Analysis of the Absolute AMG Pipette trial

The Absolute AMG™ Pipette trial was designed to test the effectiveness of Absolute Swine Insemination Co.’s (ASIC) AMG™ insemination pipette against the use of the current USA standard; Primatech’s traditional inseminating rod manufactured by Ray Chen of Ennchih (Taiwan). Unlike conventional rods that deposit semen into the cervix, the AMG™ pipette extends through the cervix and deposits semen directly into the uterus.

Materials & Methods

The trial was conducted at Lone Hollow Farms, LLC which is a 5,650 sow farrow to wean unit. The farm staff used Absolute’s AMG™ rod to breed half of the animals each week for 4-6 consecutive weeks. The Primatech rod was used to breed the other half of the animals each week. Each animal was inseminated by the same rod design throughout their breeding period. In total, 735 sows were bred with the AMG™ rod and 612 sows with Primatech’s product. Between the AMG™ and Primatech rod, 1,347 animals were bred for this trial; the animals bred were all the animals in estrus on a given day.

To determine conception rates, the animals were recorded if they returned to estrus after the initial trial breeding and each animal was also pregnancy checked with an ultrasound machine 28-32 days after initial breeding to determine pregnancy status. Conception rates were calculated by comparing the number of animals initially bred to the number of animals determined pregnant.

At farrowing, the farrowing percent, number of piglets born live, and total born number of piglets born for the animals bred with the two different rods were calculated. Farrowing percents were calculated by comparing number of animals initially bred to the number of animals that farrowed. Records were obtained by analyzing the farms daily farrowing records and the use of the Agrosoft Winpig TM record system. All records were entered into an excel spreadsheet.

Results:

* Conception Rates were higher in the sows bred with the AMG™ pipette compared to the Primatech rod by 10.12% (83.3 vs 73.1, respectively).

* Farrowing Rates: were higher in sows bred with the AMG™ pipette compared to the Primatech rod by 6.9% (75.4 vs 68.4, respectively).

* Total Born: was higher in sows bred with the AMG™ pipette compared to the Primatech rod by .91 pigs per litter (12.9 vs 11.9, respectively).

* Born Alive: was higher in sows bred with the AMG™ pipette compared to the Primatech rod by .8 pigs per litter (12.4 vs 11.6, respectively).

* Extreme Labor Savings and farm efficiencies were found when using the AMG™ pipette. 2 AI technicians could service an entire day’s group (approx. 60 animals) in 1.5 hours, as compared to 6 personnel taking 7-8 hours to service the same quantity of animals using the traditional product.

Discussion

The improvement in total born and live born can be explained by the design of Absolute’s AMG™ pipette. As stated earlier, the AMG™ pipette deposits the semen directly into the uterus which can lead to a better fertilization when compared to the traditional Primatech rod. Higher total born numbers also lead to higher born live numbers per litter.

In conclusion, it appears that Absolute’s AMG™ rod provides positive results when used on a commercial farm when following ASIC’s wean to oestrus (WOI) breeding protocols. The rod significantly increases total and live born piglets and also increases conception and farrowing rates; and saves a significant amount of time in the breeding area. Said time savings helps further improve farm results by providing extra time for heat detection and other daily chores.

     Joseph F. Connor, DVM, MS                                               Laura Greiner, Ph.D.
                                                                                         Director of Swine Research/Nutritionist
                                                                                               Innovative Swine Solutions, LLC

Professional Swine Management, LLC is a division of Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd. PSM provides production management and project development to swine producers and is focused on managing all phases of production including breeding, gestation, farrowing, nursery, and finishing. The PSM division integrates with internal and external specialists in the areas of accounting, production records, and nutrient management to provide a wide range of services.

PSM fully manages facilities for over 300 farm facilities located throughout the Midwest.