Synchronization of Sows and Gilts with PG600

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Synchronization of Sows and Gilts with PG600

• Melissa Garfoot
• Marta Grinde
• Danielle Leverich
• Kristin Thompson

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What is the problem?

• Pig producer in Iowa
• Wants to synchronize estrous cycles of her gilts
  and sows
• Potential solutionPG600

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What is PG600?

• Combination of two hormones
• eCGobtained from the serum of pregnant mares in
  the first trimester
• HCGobtained from the urine of pregnant women in
  the first trimester
• Comes in powder form and is then diluted with a
  sterile solution

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Treatment Regime

• Gilts
• Inject 1 dose (5cc) IM 2-3 weeks prior to the
  expected onset of puberty
• Allow gilts to be introduced to boars following
  the injection, and wait until the second
  reproductive cycle for artificial insemination
• This is because gilts bred on the first estrus
  have reduced farrowing rates and litter sizes.
  Reasons for this are unclear.
• For gilts who do not display estrus, administer a
  second dose 3 weeks following the first shot.

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Treatment Regime Cont.

• Sows
• Inject 1 dose (5cc) of PG600 at weaning
• Sows should display estrus one week following the
  injection
• Improves cycling in every season
• Reduces time interval from weaning to estrus

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How does PG600 work?

• Targets ovarian cells, and more specifically the
  granulosa cells
• Negative Feedback
• Cellular Response is by cAMP 2nd Messenger

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When is PG600 ineffective?

• Do not inject gilts that are already cycling
• Cycling gilts have an increased chance of already
  producing progesterone
• Follicles will still grow and ovulate, but gilts
  will fail to express estrus
• Factors affecting effectiveness of PG600
• Genetics
• Housing
• Nutrition
• Body Condition
• Injection Site

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How successful is the use of PG600?

• Generally 50-60 in gilts are induced to express
  estrus
• Range is 20-100
• Gilts and weaned sows will express estrus within
  4-6 days after the injection (gt90)
• If 1st injection fails, 50 of those who are
  injected a 2nd time will show estrus within a week

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Recommendations

• Follow specific conditions concerning the drug
  (i.e. boar exposure, 2nd estrus breeding)
• Ensure proper age and weight of pre-puberty gilts
• Compare how many additional gilts show estrus
  with PG600 as opposed to non-use. See if this
  drug is cost effective.

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The End!!!