Influence of immunocastration on genital organs and sex hormones of heavy gilts

In heavy gilts, avoiding puberty is desirable because an impairment of growth performances have been observed during the estrus days. The immunocastration could solve it. A total of thirty Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) gilts, of 54.2 ± 4.14 kg of body weight (BW), were used to assess the effects...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of animal science 2018-12, Vol.96, p.485-485
Main Authors: Pérez-Ciria, L, Mitjana, O, Falceto, M, Suárez, A, Miana-Mena, F, Fondevila, M, Latorre, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
17β-Estradiol
Body weight
Cervix
Data processing
Estrus
Follicles
Genital tract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Hormones
Immunization
Immunoglobulins
Organs
Ovaries
Progesterone
Puberty
Sex hormones
Swine
Urogenital system
Uterus
Vagina
Vulva
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Summary:In heavy gilts, avoiding puberty is desirable because an impairment of growth performances have been observed during the estrus days. The immunocastration could solve it. A total of thirty Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) gilts, of 54.2 ± 4.14 kg of body weight (BW), were used to assess the effects of immunization against GnRH on genital organs development and serum sex hormones. There were two experimental groups (n=15): intact gilts (IG) or immunocastrated gilts (IMG). Immunization was carried out by two injections of Vacsincel® (Zoetis) at approximately 54 and 71 kg BW (102 and 122 days of age, respectively). The same management was provided for both groups through the trial. Pigs were slaughtered when achieved approximately 135 kg BW because were intended for dry-cured ham elaboration. The experimental unit was the animal and data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS. The IG had heavier genital tract than IMG (186.7 vs 116.3 g; P=0.01) mainly due to the cervix (P=0.0003) and uterine horns and vagina (P=0.06). Also, IG had bigger ovaries size (P=0.04) and larger uterine horns (P=0.03), cervix (P=0.01) and vulva (P=0.06). Although total number of follicles was similar in both groups (43 follicles as average; P>0.05), IG showed mainly big ones (14, 50, 26 and 10% of 6 mm, respectively) whereas in IMG prevailed the small ones (28, 50, 17 and 5%, respectively). Scarce effects were found on progesterone and estradiol levels. It is concluded that immunocastration had an important impact on the development of the genital tract and on the follicular dynamic of heavy gilts. This work (Project AGL-201-78532-R) was funded by MINECO.
ISSN:0021-8812
1525-3163