Abstracts - Genetics and reproduction

It is possible to produce knock-out embryos via lipofection of zona-pellucida-intact porcine oocytes with similar efficiencies as with electroporation.

Although progeny body weights were typically less from first parity dams through 45 days of age, these progeny were similar or heavier at 100 and 145 days of age in contrast to progeny from other parities.

These results indicate that microbiota in feces, colostrum, and vaginal secretions of sows more easily colonized piglet intestines through a symbiotic effect.

Achieving optimal body weight at first service is essential for maximizing the sow’s lifetime performance.

For short-term fixation of five days around farrowing on commercial farms, the farrowing crate should be opened in the evening.

The physiological processes and how they change dynamically as the sow approaches farrowing greatly affect sow productivity.

Thermography coupled with Artificial Intelligence systems can help identify and orient the diagnosis of symptomatic animals to prompt adequate reaction at the earliest time.

Findings confirm the efficacy of the novel vaginal drug delivery system for induction of farrowing in sows.

Shorter nursing duration and more nursing terminations by the sow were observed in loose housing than in farrowing crates.

Microbial abundances and community structures differed significantly between sows with different litter sizes and gestation stages.

Spermine and spermidine alleviate oxidative stress via the antioxidant capacity, thereby improving the efficacy of boar semen preservation.

The study assessed whether vaccines administered to the uterus at breeding can lead to sufficient colostral antibodies to protect suckling piglets against PEDV.

Piglets with 1.25 to 2.30kg BW and low weight gain during suckling presented a partial compensatory growth during the nursery phase.

The effects of different boars from the Duroc and Pietrain breeds on the prevalence of swine inflammation and necrosis syndrome in their offspring.

Cold- and heat-resistance were dependent factors and sperm motility but neither semen stress test can be used as a sole test for predicting the fertilizing capacity of boar ejaculates.

The application of cloprostenol after farrowing improved fertility rates and reduced non-productive days.

Sows with greater pelvic organ prolapse risk have unique vaginal microflora.

Survival is a complex trait with low heritability; however, important genetic gains can still be obtained, especially under a genomic prediction framework.

The thermal comfort zone of sows may be narrower than current recommendations indicate.

Selection for antibody response to PRRSV can increase litter size in purebred and commercial sows.

Sows with greater pelvic organ prolapse risk have differential serum metabolites and vaginal microflora.

Study results support the possibility of applying effective selection programs to improve immunocompetence in pigs.

When labour induction is applied, the questions arise about possible effects on labour and lactation, including colostral immunity.

Results suggest that genetic selection of antibody response in commercial sows is possible, but with variable success.