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Seasonal Effects On The Reproductive Performance Of Gilts And Sows, Padet Tummaruk, Wichai Tantasuparuk, Mongkol Techakumphu, Annop Kunavongkrit

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Although the domestic pig is not a true seasonal breeder, a seasonal effect on reproductive performance exists. A reduction in reproductive performance during some periods of the year is most pronounced in primiparous sows and is manifested in various ways such as, delayed puberty, prolonged weaning-to-first-service interval (WSI), increased number of sows returning to oestrus after mating, decreased conception rate, decreased farrowing rate (FR), decreased litter size and an increased incidence of abortion. Both high ambient temperatures and/or changes in photoperiod have been reported to be the cause of these problems. The pig is considered to be a short-day seasonal …