Reduce Risk of Autumn Infertility
Friday, August 26, 2011
Practical interventions are outlined to minimise infertility problems associated with the autumn from BPEX in its series Focus on Fertility.
Autumn infertility manifests itself through a delayed onset of oestrus, increased return rate, normally with regular returns, and abortion in later pregnancy. Sows and gilts served from mid-September to late October are the animals at risk. We do not know the exact causes, nor can we predict which units will be affected. So what happens in autumn that can ‘trigger’ infertility and what can we do to minimise the risk?
Environmental Changes
One of the quirks of autumn is that it can be a warm summer’s day followed by a cool night, making it difficult to regulate manually operated ventilation systems. Draughts can also be an issue, especially when compounded with sows that have experienced higher than normal body condition loss. These sows already have a compromised hormonal profile when they leave the farrowing and so chilling can be an extra stressor. Young sows are at a greater risk than older parities. Not only is this stressful and harmful for reproduction but it can also lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin is important in encouraging sows to have a short weaning-to- service interval. Another environmental change is the rapidly decreasing day-length.
Practical Interventions
- Keep sows and gilts at a comfortable temperature – observe lying behaviour
- Increase the amount of bedding
- Reinstate the winter feed curve
- Provide ample physical boar contact pre- and post-service. The boar could be providing support for the maintenance of pregnancy and will be essential for detecting cycling sows
- Provide 14 to 16 hours of light per day, starting from the beginning of August. Install a light timer if one is not present. Consider introducing more lights into dark houses, replace broken light fittings and wash existing bulbs. Whitewashing walls will also help reflect the light.
Other interventions to consider:
- Calibrate feeders to ensure correct feed levels
- Clean feeder bins and auger lines and make sure there is no evidence of condensation forming, which encourages moulds and possibly mycotoxins
- Review vermin control as they will soon be returning!
For more help solving autumn reproductive problems, please click here.
August 2011
© 2000 - 2012. 5m Publishing, Benchmark House, 8 Smithy Wood Drive, Sheffield, S35 1QN, England. - A Benchmark Holdings Ltd. Company