The effect of the hormones oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 alpha during artificial insemination on reproductive efficiency in sows.

摘要

This study was carried out at the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus, Lajas. Compared with a control (no treatment), the effects were tested of 4 IU of oxytocin or 4 IU of prostaglandin F2 alpha administered during artificial insemination on the rates of conception and parturition of 33 young, nulliparous sows (15 Yorkshire and 18 Landrace) - 11 sows were allocated to each treatment. Data are presented from the first and second oestrus. For the first oestrus, rates of conception and parturition, respectively, were: control, 54.6%, 83.3%; oxytocin, 73.7%, 100%; prostaglandin, 45.5%, 100%. For the second oestrus, the corresponding rates were: control, 27.3%, 100%; oxytocin, 27.3%, 100%; prostaglandin, 18.2%, 100%. Data on piglet production are also presented, and show that, overall, live piglet production was 6.1 in the control sows, 7.3 in the oxytocin-treated animals, and 8.2 in the oxytocin-treated animals. The results are analysed and discussed.