2. What is the point?
Why are we learning about swine
reproduction?
• We need to breed the gilts in the barn
• We will be doing this by artificial insemination
• We need to know what we are doing
6. Ovaries
Primary Structure
Two Major Function:
– To produce ova, the female germ cells
– To produce the hormones progesterone and
estrogen
7.
8. Infundibulum
– Acts like a funnel
to collect ova
– Diverts ova to the
oviducts
Oviducts
– 6 to 10 inches
long
– Acts as site of
fertilization
9.
10. Uterine Horns
2 – 3 feet in a non-pregnant sow
Act as a passage way for sperm
Are the site of fetal development
Uterine body is located at junction of the
uterine horns
11. Cervix
Muscular junction between the vagina and
uteri
Site of semen deposit
It is dilated during heat (estrus)
– Constricted during pregnancy and when not in
heat
12.
13. Vagina
Extends from the cervix to the vulva
Passage way for urine and piglets
The Bladder is connected to the vagina by
the urethra
14.
15. Vulva
External part of the reproductive tract
Becomes red and swollen just prior to
estrus
16.
17. Activity
With a partner, you will put together a
model of a gilt’s reproductive tract,
just like the picture used during
lecture, using play dough.
The supplies will be located at the
front of the room.
19. Estrous Cycle
Normally 21 days long
Can range from 18-24 days long
Non-pregnant and non-lactating sows will
estrus or standing heat
20.
21. Estrus or Heat
Follicles – 6 to 10 will form on each ovary
– Growth begins 3 days before estrus
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) released from
the pituitary gland
Maturing ovum is held in each follicle
Estrogen is secreted (responsible for estrus)
Ovulation is stimulated by LH (Luteinizing
Hormone)
22. Signs of Estrus
Standing Heat – standing to be mounted or
“back pressure test”
– Red, swollen vulva
– Increased nervous activity
– Desire to seek boar
– Decrease in appetite
– Vaginal mucous
24. Review
How does Estrus cycle, estrus and ovulation
relate?
Which hormone is responsible for the estrus
cycle?
– Estrogen
25. Review con’t
Which hormone is responsible for maintaining
pregnancy?
– Progesterone
What are the signs of estrus?
Standing Heat – standing to be mounted or “back
pressure test”
– Red, swollen vulva
– Increased nervous activity
– Desire to seek boar
– Decrease in appetite
– Vaginal mucous
26. Reality!!!
• In four days the gilts will be in heat and you
all will have a chance to Artificially
inseminate one of the gilts.
It is important to understand the
reproductive tract and cycles.
Tomorrow we will practice on a model of a
gilt