General reproductive properties in pigs

Authors: İRFAN TUR

Abstract: Pig breeding is usually undertaken for fat and meat production, but different sectors (cosmetics industry, pharmaceutical industry, medical sector, etc.) can also use pigs for alternate purposes. Pork is evaluated based on the status of an amended law regarding butchers' meat in Turkey. There have been 25 pig farms registered in Turkey since 7 July 2006 in the framework of compliance with the European Union. On average, a sow has 2.3 farrowings per year, producing 9.5 to 12.5 piglets per litter. It is important that high proportions of selected replacement gilts reach puberty at an early age in order to easily become pregnant and enter sow groups at weaning. A sow has an average of only 3 litters before her productivity wanes and she is sent to slaughter at an age of 24-30 months. Due to prolonged confinement, lack of exercise, and selective breeding for large size, culled sows often experience lameness, foot injuries, weakened bones, muscle atrophy, and painful abrasions.

Keywords: Pig, puberty, estrus cycle, pregnancy, parturition, reproduction

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