The influence of season on sow weaning to estrus interval and subsequent reproductive performance following estrus synchronization by batch weaning.

Abstract

In 45 indigenous Nigerian sows, which had been synchronized in their estrous cycle by batch weaning, the interval was investigated from weaning to estrus in the rainy and dry seasons. It was found to be 3 1/2 days in each season. The heat was short, especially the standing estrus, which will have to be investigated further. There was no seasonal difference in the number of piglets weaned per sow. In the dry season, sows farrowing lost more weight from birth to weaning than in the rainy season. Sows farrowing into the rainy season delivered more piglets.