Field evaluations using OvuGel~R for single fixed-time artificial insemination

摘要

Insemination of postpartum sows within 24 hours before ovulation optimizes conception rates as well as litter sizes.1,2 Unfortunately, the precise time of ovulation is difficult to predict since onset and duration of estrus is highly variable. Therefore, swine producers spend considerable time and effort observing sows for behavioral estrus and inseminating sows two or three times during their observed estrus period to ensure a successful mating. JBS United Animal Health developed the ovulation induction product, OvuGel~R (OG), a 2 mL proprietary gel formulation containing 200 ug of the GnRH analog, triptorelin. Our previous studies demonstrated that OG stimulates release of LH.34 When a single dose of OG is deposited intravaginally 96 hours after weaning, ovulation occurs 40 to 48 hours later, thereby facilitating a single fixed-time insemination about 24 hours after administration, resulting in normal fertility. No estrus detection is required to determine the best time to inseminate. Boar exposure and stimulation are recommended. This study was conducted to: compare reproductive performance data from weaned sows inseminated once at a fixed-time following OG treatment using post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) with that of Contemporary (CON) weaned sows and to establish baseline data prior to herd roll-over to 100% OG implementation.