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Research
Impact of a Novel Boar Pheromone on Weaned Sow Behavior and Reproduction
Olivier Merdy
Olivier Merdy, Vetoquinol, 37 rue de la Victoire, 75009 Paris, France
Corresponding Author
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background
Reproductive performance on commercial farms depends on the ability to identify sexual behavior and breed females during estrus. The presence of a boar is essential in determining sow sexual behaviors and is greatly mediated by the adult boar odor. This study sought to examine the effects of a novel boar salivary pheromone on weaned sow sexual receptivity and subsequent reproductive performance.
Methods
One hundred weaned sows were randomly assigned to either a control treatment where sows were exposed during heat detection to a live mature boar (BG) or to BOARBETTER® (Vétoquinol, Lure, France), given as a single spray while a boar grunting audio file was played (PG). Sexual behaviors were assessed twice daily during a Back-Pressure Test (BPT). Sows expressing behavioral estrus were mated. Ultrasound was used to assess ovarian activity from weaning until the end of ovulation. Reproductive and prolificacy data were collected until farrowing.
Results
Twelve sows were eliminated from the study because of early ovulation, no ovulation, or infectious disease. Breeding rate did not differ between the two treatments (BG: 100% vs PG: 91%). Sows in the BG had a shorter wean-to-estrus interval (97 vs 108 h) and longer estrus duration than PG sows (57 vs 39 h; p < 0.05). Wean-to-ovulation interval did not differ but onset of estrus to ovulation interval was longer in PG compared with BG sows (40 vs 30 h, p < 0.01). Follicle size at the onset of estrus was larger among PG than BG sows (5.76 vs 5.43 mm, p = 0.04). Timing of ovulation relative to insemination did not differ between the two treatment groups. Pregnancy rates were identical or similar for sows in the two treatment groups (93%) as was number of pigs born per litter.
Conclusions
Exposing weaning sows to the novel pheromone and the boar grunting sound achieved high estrus detection rate. Estrus was delayed and shortened but sows were successfully bred and were farrowed. Despite the absence of teaser boar, the procedure incorporating the novel pheromone and the boar grunting sound was shown to be efficient for sow breeding.
Keywords
pheromone, boar, weaned sow, estrus, reproduction
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This is a preprint. It has not completed peer review.
Research
Impact of a Novel Boar Pheromone on Weaned Sow Behavior and Reproduction
Olivier Merdy
Olivier Merdy, Vetoquinol, 37 rue de la Victoire, 75009 Paris, France
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
History
CURRENT STATUS: Posted
Version 1
Posted 23 Nov, 2020
No community comments so far
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Animal Science
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background
Reproductive performance on commercial farms depends on the ability to identify sexual behavior and breed females during estrus. The presence of a boar is essential in determining sow sexual behaviors and is greatly mediated by the adult boar odor. This study sought to examine the effects of a novel boar salivary pheromone on weaned sow sexual receptivity and subsequent reproductive performance.
Methods
One hundred weaned sows were randomly assigned to either a control treatment where sows were exposed during heat detection to a live mature boar (BG) or to BOARBETTER® (Vétoquinol, Lure, France), given as a single spray while a boar grunting audio file was played (PG). Sexual behaviors were assessed twice daily during a Back-Pressure Test (BPT). Sows expressing behavioral estrus were mated. Ultrasound was used to assess ovarian activity from weaning until the end of ovulation. Reproductive and prolificacy data were collected until farrowing.
Results
Twelve sows were eliminated from the study because of early ovulation, no ovulation, or infectious disease. Breeding rate did not differ between the two treatments (BG: 100% vs PG: 91%). Sows in the BG had a shorter wean-to-estrus interval (97 vs 108 h) and longer estrus duration than PG sows (57 vs 39 h; p < 0.05). Wean-to-ovulation interval did not differ but onset of estrus to ovulation interval was longer in PG compared with BG sows (40 vs 30 h, p < 0.01). Follicle size at the onset of estrus was larger among PG than BG sows (5.76 vs 5.43 mm, p = 0.04). Timing of ovulation relative to insemination did not differ between the two treatment groups. Pregnancy rates were identical or similar for sows in the two treatment groups (93%) as was number of pigs born per litter.
Conclusions
Exposing weaning sows to the novel pheromone and the boar grunting sound achieved high estrus detection rate. Estrus was delayed and shortened but sows were successfully bred and were farrowed. Despite the absence of teaser boar, the procedure incorporating the novel pheromone and the boar grunting sound was shown to be efficient for sow breeding.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2