Instant Insights: Optimising Reproductive Efficiency in Pigs

Dr Jason Ross is the Lloyd L. Anderson Endowed Professor in Physiology and the Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, USA. Prior to serving as the department chair, Professor Ross was the Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, supporting one of the leading pork-producing states in the USA through Extension and applied research. Professor Ross is internationally-known for his research on swine reproductive physiology for which he has received a number of awards.

• Chapter 1 - Factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of pigs: Glen W. Almond and Emily Mahan-Riggs, North Carolina State University, USA; 1 Introduction2 Gilt development, reproductive efficiency and litter size3 Weaning to oestrus interval4 Managing reproductive functions and fertilization5 The impact of dry sow housing systems6 Seasonal infertility in sow7 Stockmanship and managing disease8 Conclusions9 Where to look for further information10 References Chapter taken from: Wiseman, J. (ed.), Achieving sustainable production of pig meat – Volume 2: Animal breeding and nutrition, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2017, (ISBN 978 1 78676 092 0)Chapter 2 - Factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of boars: M. L. W. J. Broekhuijse, Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V., The Netherlands; 1 Introduction2 Monitoring pig fertility3 Considerations when producing AI doses4 Tools for AI laboratories: semen quality assessment5 Conclusion6 References Chapter taken from: Wiseman, J. (ed.), Achieving sustainable production of pig meat – Volume 2: Animal breeding and nutrition, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2017, (ISBN 978 1 78676 092 0)Chapter 3 - Advances in understanding the genetics of sow prolificacy: reproductive performance, trade-offs and management solutions: Glen W. Almond, North Carolina State University, USA; and Diego F. Leal, University of São Paulo, Brazil; 1 Introduction2 Breeding for improved conception rate3 Breeding for improved litter size4 Selecting sows for uterine capacity5 Breeding for improved maternal behavior6 Concluding remarks and future trends7 Where to look for more information8 References Chapter taken from: Ross, J. (ed.), Advances in pig breeding and reproduction, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2025, (ISBN 978 1 80146 535 9)Chapter 4 - Understanding ovarian function in pigs: María Estefanía González-Alvarez, Zöe E. Kiefer, Jamie M. Studer, Jason W. Ross and Aileen F. Keating, Iowa State University, USA; 1 Introduction2 The ovary: structure and function3 Follicle development: folliculogenesis4 The corpus luteum5 Ovarian steroidogenesis and steroid hormone changes during late gestation6 The hypothalamicpituitarygonadal axis7 The estrous cycle in swine8 Puberty and gilt development9 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: pesticide residues10 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: mycotoxins11 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: other endocrine-disrupting chemicals12 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: heat stress13 Conclusion14 ReferencesChapter taken from: Ross, J. (ed.), Advances in pig breeding and reproduction, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2025, (ISBN 978 1 80146 535 9)