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Late Embryonic Mortality and Stillbirths in Three Breeds of Swine

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York^,2

Abstract

The farrowing records of purebred litters from Berkshire, Chester White and Yorkshire sows for the 12-year period 1946–57 were examined.

Highly significant breed differences (P<0.01) were found in average litter size, average live-pig birth weight, average number of mummified fetuses per litter, percentage of mummified fetuses, average number of stillborn pigs per litter and percentage of stillborn pigs. The average birth weight of live pigs exceeded that of stillborn pigs in all three breeds. The average litter weight was not statistically different among breeds. There was a significant (P<0.05) effect of year on average litter weight, but not on any of the other criteria considered.

Single mummified fetuses occurred more frequently than two or more in a litter. Mummified fetuses were more prevalent in large than in small litters in the Chester White and Yorkshire breeds. The incidence of stillbirths increased with increasing litter size. The presence of mummified fetuses did not seem to be related to the occurrence of stillbirths.

¹ Professor Emeritus, Animal Husbandry Department.

² Animal Husbandry Department, N. Y. State College of Agriculture and Department of Veterinary Medicine and Obstetrics, New York State Veterinary College.