1. Swine Reproduction Rebecca Begoon 2/8/02

2. What is the point? Why are we learning about swine reproduction? We need to breed the gilts in the barn We will be doing this by artificial insemination We need to know what we are doing

3. Objectives Identify parts of the reproductive tract Describe Estrous cycle, Estrus, and Ovulation

4. I. Reproductive Tract Ovaries Infundibulum Oviduct Uterine horns Uterine body Cervix Vagina Vulva

6. Ovaries Primary Structure Two Major Function: – To produce ova, the female germ cells – To produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen

8. Infundibulum – Acts like a funnel to collect ova – Diverts ova to the oviducts Oviducts – 6 to 10 inches long – Acts as site of fertilization

10. Uterine Horns 2 – 3 feet in a non-pregnant sow Act as a passage way for sperm Are the site of fetal development Uterine body is located at junction of the uterine horns

11. Cervix Muscular junction between the vagina and uteri Site of semen deposit It is dilated during heat (estrus) – Constricted during pregnancy and when not in heat

13. Vagina Extends from the cervix to the vulva Passage way for urine and piglets The Bladder is connected to the vagina by the urethra

15. Vulva External part of the reproductive tract Becomes red and swollen just prior to estrus

17. Activity With a partner, you will put together a model of a gilt’s reproductive tract, just like the picture used during lecture, using play dough. The supplies will be located at the front of the room.

18. II. Estrous cycle, Estrus, Ovulation

19. Estrous Cycle Normally 21 days long Can range from 18-24 days long Non-pregnant and non-lactating sows will estrus or standing heat

21. Estrus or Heat Follicles – 6 to 10 will form on each ovary – Growth begins 3 days before estrus FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) released from the pituitary gland Maturing ovum is held in each follicle Estrogen is secreted (responsible for estrus) Ovulation is stimulated by LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

22. Signs of Estrus Standing Heat – standing to be mounted or “back pressure test” – Red, swollen vulva – Increased nervous activity – Desire to seek boar – Decrease in appetite – Vaginal mucous

23. Progesterone Is responsible for maintaining Pregnancy !

24. Review How does Estrus cycle, estrus and ovulation relate? Which hormone is responsible for the estrus cycle? – Estrogen

25. Review con’t Which hormone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy? – Progesterone What are the signs of estrus? Standing Heat – standing to be mounted or “back pressure test” – Red, swollen vulva – Increased nervous activity – Desire to seek boar – Decrease in appetite – Vaginal mucous

26. Reality!!! In four days the gilts will be in heat and you all will have a chance to Artificially inseminate one of the gilts. It is important to understand the reproductive tract and cycles. Tomorrow we will practice on a model of a gilt