J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1988. 66:3202-3207.
© 1988 American Society of Animal Science
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Effect of Stage of Gestation, Litter Size and Uterine Space on the Incidence of Mummified Fetuses in Pigs

M. C. Wu1, M. D. Hentzel2 and P. J. Dziuk3

University of Illinois,4, Urbana 61801

Abstract

Factors associated with incidence of mummified fetuses at 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 wk of gestation were determined in a cross-sectional design involving 209 pregnant pigs. Percentage of observed mummies increased from 2.1 to 12.2% as gestation progressed. Incidence of mummies at 7 wk of gestation was not different between litters of nine fetuses or fewer and those of 10 fetuses or more. During the period of 7 to 15 wk of gestation, the incidence of mummies remained constant at about 1% in litters of nine fetuses or fewer, whereas in litters of 10 fetuses or more the incidence increased linearly from 1 to 12% (P < .01). In litters of nine fetuses or fewer, a mummy occupied no less space than a live fetus until 13 wk of gestation. In litters of 10 fetuses or more, a mummy occupied less space than did a live fetus after 7 wk of gestation. An increase in the incidence of mummies in larger litters was associated with uterine space per fetus below that needed for development and survival. The 12% fetal loss in late gestation was associated with less uterine space per fetus. Length of uterine horns, litter size and stage of gestation together accounted for 12% of the variation in incidence of mummies (P < .001). A longer uterus had greater space per fetus, a larger number of live fetuses and a lower incidence of mummies.

Footnotes

1 Present address: Taiwan Livest. Res. Inst. Hsinhua, Tainan, Taiwan 71210, Republic of China.

2 Present address: 908 Broadway, Hamilton, IL 62341.

3 To whom reprint requests should be addressed.

4 Dept. of Anim. Sci., 1301 Taft Drive, Urbana 61801.






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Copyright © 1988 by the American Society of Animal Science.