1. Swine Reproduction

2. The boar’s function in reproduction:
1. Produce spermatozoa
2. Introduce sperm into the female
reproductive tract at the proper
time

3. Reproductive Organs of the Boar
• Testes
• Epididymus
• Vas deferens
• Vesicular glands
• Bulbourethral gland
• Urethra
• Penis

4. Boar’s Reproductive Tract

6. An ejaculate consists of the following three phases:
1. The first, or pre-sperm phase, which lasts 1 to 5
minutes, consists of a watery fluid in which there are
tapioca-like pellets but no sperm, and comprises 5 to
20% of the ejaculate.
2. The sperm containing phase, which lasts 2 to 5
minutes, consists of a whitish, uniform fluid which
contains the sperm, and comprises 30 to 50% of the
ejaculate.
3. The last phase, which lasts 3 to 8 minutes contains
very few sperm, helps form a gelatinous plug in the
cervix of the sow, and comprises 40 to 60% of the
total volume.

7. Semen Evaluation: • Motility • Concentration • Volume Target:
60% or better
• Concentration & Volume:
Determine number of
inseminations (3-5 billion)

8. The Sow’s Function in Reproduction:
1. To produce ova
2. To nourish the developing ova
3. To produce piglets
4. To produce milk

9. Reproductive Organs of the Sow
1. Ovaries
2. Oviducts
3. Uterus
4. Cervix
5. Vagina
6. Vulva

10. Sow’s Reproductive Tract

12. Puberty and breeding maturity
Puberty: 5-7 months (hybrids perform better)
Breeding: approx. 7 months
Polyoestrous (temperature stress!)
Length of oestrous cycle 21 days
Duration of oestrus 2-3 days
Ovulation during the last day of oestrus (back
pressure test)
PGF2A-sensitivity only after day 12

13. Temperature effects on female
Heat important when affects body temperature - Sources, both
body and environment
Effect oocyte cause polyploidy Prior to breeding is greatest
loss of fertility
Cause early embryonic mortality Especially within the first
7 days past breeding
Late pregnant sow: Heat stress last week of gestation will greatly increase number of stillborn piglets
Intensity of estrus may be reduced
One mechanism, stress causes high glucocorticoids which inhibit LH release. Direct effects of heat on gametes is greatest effect!
Low temperatures - Reduce intensity of estrus

14. Species variation in estrous cycle characteristics

15. Gilt exposure to a mature boar

16. Aspects off the vulva,, sexual behavior and fertility

17. Physical signs to consider for mating
Too early
Vulva heavily red and swollen
Hardly any mucus on vaginal mucosa
Negative back pressure test, only standing reflex in presence of a boar
In time
Vulva moderately red and swollen
Vaginal mucosa with mucus
Positive back pressure test
Too late
No redness or swelling of vulva
Sticky vaginal mucosa
2nd mating or AI ‘s are necessary in animals with
positive back pressure test 24 h after mating

18. Gilt standing for "back pressure" test

19. Gilt "in heat", immobile
Gilt with swollen vulva, secondary sign of estrus
Gilt with swollen vulva, secondary sign of estrus

20. Breeding

21. A.I.

22. Sow gestation period???