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Effective methods for synchronizing estrus in gilts are crucial for strict implementation of batch management and optimum reproductive performances. There is growing demand for alternative non‐hormonal breeding tools. Before puberty, gilts exhibit a “waiting” period, related to ovarian development and gonadotrophin secretions, during which external stimulation, such as boar exposure, could induce the first ovulation. As noninvasive tools are required to increase knowledge about the waiting period, the aim of this work is to search for specific biomarkers of this period in saliva.
Trans‐abdominal ultrasonography was carried out for 5 weeks in six 140‐day old Large White gilts until puberty detection (week ‐5 to week ‐1 before puberty). We collected saliva samples as well as urinary samples for estrone assay to detect the waiting period. Gilts were then slaughtered 7 days after puberty detection for puberty confirmation. The salivary metabolome was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Urinary estrone assays are in progress.
The concentrations of some saliva metabolites significantly increased (propionate and butyrate for example) or decreased (pyruvate and fumarate for example) between week ‐5 and week ‐1 before puberty. The identification of other metabolites whose salivary concentration significantly varied is in progress.
These results suggest that some salivary metabolites could be biomarkers of the pre‐pubertal stage in gilts. Salivary monitoring may help to investigate optimal time for application of boar effect and could contribute to decreasing the number of females mated while they are pre‐pubertal.
G. Goudet, C. Douet, L. Nadal‐Desbarats, N. Kütük Süer, C. Staub, E. Venturi, J. Savoie, S. Ferchaud, S. Boulot, A. Prunier. Recherche de biomarqueurs salivaires du stade de maturité sexuelle de cochettes pré‐pubères. 47e Journées de la Recherche Porcine.
