Macroscopic aspects of sow ovaries, natural from swine granges of Rio Verde-GO and culling for several causes

Abstract

There are many known causes for culling of sows in a herd, with reproductive problems standing as one of the major ones. In this scenary, replacement rates of 39-40% are considered acceptable in the pig industry. This study aimed to determine the relationship
between functional ovarian condition in reproductively mature swine females and causes for culling. Hybrid Large White x Landrace females from 10 pig farms in Rio Verde-GO, slaughtered during the period from March to July 2002, had their ovaries analyzed by macroscopic examination and weighing. Decrease in production,
advanced age, and low body condition score were the most common reasons for culling. From 330 pairs of ovaries analyzed under macroscopic examination, 90.6% were from cyclic females both on the follicular (46.4%) or the luteal (44.2%) phases, 7.6% had ovarian cysts, and 1.82% were in anestrus. The mean weight of ovaries was 8.8 g, with females with cystic ovaries or in anestrus having the heaviest (31.9 g) and the lightest ovaries (3.7 g). A total of 98.8% of all animals had ovaries showing normal cyclicity, despite the decrease in production. These results showed no associations between the difference in ovary weight and stages of
the estrous cycle, and between causes of culling and functional conditions of the ovaries.