The role of high ambient temperature in seasonal infertility in the sow
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
11-1987
Conference Title
Inaugural Conference of the Australasian Pig Science Association
Place of Publication
Albury
Keywords
seasonal infertility, sow, reproductive performance, swine, pigs
Disciplines
Meat Science | Other Animal Sciences
Abstract
There are many reports from throughout the world of depressed reproductive performance in pig herds during the summer months. This problem has become known as summer or seasonal infertility. The exact characteristics of seasonal infertility vary but a typical feature is a reduction in pregnancy rate and an increase in the percentage of infertile sows which exhibit extended, irregular return to service intervals after mating (dioestrous intervals).
Ambient temperature and daylength increase during summer and both have been proposed as causative agents in seasonal infertility. It has also been suggested that other stressors such as social, housing and managerial influences are involved in the aetiology of this condition. Indeed when the appropriate combination and/or intensity of stressful stimuli are present a condition identical to seasonal infertility can occur at any time of the year (Hennessy and Williamson, 1984). Clearly seasonal infertility is a complex phenomenon involving a number of factors. In this paper data on the effect of high ambient temperature on reproduction in the sow are reviewed and an attempt made to explain the role of heat per se in seasonal infertility.
Recommended Citation
Paterson, A M,
and
Pett, D H.
(1987), The role of high ambient temperature in seasonal infertility in the sow, Inaugural Conference of the Australasian Pig Science Association, Albury, pp.48-52.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/conf_papers/225
