Swine reproduction for nonswine practitioners. Part 2.

Disorders of swine that affect breeding males and females

Abstract

Conditions or disorders that affect male and female swine generally negatively affect reproductive capacity and efficiency. Currently, swine industry relies heavily on healthy male and female breeding stock to replace superior genetics used in their intensive breeding programs.1 When congenital, metabolic, systemic illness, or other disorders affect the replacement stock and the existing breeding herd, the overall industry’s reproductive success is reduced. There are several anatomical, metabolic, systemic and disease conditions that affect gilts, boars, and sows. This article will cover majority of the common disorders that a nonswine practitioner may need to have working knowledge in order to aid clients in differential diagnoses, diagnostic strategies, and potential therapies. Abortifacient agents will be mentioned; however, not as a primary component of the material.