Effect of altering the ratio of exogenous gonadotropins on reproductive performance of primiparous sows during the seasonal infertility period

Abstract

At weaning, 150 primiparous sows were assigned sequentially to receive 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) with 200 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (Gn600), or 400 IU eCG with 400 IU hCG (Gn800), or served as untreated controls. Compared with control and Gn600, the Gn800 had increased estrus response by day 7 and reduced wean-to-estrus intervals (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, both Gn600 and Gn800 increased numbers of large follicles (≥6 mm) at estrus detection (P < 0.05) and the subsequent farrowing rates (P < 0.05). Litter size was unaffected. These data demonstrate the efficacy of supplemental hCG for alleviating effects of seasonal infertility in primiparous sows.