Biological potential of fecundity of sows
2009
Waehner, M.,Anhalt Univ. of Applied Sciences, Bernburg (Germany) | Bruessow, K.P.,Research Inst. for the Biology of Farm Animals, Dummerstorf (Germany)
The aim of this article was to compare the fertility of three pig breeds, German Landrace (DL), Large White (DE) and Pietrain (PI), in Germany during the years 1980-2006 and to determine the effects of the number of ovulations and uterus length on the number of embryos or fetuses. The evolution in the numbers of born piglets between the years 1980 and 2006 was as follows: DL: 10,4 - 11,0; DE: 11,0 - 11,0; PI: 10,2 - 10,0. Selection for ovulation rate increases the number of ovulating follicles, but not the number of piglets born alive. The number of piglets is limited by the uterine capacity. Although a relationship exists between uterine dimensions and the number of fetuses/piglets, uterine length alone is not a prerequisite of higher uterine capacity. Placental efficiency and the degree of placental blood supply appear to be essential. At present, the estimated potential is 15.0 piglets born alive, 2.4 litters/year, and 32.5 piglets per sow/year (in comparison with current data of 11.1, 2.26, 13.8 and 21.5; respectively).
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