Introduction to Discussion

Abstract

I Have little to add to the wealth of information presented by Dr. Thibault. We can all appreciate that many of the observations brought out are of considerable consequence to the success that an artificial insemination organization can expect under different environmental conditions. These observations should also serve to increase our awareness of the effect on some aspects of reproduction by environmental factors not ordinarily considered when some experiments are designed. The lack of randomness of the occurrence of heat in gilts after transport is a special case in point. At Illinois we have also noticed the same time interval and incidence of heat in gilts brought in from outside, as reported by Dr. Thibault. At this point I would like to raise some questions rather than attempt to provide answers. Does the season of birth have an influence on the age at puberty in pigs?