Current Research Projects - Pigs

Improving reproductive performance during seasonal infertility: Identification of "at risk" sows and the tole of oocyte quality

Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health Staff

• Dr Trish Holyoake
• Dr Chris Grupen - Reprogen

National Collaborators

• QAF Meat Industries
• CHM Alliance
• Australian Pork Farms

PhD Student

Mr Michael Bertoldo

Summary

During seasonal infertility (SI), farrowing rate typically declines between 5 and 15%.

The major components of the proposed project address the outcomes of a Seasonal Infertility Workshop (2006) to

(1) “Identify risk factors associated with SI from existing databases” and

(2) “Determine if oocyte quality and ovarian characteristics in gilts and sows is poorer in summer and autumn than at other times of the year.” To achieve these outcomes, we will work closely with three major pork production groups: PIC/CHM, QAF and APF.

Project Deliverables:

1. Early identification of “at-risk” sows for mid- to late-term pregnancy loss during seasonal infertility.
2. Identification of micro-environmental (pen specific) factors that contribute to mid- to late-term pregnancy loss during seasonal infertility.
3. An understanding of the role of oocyte quality during seasonal infertility.
4. Data to support the theory that pheromones are involved in pregnancy loss during seasonal infertility.
5. An understanding of the role of stress and metabolic state of sows as contributors to mid-to-late term pregnancy loss in SI.

Source of Funding

Pork CRC
QAF Meat Industries

Project timeframe

March 2007 - March 2010