Estrus Synchronization in Sows and Gilts

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Estrus Synchronizationin Sows and Gilts

• Group 1
• Erica Andrist, Andy Bonnes, Erika Hutz, Jordan
  Matthews
• Animal Sciences 434

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Objective Synchronize Estrous Cycles of Sows and
Gilts in Iowa Breeding Herd
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Method Administer PG600 to Sows Post-Weaning
and to Gilts Immediately Prior to Puberty
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Background

• PG600
• Intramuscular injection of hCg and eCg
• Stimulates follicular growth
• Follicular growth ? increased estrogen
• Estrogen responsible for estrus behavior in sows
  and gilts
• Estrus ? Ovulation

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Method of Delivery Gilts

• 2-3 weeks prior to expected time of natural
  puberty
• 5.5 months, 85 kg body weight
• 5cc PG600 injection
• Estrus behavior demonstrated 4-6 days
• Second estrus 20-21 days
• 50-60 demonstrate estrus (average)

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Method of Delivery Sows

• Extra-label use
• Similar dose and method of delivery
• Timing At weaning
• Estrus 3-5 days post-injection

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Additional Notes

• One dose only
• Two doses further delays estrus
• Estrus ? ovulation
• High variability in success rates
• Success?
• Provide boar to prove estrus
• Additional labor
• Administration of shots
• Boar supervision (not additional)

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References

• R. V. Knox, S. L. Rodriguez-Zas, G. M. Miller, K.
  L. Willenburg and J. A. Robb. Administration of
  PG600 to sows at weaning and the time of
  ovulation as determined by transrectal
  ultrasound. J An Sci. 79 (4) 4796-802.
• Repronet Newsletter. Vol 1, Fall 1999.