Abstract
ABSTRACT: Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is a reproductive technology that aids in obtaining an appropriate time to perform single artificial insemination (AI), thus reducing the number of inseminations per sow bred. FTAI protocols can either be based on estrus detection or day of weaning, aiming to synchronize ovulation using ovulation inducers. The protocols involving estrus detection usually employ porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) as an inducer and, in general, satisfactory reproductive performance is observed. For protocols based on weaning day, the main hormone used is analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone such as triptorelin and buserelin. Regardless of the protocol, the number of piglets born is usually not affected by FTAI. However, a possible compromise in the farrowing rate should be considered. The FTAI in gilts requires progestogen treatment for estrus synchronization, increasing the labor requirement and cost of protocol. Some of the benefits of FTAI are a reduced number of semen doses required, advantage of planning the breeding time and; consequently, optimizing labor involved. However, the limitations include a slight reduction in the fertility index due to the compromised farrowing rate in some cases, costs incurred by following the protocol, and difficulty in measuring all the conceptual benefits under commercial conditions. The aim of this review is to approach the reproductive performance of the current protocols of FTAI, considering the benefits and limitations of this technology in swine production.
Highlights
Artificial insemination (AI) is the most common technology in swine reproduction and it has been exhibiting extensive uses worldwide over the last few decades (BORTOLOZZO et al, 2015)
If fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is adopted, including hormones to synchronize ovulation and the insemination time, making it possible to determine an appropriate time to perform a single AI, reducing labor and number of inseminations required per sow bred
A meta-analysis was performed including the studies from 2008 to 2015 (n=5,238), in which the triptorelin protocol was followed in weaned sows, and the traditional farrowing rate was observed to be superior in the control group, compared with that in the triptorelininduced sows (89.7% vs. 82.5%)
Summary
Artificial insemination (AI) is the most common technology in swine reproduction and it has been exhibiting extensive uses worldwide over the last few decades (BORTOLOZZO et al, 2015). Ovulation takes place on average 70% through estrus, but there is a huge variation in the estrusovulation interval (8–85 h; KEMP & SOEDE, 1997), making it difficult to predict the ovulation time. For this reason, swine female needs to be inseminated two to three times while in standing estrus. If fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is adopted, including hormones to synchronize ovulation and the insemination time, making it possible to determine an appropriate time to perform a single AI, reducing labor and number of inseminations required per sow bred. The aim of this review is to approach the current protocols of FTAI, focusing on their consequences on reproductive parameters and considering the benefits and limitations of this technology in swine production
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