Reproductive performance of fixed-time artificial insemination in swine and factors for the technology success

Abstract

Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is a reproductive technology that aids in obtaining an appropriate time to perform single artificial insemination (AI), thus reducing the number of inseminations per sow bred. FTAI protocols can either be based on estrus detection or day of weaning, aiming to synchronize ovulation using ovulation inducers. The protocols involving estrus detection usually employ porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) as an inducer and, in general, satisfactory reproductive performance is observed. For protocols based on weaning day, the main hormone used is analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone such as triptorelin and buserelin. Regardless of the protocol, the number of piglets born is usually not affected by FTAI. However, a possible compromise in the farrowing rate should be considered. The FTAI in gilts requires progestogen treatment for estrus synchronization, increasing the labor requirement and cost of protocol. Some of the benefits of FTAI are a reduced number of semen doses required, advantage of planning the breeding time and; consequently, optimizing labor involved. However, the limitations include a slight reduction in the fertility index due to the compromised farrowing rate in some cases, costs incurred by following the protocol, and difficulty in measuring all the conceptual benefits under commercial conditions. The aim of this review is to approach the reproductive performance of the current protocols of FTAI, considering the benefits and limitations of this technology in swine production.

Update on artificial insemination: Semen, techniques, and sow fertility

“…Most studies showed slight reductions in farrowing rate without compromising litter size (Quirino et al, 2019). As recently observed by Wang et al (2020) in a meta-analysis study, the pregnancy rate and the total number of piglets born were not affected by an FTAI protocol using triptorelin; however, heterogeneity in farrowing rate results was observed.…”

Application of Modern Techniques in Animal Production Sector for Human and Animal Welfare

“…Controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) with low-level progesterone coding helpful for estrous synchronization. It has no residual side effect and very common in swine, sheep and goat (Quirino et al, 2019). In Surrogate sire technology, a male transplanted from spermatogonial stem cells of donor males can produce large numbers of progeny within the same time (Gottardo et al, 2019).…”

“…The key technologies in livestock production are Fixed-time artificial insemination CIDR, auto-weighing, heat detection, biomarker, electronic identification, robotic milking, controlled feeding, health monitoring, and disease diagnosis sensors. (Quirino et al, 2019). These technologies are rudimentary tools to mend the animal production sector and help farmers to attain high production within the curbed area and animal of good genetic sources.…”

Single Fixed-Time Post-Cervical Insemination in Gilts with Buserelin

“…Furthermore, good reproductive results were obtained in gilts with an altrenogest treatment followed at 115-120 h after completion by buserelin administration, which enabled FTAI-CAI to be performed 30-33 h later [19]. The simplest protocols with single hormonal application showed effectiveness in synchronizing ovulation and reducing the number of inseminations [20,23]. This reduction in cost and labour of hormonal protocols could ease single FTAI use in routine AI protocols in gilts.…”