Seasonal Infertility in the Domestic Pig - Myth or Menace?

December 5, 2006 — J. Wiseman, T. Lewis and J. Woolliams

Wild boar are seasonal breeders and certain species of domestic pigs also retain some seasonal traits. While conducive to offspring survival in the wild, it could be a bar to herd productivity in the farm situation.

This paper reviews the many factors concerning oestrus , onset of puberty, conception and litter size, with particular reference to the effects of environment, management, nutrition, mating and time of year. Overall, the authors have conducted an in-depth study into the popularly held belief that season may influence fertility of domestic pigs.

Source: The Pig Journal (2006) 58, 55-66.