Postparturient Administration of Prostaglandin F2 Alpha Facilitates Weaning-to-service Interval in Primiparous Sows

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of exogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF_2) administration on weaning-to-service interval (WSI) in primiparous sows. A total of 149 primiparous sows, 74 control and 75 treatment sows, were included in the study. The latter sows were intramuscularly injected with PGF_2 approximately at 24-48 h after parturition. Results revealed that those treated with PGF_2 returned to be in estrus significantly faster than those in the control group (2.6±1.1 vs 4.5±2.1 days, p<0.05), while age at first mating, pregnancy rate, and age at first farrowing were not different from each other. In conclusion, PGF_2 could shorten WSI in the primiparous sows as it could induce complete luteolysis and promote uterine involution, resulting in declined non-productive days of the commercial breeding herds.