Optimizing Reproductive Performance

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Optimizing Reproductive Performance
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Heat Detection
V E R I F I C A T I O N
I N G I L T S
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Heat Detection Sows

• Start to look for heat the day after weaning.
• Remember the weaned sows should eat 6-8 lbs/day
  (divided in two feedings).
• Low of breeding back or extended wean to estrus
  interval should be addressed
• Review quality and quantity of boar exposure
• Review lactation feed intake
• Review split weaning technique

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Heat Detection
GILTS
When symptoms are not quite obvious, rub the
sensitive points and look for the presence of
fluid in the vulva and then rub again. If there
is not a positive response that sow is not in heat
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Heat Detection Estrus signs

• Ear erection in LW-type sows
• May flick the tail up and down
• Swollen and red vulva
• Clear fluid discharge from the vulva
• Standing heat
• Biting bars of crate
• Nosing the belly of other females

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Pointers for Successful Heat Detection(based on
twice per day heat detection)
Vulva Reddens, Swells Subsides (approximately 4
days)
Standing to Boar (heat period)(approximately 2
1/2 days)
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2
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1 1st Service2 2nd Service3 3rd
ServiceA DetectB DelayC Inseminate
HonkingStage
Fertility Curve
MaleCharacteristics
Standingto "backpressure test"(approx. 1 day)
B
A
C
48
36
24
12
0
12
24
36
48
60
Hours
Fertility
LowDo Not Inseminate
LowWait UntilNext Time
HighInseminate
AI53795
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What happens to the semen?The value of
stimulation
(1) The dose is deposited in the cervix
(2) Sustained transport and capacitation
transport is not by swimming but contractions
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1
(3) Backflow there is no final fraction to
produce coagulum to reduce backflow
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What happens to the semen?

• The sperm lives 12-24 hours in the females and
  the released eggs live for 8-12 hours (after
  ovulation).
• The best results are when the sows are
  inseminated 0-24 hours before ovulation
• Ovulation usually is in the 2nd half of the heat
  or in the final third, but we dont know for
  sure. Multiple inseminations are the answer.

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Breeding

• Only breed sows in standing heat
• Stimulation Have an adult boar in front during
  breeding to allow nose-to-nose contact
• Hygiene
• Wipe the vulva with a clean disposable paper
  towel (single use).
• Use only clean catheters and discard if it
  touched the crate, floor or skin.

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Insemination Procedure
X Dont!

• Hold in an upright position so the sow can drain
  it through uterine contractions
• Stimulation during service will increase the
  intensity of uterine contractions.
• Stimulate the female for two minutes after all
  semen is gone
• Do not force semen into the sow by squeezing the
  bag/tube
• Do not make a hole in the bag/tube

• Do!!

• Do!!

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Timing of AI
Eventually
and so on.
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Timing of AI
Everything should be made as simple as possible,
but not simpler.  - Albert Einstein

• Pick the most cost effective timing (least doses,
  fewer heat detection events, same results).
• The most used (almost a standard) is 0-24-(48).
• Regardless of the timing, the key is to repeat
  the inseminations as long as the female is in
  standing heat.

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Timing of AI

• Heat detection once a day, early in the morning.
• Breed sows 1 hour after heat detection and then
  every morning as long as they are in STANDING
  HEAT.
• Timing is independent of parity or physiological
  status.
• Efficient use of labor.

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Taking Care of Semen

• Studies have shown as many as 1/3 of semen
  storages are at unacceptable temperatures
• Semen must be stored in a narrow range of
  temperatures from 59 to 64F (15 to 18C).
• High temperatures are more detrimental to the
  viability of the doses than lower temperatures.
• Make sure the refrigerator is working well by
  using a Hi/Lo thermometer inside to check the
  actual internal temperature. Do an annual service.

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Taking Care of Semen

• Keep the refrigerator clean.
• Do not open the refrigerator door unless it is
  necessary.
• Leave some room to keep the air circulating
  inside the refrigerator.

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Taking Care of Semen

• Keep the coolers clean
• Do not put more than 30 doses per cooler. If you
  need more than 30 doses use an additional cooler
• Keep cool packs in the refrigerator
• Put the cool packs in the bottom of the cooler
  and on top of the doses
• Keep the cooler lid closed

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Take Home Messages

• Know what the best are achieving and set your
  targets accordingly.
• Good health status and a stable and trained crew
  are key. A good manager knows the potential and
  limitations of his/her staff.
• Heat detection and breeding timing to allow 90
  multiple mating.
• Good quality gilts and sows are essential
  components of any plan for improvement of
  breeding performance.