Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
January 2000
Abstract
Oxytocin is released from the brain of the sow at the time of mating in response to stimulation by the boar. It is assumed that it enhances sperm transport to the oviduct. Several investigators have studied whether injecting oxytocin into semen before artificial insemination improves farrowing rate and litter size. The conclusions from review of these studies are: 1) Adding 4 to 5 IU’s of oxytocin to a dose of semen improves farrowing rate and litter size; 2) Use of oxytocin-treated semen is more effective in multiparous sows than gilts; 3) During the summer months, oxytocin-treated semen significantly increased farrowing rate and litter size; and 4) In most studies, the use of oxytocin at the time of insemination was profitable. Oxytocin should be added to the semen with an insulin syringe immediately before attaching the semen vessel to the insemination catheter.
Comments
Published in 2000 Nebraska Swine Report, compiled by Rodger Johnson, Professor, Department of Animal Science. Prepared by the staff in Animal Science and cooperating Departments for use in Extension, Teaching and Research programs. Published by Cooperative Extension Division, Agricultural Research Division, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Swine reports website: www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/swine/pigpdf.htm