experimento II, não houve diferença na natimortalidade (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. A utilização de ocitócitos, em associação com cloprostenol, resulta em partos antecipados e mais sincronizados. O uso associado de cloprostenol e carbetocina reduz o tempo de parto e 99% ou mais dos partos ocorrem em até quatro horas após a aplicação de carbetocina, independentemente da dose utilizada.

Indução de partos em suínos: uso de cloprostenol associado com ocitocina ou carbetocina

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a synthetic analogue of PGF2 (sodium cloprostenol) associated to carbetocin or oxytocin on the efficiency of farrowing induction in swine. In Experiment I, 284 females were distributed in four treatments: - cloprostenol; - cloprostenol and 0.10mg of carbetocin; - cloprostenol and 10UI of oxytocin; and saline solution. In Experiment II, 276 females were distributed in four treatments: cloprostenol; cloprostenol and 0.10mg of carbetocin; cloprostenol and 0.05mg of carbetocin; and cloprostenol and 10UI of oxytocin. Farrowing induction was performed at 113 days of gestation using an injection of 0.175mg cloprostenol by vulvar submucosal route. Carbetocin or oxytocin was administered 24h after cloprostenol, by intramuscular route. The interval induction-farrowing was shorter (P 0.05) in groups with cloprostenol compared to the group without farrowing induction. Cumulative farrowing, within 26h and 28h after cloprostenol administration, was higher (P 0.05) when carbetocin or oxytocin was used. The use of carbetocin resulted in a shorter (P 0.05) farrowing length. In experiment I, higher stillbirth rate (P 0.05) was observed with the use of carbetocin or oxytocin compared to group without farrowing induction. Furthermore, stillbirth rate was higher (P 0.05) with cloprostenol + carbetocin than with cloprostenol alone. In experiment II, there was no difference (P>0.05) in stillbirth rate among treatments. The use of oxytocic drugs, in association with cloprostenol, results in anticipated and more synchronized farrowings. Following the use of carbetocin in association with cloprostenol, occurs a reduction in farrowing length and 99% or more of farrowings take place within 4h after carbetocin administration, regardless of the dose used.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um análogo sintético da PGF2 (cloprostenol sodico), associado à ocitocina ou carbetocina, sobre a eficiência da indução ao parto em suínos. O experimento I foi realizado com 284 fêmeas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: cloprostenol; cloprostenol e 0,100mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 10UI de ocitocina; solução salina (NaCl 0,9%). No experimento II, foram utilizadas 276 fêmeas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: cloprostenol; cloprostenol e 0,10mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 0,05mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 10UI de ocitocina. A indução do parto foi realizada aos 113 dias de gestação, pela aplicação de 0,175mg de cloprostenol, via submucosa vulvar. A carbetocina ou a ocitocina foram aplicadas 24h após a aplicação de cloprostenol, pela via intramuscular. O intervalo indução-parto foi menor (P 0,05) nos grupos cujo parto foi induzido com cloprostenol, em comparação ao grupo sem indução do parto. A aplicação de carbetocina ou ocitocina resultou em maior concentração dos partos (P 0,05) até 26 e 28h após a administração de cloprostenol. A utilização de carbetocina resultou em menor (P 0,05) duração do parto. No experimento I, o uso de ocitocina ou de carbetocina resultou em maior natimortalidade (P 0,05) do que no grupo sem indução do parto. Além disso, a natimortalidade foi maior (P 0,05) com o uso de carbetocina do que na indução somente com cloprostenol. No experimento II, não houve diferença na natimortalidade (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. A utilização de ocitócitos, em associação com cloprostenol, resulta em partos antecipados e mais sincronizados. O uso associado de cloprostenol e carbetocina reduz o tempo de parto e 99% ou mais dos partos ocorrem em até quatro horas após a aplicação de carbetocina, independentemente da dose utilizada.

Indução de partos em suínos: uso de cloprostenol associado com ocitocina ou carbetocina

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a synthetic analogue of PGF2 (sodium cloprostenol) associated to carbetocin or oxytocin on the efficiency of farrowing induction in swine. In Experiment I, 284 females were distributed in four treatments: - cloprostenol; - cloprostenol and 0.10mg of carbetocin; - cloprostenol and 10UI of oxytocin; and saline solution. In Experiment II, 276 females were distributed in four treatments: cloprostenol; cloprostenol and 0.10mg of carbetocin; cloprostenol and 0.05mg of carbetocin; and cloprostenol and 10UI of oxytocin. Farrowing induction was performed at 113 days of gestation using an injection of 0.175mg cloprostenol by vulvar submucosal route. Carbetocin or oxytocin was administered 24h after cloprostenol, by intramuscular route. The interval induction-farrowing was shorter (P 0.05) in groups with cloprostenol compared to the group without farrowing induction. Cumulative farrowing, within 26h and 28h after cloprostenol administration, was higher (P 0.05) when carbetocin or oxytocin was used. The use of carbetocin resulted in a shorter (P 0.05) farrowing length. In experiment I, higher stillbirth rate (P 0.05) was observed with the use of carbetocin or oxytocin compared to group without farrowing induction. Furthermore, stillbirth rate was higher (P 0.05) with cloprostenol + carbetocin than with cloprostenol alone. In experiment II, there was no difference (P>0.05) in stillbirth rate among treatments. The use of oxytocic drugs, in association with cloprostenol, results in anticipated and more synchronized farrowings. Following the use of carbetocin in association with cloprostenol, occurs a reduction in farrowing length and 99% or more of farrowings take place within 4h after carbetocin administration, regardless of the dose used.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um análogo sintético da PGF2 (cloprostenol sodico), associado à ocitocina ou carbetocina, sobre a eficiência da indução ao parto em suínos. O experimento I foi realizado com 284 fêmeas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: cloprostenol; cloprostenol e 0,100mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 10UI de ocitocina; solução salina (NaCl 0,9%). No experimento II, foram utilizadas 276 fêmeas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: cloprostenol; cloprostenol e 0,10mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 0,05mg de carbetocina; cloprostenol e 10UI de ocitocina. A indução do parto foi realizada aos 113 dias de gestação, pela aplicação de 0,175mg de cloprostenol, via submucosa vulvar. A carbetocina ou a ocitocina foram aplicadas 24h após a aplicação de cloprostenol, pela via intramuscular. O intervalo indução-parto foi menor (P 0,05) nos grupos cujo parto foi induzido com cloprostenol, em comparação ao grupo sem indução do parto. A aplicação de carbetocina ou ocitocina resultou em maior concentração dos partos (P 0,05) até 26 e 28h após a administração de cloprostenol. A utilização de carbetocina resultou em menor (P 0,05) duração do parto. No experimento I, o uso de ocitocina ou de carbetocina resultou em maior natimortalidade (P 0,05) do que no grupo sem indução do parto. Além disso, a natimortalidade foi maior (P 0,05) com o uso de carbetocina do que na indução somente com cloprostenol. No experimento II, não houve diferença na natimortalidade (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. A utilização de ocitócitos, em associação com cloprostenol, resulta em partos antecipados e mais sincronizados. O uso associado de cloprostenol e carbetocina reduz o tempo de parto e 99% ou mais dos partos ocorrem em até quatro horas após a aplicação de carbetocina, independentemente da dose utilizada.

Caracterização e desempenho reprodutivo de fêmeas suínas submetidas à intervenção obstétrica manual

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of farrowings with manual intervention and to evaluate the effect of this intervention on the subsequent reproductive performance and culling rate. Data of 4121 farrowings were separated in Control (3271 farrowings) and Intervention (850 farrowings) groups. The percentage of farrowings submitted to manual intervention was 20.6%. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the occurrence of intervention according to litter size classes ( 11, 11-14 and >14 piglets). The proportion of intervention at parturition increased (P 0.05) during summer and in higher parity order (PO) females. In farrowings with intervention there were longer farrowing duration in PO 1 females (P 0.05) and greater number of stillborn piglets and higher frequency of farrowings with at least one stillborn (P 0.05) in PO 1, PO 3-5 and PO 6-10 females. In the Intervention group, greater weaning to estrus interval (WEI), lower farrowing rate and lower subsequent total born piglets (P 0.05) were observed in PO 1 and 2, PO 3-5 and PO 6-10, respectively. Removal rate before first insemination post weaning, by both reproductive and non reproductive reasons, was greater (P 0.05) in Intervention group. Manual intervention at parturition is more frequent during summer and among older females. Manual obstetric intervention compromise the WEI, the farrowing rate or the subsequent litter size.

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram determinar as características de partos submetidos à intervenção manual e avaliar os efeitos dessa intervenção no desempenho reprodutivo subsequente e na taxa de remoção. Dados de 4121 partos foram separados em grupos Controle (3271 partos) e Intervenção (850 partos). O percentual de partos submetidos à intervenção manual foi de 20,6%. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) na ocorrência de intervenção ao parto de acordo com as classes de tamanho de leitegada ( 11, 11-14 e >14 leitões). A proporção de intervenção ao parto aumentou (P 0,05) no verão e conforme o aumento da ordem de parto (OP). Nos partos com intervenção, foi constatada maior duração do parto (P 0,05), nas fêmeas OP 1, maior número de leitões natimortos e maior frequência de partos com pelo menos um natimorto (P 0,05), nas fêmeas OP 1, OP 3-5 e OP 6-10. No grupo Intervenção, maior intervalo desmame-estro (IDE), menor taxa de parto e menor tamanho da leitegada (P 0,05) foram observados nas fêmeas OP 1-2, OP 3-5 e OP 6-10, respectivamente. A taxa de remoção antes da inseminação no primeiro estro pós-desmame, tanto por causas reprodutivas, como não reprodutivas, foi maior (P 0,05) no grupo Intervenção. A intervenção manual ao parto é efetuada com maior frequência no verão e em fêmeas mais velhas. A intervenção obstétrica manual compromete o IDE, a taxa de parto ou o tamanho da leitegada subsequente.

Suckling piglets performance and milk yield according to nursing order / Desempenho de leitões lactentes e produção de leite de acordo com o teto da mamada

The study evaluated the performance of suckling piglets according to the location of the mammary gland and daily milk yield. In the first trial piglets were distributed in birth weight categories: light (?1.4kg), medium (1.41-1.75kg) and heavy (>1.75kg). Piglets were weighted at 7, 14 and 21 days of life. Teats were classified in three classes: 1 (first pair), 2 (2nd, 3rd and 4th pairs) and 3 (5th, 6th and 7th pairs). In all weight classes, piglets suckling in class 3 presented lower (P

Os estudos relatados visaram avaliar o desempenho de leitões lactentes de acordo com a localização da glândula no complexo mamário e estimar a produção diária de leite. No primeiro estudo, os leitões foram distribuídos em classes de peso ao nascimento: leves (?1,4kg), médios (1,41-1,75kg) e pesados (>1,75kg). As pesagens subsequentes foram realizadas aos 7, 14 e 21 dias de vida. As tetas foram classificadas em: 1 (primeiro par), 2 (pares 2, 3 e 4) e 3 (pares 5, 6 e 7). Dentro de cada classe de peso, os leitões que mamaram na classe de tetas 3 apresentaram menor ganho de peso diário e menor peso ao desmame (P

Fatores que contribuem para a falta de uniformidade de suínos de terminação

O aumento na variabilidade de peso ao abate vem sendo uma das maiores preocupações para a eficiente produção de suínos. Isso gera repercussão no manejo, logística de transporte que gera perdas econômicas potenciais, pela falta da expressão completa da capacidade de crescimento dos leitões, além das perdas para a indústria. A mudança nos sistemas de produção de contínuo para todos dentro-todos fora desempenhou importante papel para esta preocupação. O presente estudo visou caracterizar suínos com maior chance de pertencerem ao grupo de animais com baixo peso ao final do período de terminação. Foram definidos como de baixo peso animais que ao final do período de terminação compunham o grupo dos 15% mais leves do lote. Foram avaliados 440 animais (237 machos e 203 fêmeas) de três diferentes origens (Unidades Produtoras de Leitões UPLs 1, 2 e 3) alojados em duas terminações (A e B). Eles foram classificados em grupos segundo sexo e peso de alojamento, e foram anotados dados da ocorrência de doenças durante o período experimental. A chance dos leitões pertencerem à categoria de baixo peso ao final do período de terminação diminuiu na medida em que o peso de entrada aumentou (P