Endoparasites in Sows and Selected Reproduction Parameters

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyze infection of sows with endoparasites depending on their physiological phase and length of exploitation, as well as to determine the effects of infection on selected parameters of reproductive performance. 300 fecal samples collected from the same 75 sows in 4 phases of the production cycle (dry sows, low pregnancy, high pregnancy, lactation) were tested in the experiment. Species and gender diversity, prevalence, OPG and EPG were determined in the study. These parameters were compared in terms of the physiological phase and the length of exploitation. Selected parameters of reproductive performance of sows were also examined, which were compared taking into account the length of exploitation and sows infection with individual parasites. The study showed that the entire population was infected with two parasites at all physiological phases: Eimeria spp. (17% prevalence, 2275 OPG) and Ascaris suum (5% prevalence, EPG 79). The presence of parasites from Eimeria genus (prevalence 40%, OPG 2976) in sows exploited for 1 year had a negative effect on some parameters of their reproduction performance. Infected sows, compared to noninfected ones, were characterized by a lower number of live piglets (by 0.21 heads) (p≤0.05), a higher number of stillborn piglets (by 0.21 heads) (p≤0.05), as well as lower daily weight gains of piglets (by 15 g) (p≤0.05), which contributed to their lower weaning body weight (by 0.45 kg) (p≤0.05).