Abstract
Simple SummaryCurrent protocols for gilts recommend the deposit of two/three semen doses (2–4 × 109 sperm/dose) by cervical artificial insemination (CAI), 12–24 h after estrus detection. If ovulation were predictable, gilts could be bred only once using fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Using a specific catheter makes the postcervical deposition of semen possible (PCAI). This work explored the use of combining FTAI-PCAI with buserelin in gilts. In the control group (C; n = 240), gilts were inseminated twice (8 and 12 h from estrus onset). Gilts in the treatment group (T; n = 226) received buserelin (10 μg, intramuscular) 120 h after altrenogest treatment (18 d) and one single PCAI 30–33 h after buserelin administration. No significant differences were found in reproductive and production performance between groups (p > 0.05). Piglets’ birth weight was greater in the T group (p < 0.001). Estrus duration was significantly shorter in the T group (p < 0.001). Delivery batch length significantly differed depending on the season (p < 0.05); both groups only differed significantly in spring (p = 0.018), with a shorter duration in the T group. This new FTAI-PCAI protocol with buserelin is recommended in gilts, helping with optimization of genetic diffusion, boars, and semen doses.Current protocols for gilts recommend the deposit of multiple semen doses in the cervix each 12–24 h after estrus detection. Our objectives were: (1) to determine the effect of buserelin and a single fixed-time artificial insemination using the new post-cervical artificial insemination technique (FTAI-PCAI) on reproductive and productive performance in gilts, and (2) to compare this protocol with conventional estrus detection and double PCAI without hormonal induction. In the control group (C; n = 240), gilts were inseminated twice (8 and 12 h from estrus onset). Gilts in the treatment group (T; n = 226) received buserelin (10 μg, intramuscular) 120 h after altrenogest treatment (18 d) and one single PCAI 30–33 h after buserelin administration. The groups did not differ in reproductive and production performance (p > 0.05). The T group showed greater piglet birth weight and shorter estrus duration (p < 0.001). Delivery batch length differed significantly depending on the season (p < 0.05); the shortest length corresponded to autumn. Both groups only differed significantly in spring (p = 0.018), with a shorter length in the T group. This new FTAI-PCAI protocol with buserelin is recommended in gilts, helping with optimization of genetic diffusion, boars, and semen doses.
Highlights
The post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) procedure was proposed as a new technique for depositing semen in the uterine body, as an alternative to cervical AI (CAI)
As stated in the Material and Methods section, gilts in the C group were inseminated twice; unsuccessful probe passage in one of the AIs was enough for a gilt to be removed from the study
The C and T groups significantly differed in the proportion of gilts showing successful probe passage
Summary
The main aim of artificial insemination (AI) is to deposit enough viable sperm in the appropriate place of the female genital tract at the optimal moment relative to ovulation.For gilts, current protocols recommend the deposit of multiple semen doses (two or three) in the cervix each 12–24 h after estrus detection (2–4 × 109 sperm at 60–100 mL per dose, stored at 17 ◦ C for a maximum period of 3–7 days, depending on the extender) [1,2].Reasons for repeated AI lie in the brief viability of both oocytes and spermatozoa in the gilt reproductive tract and the difficultly of exactly predicting ovulation during estrus [3].The post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) procedure was proposed as a new technique for depositing semen in the uterine body, as an alternative to cervical AI (CAI).PCAI and CAI differ in the semen deposition site and in the sperm concentration and dose volume used for AI [2,4,5]. The main aim of artificial insemination (AI) is to deposit enough viable sperm in the appropriate place of the female genital tract at the optimal moment relative to ovulation. Current protocols recommend the deposit of multiple semen doses (two or three) in the cervix each 12–24 h after estrus detection (2–4 × 109 sperm at 60–100 mL per dose, stored at 17 ◦ C for a maximum period of 3–7 days, depending on the extender) [1,2]. The post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) procedure was proposed as a new technique for depositing semen in the uterine body, as an alternative to cervical AI (CAI). PCAI and CAI differ in the semen deposition site and in the sperm concentration and dose volume used for AI [2,4,5]. The suitability of PCAI in gilts has been previously demonstrated [2,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
