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What Cause Infertility in Sows
Infertility is a common issue that can affect sows in pig farming. This can lead to reduced productivity, poor economic returns, and potential welfare concerns. In order to prevent and manage infertility, it's important to understand the various factors that can cause it.

Age and Body Condition

One of the most common factors that can cause infertility in sows is age and body condition. As sows age, their reproductive performance can decline. Older sows may have more difficulty becoming pregnant and may have smaller litters. Additionally, sows that are in poor body condition may also have reduced fertility. This can occur due to nutritional deficiencies or other health issues that affect their overall health.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining reproductive health in sows. A lack of certain nutrients can lead to infertility or other reproductive problems. For example, a deficiency in vitamin E or selenium can cause reduced fertility or abortions in sows. Additionally, sows that are overfed or underfed can also experience fertility issues. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can negatively affect reproductive performance. On the other hand, underfeeding can cause sows to lose weight and have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Disease

Disease is a significant factor that can cause infertility in sows. Several diseases can negatively impact reproductive health in sows, leading to reduced fertility rates, abortions, stillbirths, and other reproductive problems. The following are some common diseases that can affect sow fertility:

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): PRRS is a viral disease that can cause respiratory and reproductive problems in sows. In pregnant sows, PRRS can cause abortions, stillbirths, and reduced litter sizes. The virus can also cause infertility in non-pregnant sows by affecting the quality and quantity of their eggs.

Porcine Circovirus (PCV): PCV is a viral disease that can cause infertility and abortions in sows. The virus can also affect the immune system, making sows more susceptible to other diseases.

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can cause abortions and stillbirths in sows. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected urine or contaminated water or soil.

Brucellosis: Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can cause abortions and infertility in sows. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected tissues or fluids, such as placenta, fetal membranes, or milk.

Mycoplasma: Mycoplasma is a bacterial disease that can cause reproductive problems in sows, including abortions, stillbirths, and reduced litter sizes. The disease can also cause respiratory problems and arthritis in pigs.

Preventing and controlling diseases in sows is essential to maintain optimal reproductive health and high fertility rates. Proper biosecurity measures, such as controlling access to the farm, preventing contact with infected animals, and disinfecting equipment and facilities, can help prevent the spread of diseases. Vaccination programs can also be used to protect sows against common diseases that can negatively impact reproductive performance.
Stress

Stress can be a major contributor to reduced fertility in sows. Stressful conditions can interfere with the normal reproductive processes, making it difficult for sows to become pregnant, maintain pregnancy, or give birth successfully. The following are some common sources of stress in sows and how they can impact fertility:

Extreme temperatures: Sows that are exposed to extreme heat or cold stress can experience a variety of reproductive problems. High temperatures can cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss and decreased fertility. Heat stress can also affect the quality and quantity of the sow's eggs and lead to embryonic death, which can reduce litter size. On the other hand, cold stress can lead to decreased feed intake and metabolic changes that negatively impact fertility.

Overcrowding: Overcrowding can lead to stress in sows, as it can result in competition for resources such as food and water. This can lead to weight loss, decreased fertility, and an increased risk of disease. Overcrowding can also lead to social stress, as sows are highly social animals that require adequate space to move around and interact with each other. Social stress can interfere with the normal hormonal changes required for successful reproduction...