Prostaglandin F2a and control of reproduction in female swine: a review

October 12, 2011 — 

In female swine, PGF2a is an important regulator of corpora luteal (CL) function, uterine contractility, ovulation, and embryo attachment. High affinity PGF2a receptors are present in the CL at all stages of the estrous cycle and they are functional. Therefore, a lack of luteolytic capacity of PGF2a is related to other factors that have not been well identified. In female pigs, a single exogenous PGF2a injection produces a short lasting decrease in plasma progesterone levels but does not induce luteolysis before day 12 of the estrous cycle. However, multiple injections of PGF2a can induce luteolysis before day 12 of the estrous cycle and may be utilized in the development of protocols for ovulation synchronization and timed AI.

Most commonly, PGF2a is used for the induction of farrowing and so facilitation of cross fostering. Further, since PGF2a is a smooth muscle stimulant, treatment to stimulate myometrial contractions and uterine evacuation of residual products from parturition or infectious debris, may have beneficial effects on post-weaning fertility.

Administration of PGF2a at the moment of insemination has been shown to improve reproductive performances when fertility is otherwise low, such as in sow under summer heat stress.

[Editor’s note: Pharmaceutical products should be used in compliance with any applicable regulations.]

De Rensis F, Saleri R, Tummaruk P, Techakumphu M, Kirkwood RN, Prostaglandin F2a and control of reproduction in female swine: a review, Theriogenology, 2011 Sep 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Italy.