Efeito do prolongamento da gestação e sincronização do parto sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de fêmeas suínas

Abstract

Since the labor-work in the pig farms is reduced on weekends and the need for farrowing assistance continues during this period, this study investigated the effect of Altrenogest treatment on prolongation of gestation and the farrowing development of sows, and reproductive performance of these females. The experiment was conducted in a commercial production system in Monte Alegre de Minas, Minas Gerais. Two groups were used: Treatment 1 (Control): sows that farrowed spontaneously, with 115 ± 3 days of gestation (n = 89) and Treatment 2 (Altrenogest): sows that had provided farrow for the weekend and treated daily 20 mg Altrenogest (Regumate®) for three consecutive days (n = 59). There were no difference in the number of piglets born alive and mummified piglets between groups. Although they presented greater number of stillbirths, females of Altrenogest group had a heavier litter (P <0.05). Prolongation of pregnancy in sows can be performed efficiently using Altrenogest in order to strategically lead the labor available on weekends. Altrenogest-treated swine can generate heavier piglets, presenting a more uniform and more viable litter, positively impacting zootechnical indexes, generating economic return on the activity.