The use of Peforelin in gilts and sows under industrial pig farm conditions

Peforelin is the synthetic analogue of the lamprey GnRH-III, which is characterized by a distinct selectivity for the release of FSH also in the pig. Various clinical studies confirm its efficacy in inducing oestrus in weaned sows and gilts after synchronization of the sexual cycle. The objective of this GCP-study was to generate experiences with the use of Peforelin under industrial farm conditions.

The study was performed in a Polish industry farm with 1800 Polish Large White x Polish Landrace sows, managed in a 1-weekproduction rhythm with 28 days lactation length. The sexual cycle of the gilts were synchronized by Altrenogest through a period of 18 days. 48 hours after the last Altrenogest treatment the gilts were allocated to one of two groups: Peforelin-Group 1 (n = 40): Gilts were treated with Peforelin. Control-Group 1 (n =42): Gilts untreated. AIs in both groups were performed according to a unified protocol. 24 hours after weaning sows were assigned to Peforelin-Group 2 (primiparous sows, n = 60), Peforelin-Group 3 (multiparous sows, n= 61) or to Control-Group 2 (untreated primiparous sows, n = 60) or to Control-Group 3 (untreated multiparous sows, n = 60). AIs were performed in Peforelin- and Control-Groups according to a unified protocol. To assess the reproduction performance oestrus events and farrowing results were recorded. Statistical analysis was made by the use of ANOVA, statistical differences between analysed means were determined depending on number of analysed groups by Duncan or Tukey test.

The highest Non-Return-Rate was observed in Peforelin-Group 1 and 3 (p ≤ 0,05). A pronounced effect of Peforelin was observed in farrowing rate. The biggest difference was between gilts and multiparous sows, respectively 6,4 % and 4,9 % (p ≤ 0,05). There were no statistically confirmed differences between groups in number of total born and live born piglets. The highest Piglet Index was observed in Peforelin Group 1 and 3. The difference was respectively 64 and 76 live born piglets/100 AIs vs. Control Group 1 and 3.

According to the collected data the use of Peforelin under industrial farm conditions results in improving the reproduction performance of production batches in gilts after the synchronization the sexual cycle and multiparous sows. This notice is based on higher farrowing rates. The reproduction performance of the individual sow was not influenced. In consequence an overstress (“fertility doping”) of the sows can be precluded. Further investigations for the use of Peforelin in primiparous sows are recommended.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.