J. Anim Sci.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J. Anim Sci. 1987. 64:474-478.
© 1987 American Society of Animal Science
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Archibong, A. E.
Right arrow Articles by Stormshak, F.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Archibong, A. E.
Right arrow Articles by Stormshak, F.

Factors Contributing to Early Embryonic Mortality in Gilts Bred at First Estrus1

A. E. Archibong, D. C. England and F. Stormshak

Oregon State University2,3,, Corvallis 97331

Abstract

Gilts bred at first (n = 18) and third (n = 18) estrus were assigned in replicates of equal numbers to be slaughtered on d 3, 15 and 30 post-mating to assess fertilization rate, embryonic losses and serum concentrations of estrogen (estradiol-17 β + estrone) and progesterone. Mean number of ovulations was lower among gilts bred at first vs third estrus (12.2 vs 14.5; P<.05), with no difference in fertilization rate (100 vs 98%). Embryonic survival was lower (P<.05) among gilts bred at first vs third estrus on d 15 (78.1 vs 95.4%) and 30 (66.7 vs 89.4%) of gestation. Serum estrogen (pg/ml) and progesterone (ng/ml) levels, although lower in gilts bred at first vs third estrus, were not significantly different at the three stages of gestation studied. The ratio of progesterone to estrogen in gilts bred at first estrus was higher than in those bred at third estrus on d 15 (439 ± 71 vs 210 ± 17) and 30 (597 ± 106 vs 179 ± 50), but was lower on d 3 (187 + 37 vs 444 ± 123; stage of gestation x estrous period interaction, P<.05). These data suggest that changes in the ratio of systemic levels of estrogen and progesterone may be related to early embryonic mortality in gilts bred at pubertal estrus.

Footnotes

1 Technical Paper No. 7910, Oregon Agr. Exp. Sta.

2 Dept. of Anim. Sci.

3 The authors gratefully acknowledge Robert Dickson, Clark Meat Sci. Lab., for performing the slaughter of the experimental animals.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1987 by the American Society of Animal Science.