J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1984. 58:281-284.
© 1984 American Society of Animal Science
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Estrus, Ovulation, Conception and Embryo Survival in Confinement-Managed Gilts of Three Weight Groups1

R. E. Knott, D. C. England and W. H. Kennick

Oregon State University2, Corvallis 97331

Abstract

Puberty, cycling, ovulation, conception and embryo survival were determined for gilts managed by a specific regimen in confinement. At weights of 70 to 80, 91 to 100 and 109 to 116 kg (groups A, B, C, respectively) gilts were (1) moved from rearing pens to pens in a separate broodstock building, (2) housed in groups of eight to 10 with unfamiliar penmates and (3) exposed to boar presence in an adjoining pen. Groups A and B were mated at third estrus; group C was mated at first estrus. For the three groups 76, 79 and 79%, respectively, of allotted gilts mated; of these 21, 13 and 11%, respectively, showed estrus again and were remated. Ten, 10 and 11%, respectively, were not pregnant when slaughtered at 25 to 28 d of postmating. Average days on experiment to first estrus were 14, 15 and 16 for groups A, B and C; mean interval between estrous periods was 21 d. Ovulations (13.3, 12.9 and 12.6) and live embryos (11.6, 11.1 and 10.7, respectively) did not differ significantly among groups. None of the reproduction traits were significantly associated with differences in mean age or weight among the three groups at breeding. Thus, either allotment at low weight to initiate estrous cycles with mating at third estrus or mating at first estrus for gilts fed ad libitum to 114 kg before allotment for cycling resulted in breeding at younger ages than did allotment at the intermediate weight followed by mating at third estrus; there were no significant effects on time from allotment to puberty and subsequent cycling, number of ova, conception percentage or litter size at 25 to 28 d of gestation.

Footnotes

1 Technical Paper No. 5551, Oregon Agr. Exp. Sta.

2 Dept. of Anim. Sci.






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Copyright © 1984 by the American Society of Animal Science.