Swine ReproductionSwine Reproduction

Rebecca Begoon

2/8/02

What is the point?What is the point?

Why are we learning about swine reproduction?

• We need to breed the gilts in the barn

• We will be doing this by artificial insemination

• We need to know what we are doing

ObjectivesObjectives

Identify parts of the reproductive tract

Describe Estrous cycle, Estrus, and Ovulation

I. Reproductive TractI. Reproductive Tract

Ovaries

Infundibulum

Oviduct

Uterine horns

Uterine body

Cervix

Vagina

Vulva

OvariesOvaries

Primary Structure

Two Major Function:– To produce ova, the female germ cells– To produce the hormones progesterone and

estrogen

Infundibulum

– Acts like a funnel to collect ova

– Diverts ova to the oviducts

Oviducts

– 6 to 10 inches long

– Acts as site of fertilization

Uterine HornsUterine Horns

2 – 3 feet in a non-pregnant sow

Act as a passage way for sperm

Are the site of fetal development

Uterine body is located at junction of the uterine horns

CervixCervix

Muscular junction between the vagina and uteri

Site of semen deposit

It is dilated during heat (estrus)– Constricted during pregnancy and when not in

heat

VaginaVagina

Extends from the cervix to the vulva

Passage way for urine and piglets

The Bladder is connected to the vagina by the urethra

VulvaVulva

External part of the reproductive tract

Becomes red and swollen just prior to estrus

ActivityActivity

With a partner, you will put together a model of a gilt’s reproductive tract, just like the picture used during lecture, using play dough.

The supplies will be located at the front of the room.

II. Estrous cycle, Estrus, II. Estrous cycle, Estrus, OvulationOvulation

Estrous CycleEstrous Cycle

Normally 21 days long

Can range from 18-24 days long

Non-pregnant and non-lactating sows will estrus or standing heat

Estrus or HeatEstrus or Heat

Follicles – 6 to 10 will form on each ovary– Growth begins 3 days before estrus

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) released from the pituitary gland

Maturing ovum is held in each follicle Estrogen is secreted (responsible for estrus) Ovulation is stimulated by LH (Luteinizing

Hormone)

Signs of EstrusSigns of Estrus

Standing Heat – standing to be mounted or “back pressure test”– Red, swollen vulva– Increased nervous activity– Desire to seek boar– Decrease in appetite– Vaginal mucous

ProgesteroneProgesterone

Is responsible for maintaining Pregnancy !

ReviewReview

How does Estrus cycle, estrus and ovulation relate?

Which hormone is responsible for the estrus cycle?– Estrogen

Review con’tReview con’t

Which hormone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy?– Progesterone

What are the signs of estrus? Standing Heat – standing to be mounted or “back

pressure test”– Red, swollen vulva– Increased nervous activity– Desire to seek boar– Decrease in appetite– Vaginal mucous

Reality!!!Reality!!!

• In four days the gilts will be in heat and you all will have a chance to Artificially inseminate one of the gilts.

It is important to understand the reproductive tract and cycles.

Tomorrow we will practice on a model of a gilt