SWINE REPRODUCTION SEMINAR: Belgium

1. The city of Ghent, Belgium, is the city where this week the conference is held of the European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction (ESDAR). Not only reproduction in pigs, but also in e.g. horses and cattle are discussed.

2. Janssen Animal Health took this opportunity to organise the West European launch for its latest addition to its reproduction portfolio: Maprelin. This product is aimed at shortening the weaning to oestrus interval in sows. About 150 veterinarians and other delegates from all over Europe attended the symposium.

3. In a one-day symposium, Professor Dominiek Maes, Belgium, updated his audience on recent developments in swine reproduction, by summarising the most important presentations given at the VIIth International Conference on Pig Reproduction (ICPR) at Banff, Alberta, Canada, in May and June of this year.

4. Next, Professor Bas Kemp, Adaptation Physiology Group, (Wageningen University and Research Centre), the Netherlands, gave a clear introduction into any sow's hormonal system related to the development of follicles, eventually leading to oestrus.

5. The creation and development of follicles, he explained, is influenced by working of luteinic hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Some follicles will grow under the influence of FSH and will be ready for oestrus through LH.

6. Under normal circumstances, LH will be given by the pituitary gland in pulses. At weaning, however, the amplitude increases, and large amounts of LH reach the ovaries. Hence, follicles will get ready for oestrus.

7. Since LH causes the larger follicles to produce inhibin, annihilating the effect of FSH for smaller follicles, these smaller follicles will die or need more time to develop in a later stage. Kemp explained that in this process, making sure additional FSH is given to either gilt or sow, progress can be made to reduce the sow's weaning to oestrus interval.

8. The product, essentially a peptide influencing the pituitary gland and thus influencing FSH production, was originally developed by the German company (Veyx-Pharma). In Germany, the injectable product has been marketed for about one year now. The company will market the product in Germany and most Eastern European countries.

9. Representing this company, Dr Silke Engl, explained more about the technical background of the product. She also indicated in what dosage optimum results can be achieved. Dosage is different in gilts, primiparous sows and adult sows.

10. Apart from a higher piglet index, a higher oestrus rate was noted, a higher farrowing rate, a shortening of weaning to oestrus interval and a concentration of insemination times. In addtion, as the product is a peptide, no residues could be found in the animal's body.

11. Closing off the one-day event, Dr Annette Gass-Cofre, from a veterinary practice in Rothallmunster, Bavaria, Germany, explained about her experiences with the new product in several farms over the last year. She emphasised that a 'good planning and exact performing according to a schedule' are keys to success.