"A Comparison of Intrauterine and Cervical Artificial Insemination Rods" by Robert Fitzgerald
 

Publication Date

5-1-2005

Degree Program

Department of Agriculture

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

This experiment compared the effects of two artificial insemination (AI) rods on farrowing rate and number of piglets born per litter. Three hundred eighty-nine sows were allotted into two experimental groups based on parity, body condition, and breed of sire influence of the sows. One hundred ninety-three matings were performed using the experimental intrauterine rod, and one hundred ninety-six matings were performed using the traditional cervical rod as the control. Total number of piglets born per litter was measured after each sow farrowed, and the farrowing rates were calculated at the end of the study. Farrowing rates were 68% and 66% and total number of piglets born per litter was 9.39 ± 0.55 and 9.74±0.53 for the experimental and control groups. Number of piglets born alive per litter was slightly lower than the total number of piglets born per litter for both groups, 8.97±0.54 and 9.29 ±0.52. The total number of piglets born per litter and the farrowing rates were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between the experimental and control groups. Results from this trial produced no incentive to use the intrauterine AI rod in this or other similar commercial settings.

Disciplines

Agriculture | Animal Sciences

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