Development of a urogenital scoring system and evaluation of macroscopic parameters influencing the sexual cycle in slaughtered sows.

Abstract

Evaluation of the urogenital tract in slaughtered sows is a valuable diagnostic tool for reproductive disorders in pig breeding farms.Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate macroscopic parameters and their relationship to the reproductive cycle of the urogenital tract in slaughtered sows.The following parameters were assessed in 105 randomly selected sows after slaughter: Weight of the empty bladder and the reproductive system (from the external urethral orifice to the ovary, with and without the broad uterine ligament). Furthermore, length of vagina, cervix and the right and left uterine horn were measured. The status of the reproductive cycle was evaluated by scoring the ovarian activity and the mucosa of the uterus and the urinary bladder was assessed for inflammation (Yes/No).The average weight of the uterus was 1376.0 ± 623.3 g, and the mean weight of the bladder was 245.3 ± 100.8 g. The lengths of the left and right uterine horns were 148.7 ± 55.1 cm and 143.5 ± 55.4 cm, respectively. An inflammation in 43.8% of all uteri was detected and in 30.5% of all bladders. In the linear multiple regression model, a significant influence of the oestrus (p = 0.019), dioestrus (p = < 0.01), and the uterine mucosa (p = < 0.01) on the uterus weight was detected. Furthermore, a significant influence of the dioestrus (p = < 0.01), the uterine mucosa (p = < 0.01), and the bladder mucosa (p = < 0.01) on the bladder weight was detected.The study provides current data on the urogenital tract of slaughtered sows. Considering the reproductive cycle, the weight of the uterus and the urinary bladder can be used as an indicator of inflammatory processes in the genital tract. However, these parameters should be interpreted in the context of macroscopic findings and not as isolated indicators.