Control of Pig Reproduction

Control of Pig Reproduction focuses on carefully evaluated techniques and technologies involved in the control of pig reproduction.
The selection first ponders on the sexual development of male pigs, including early fetal, perinatal, and pubertal periods. The text also discusses testicular steroids and boar taint; interrelationships between spermatozoa, female reproductive tract, and egg investments; and artificial insemination. Discussions focus on androgens, estrogens, deposition of semen and uterine transit, sperm regulation and release by the isthmus, and types of artificial insemination.
The manuscript examines endocrine control of sexual maturation in female pigs and sexual differentiation of the stimulatory estrogen feedback mechanism and factors affecting the natural attainment of puberty in gilts. Discussions focus on development of ovarian function and gonadal steroid levels; development of the stimulatory estrogen feedback mechanism; and maturation of negative feedback of gonadal steroids. The text also takes a look at controlled induction of puberty, endocrine control of the estrus cycle, and control of ovulation.
The selection is a valuable reference for farmers and readers interested in pig reproduction.

I The Male, Mating and Conception

1 Male Sexual Development

2 Testicular Steroids and Boar Taint

3 Interrelationships Between Spermatozoa, The Female Reproductive Tract, and the Egg Investments

4 Artificial Insemination

II Reproductive Development in the Gilt and Sow

5 Endocrine Control of Sexual Maturation in the Female Pig and Sexual Differentiation of the Stimulatory Oestrogen Feedback Mechanism

6 Factors Affecting the Natural Attainment of Puberty in the Gilt

7 The Controlled Induction of Puberty

8 Endocrine Control of the Oestrous Cycle

9 The Central Nervous System and the Control of Pituitary Hormone Release in the Pig

10 The Control of Ovulation

11 The Gilt For Breeding and For Meat

III Pregnancy

12 The Establishment and Maintenance of Pregnancy

13 Blastocyst-Endometrium Interactions and their Significance in Embryonic Mortality

14 Embryo Transplantation and Preservation

15 Pregnancy Diagnosis

IV Parturition

16 The Endocrine Control of Parturition

17 Relaxin at Parturition in the Pig

18 Physiology and Endocrinology of the Fetus in Late Gestation

19 Placental Steroid Metabolism in Late Pregnancy

20 Myometrial Activity During Pregnancy and Parturition in the Pig

V Reproductive Function in the Post-Partum Sow

21 The Endocrinology of the Post-Partum Sow

22 The Time of Weaning and Its Effects On Reproductive Function

23 Management of the Sow and Litter in Late Pregnancy and Lactation in Relation To Piglet Survival and Growth

VI Factors That Interact in the Control of Reproduction

24 Seasonality of Reproduction in the Wild Boar

25 Factors Affecting Reproductive Efficiency of the Breeding Herd

26 Genetics of Reproduction in the Pig

27 Investigation and Control of Reproductive Disorders in the Breeding Herd

28 Social Environment and Reproduction

29 Nutrition and Reproduction

30 Micronutrients and Reproduction

List of Participants

Index