CONTROL OF REPRODUCTION IN SOWS - A REVIE W

Methods of reproduction control have proved to be advantageous to the modern production process in pig production. Based upon group formatio n of sows oriented towards the state of the sexual cycle within the sy stem of periodical farrowing according to HOFMANN a system of biotechn ical reproduction was developed after the artificial insemination of p igs had been introduced. After intensive testing in each case under pr actical conditions in particular the PMSG cycle start with weaned sows , the heal synchronization with young sows, the ovulation synchronizat ion and fixed-date-directed insemination of gilts and sows as well as the birth synchronization within the scope of production cyclograms of large production facilities have been generally adopted. In the cours e of more than 15 years the reproductive performance of sows has been improved by applying methods of reproduction control.