Guest Commentary
| TexasShowPigs.com | |
| Graham, TX | |
| SEASONAL INFERTILITY | |
|---|---|
| As temperatures increase, so does the occurrence of reproductive failure (seasonal infertility) in the swine herd. Symptoms include increased weaning to estrus interval, females not settling. decreased farrowing rates, delayed first estrus in gilts, estrous cycles greater than 21 days, and difficulty detecting estrus because of females not showing the normally strong signs of being in heat. Boars may also be affected after exposure to more than 3 days of high temperatures. Decreased sperm output, increase of abnormal sperm cells, and possibly total infertility for up to 6 weeks may be detected. Boars tend to keep their testicles cooler by lowering them from their body on hot days, but that is not enough to guarantee fertility. | |
| Temperature is not the sole contributor to heat stress. High humidity along with the high temperatures can increase the heat index 10 degrees. Pigs, like humans feel and react to the heat index. It is necessay to take steps to keep swine as cool and comfortable as possible. Since pigs do not sweat, they must dissipate the heat that their bodies accumulate in other ways such as laying on cool concrete or staying in the shade. Providing clean fresh water and lots of shade is a step in the right direction. Mist or drip systems can also be extremely helpful in keeping swine cooler in the summer. | |
| Pigs, like people, tend to decrease their feed intake during hot weather. which decreases energy. Increasing the protein and fat levels in the feed during this time should help increase energy levels. It is also helpful to keep the feed fresh. This can be accomplished by feeding smaller amounts of feed, more times per day. Switching from 2 to 3 feedings per day tends to increase feed intake. It is also helpful to remove soiled feed daily in order to keep the feed fresh. | |
| Estrus detection (checking for females in heat) is best done during the coolest time of the day, probably early morning. It is important to pay special attention to signs of estrus during this time to avoid missing females that are in heat. Boars also will perform better in cooler temperatures. | |
| A good back up plan is essential. You may want to breed extra females or breed a cycle early in case they don't settle or maintain pregnancy. Keeping good records and analyzing them could help you determine if your herd is susceptible to heat stress and seasonal infertility. Good luck with you summer and fall breeding. | |
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