Author(s): CORDEIRO, A. D.; CONTERATO, A. J. B.; BIANCHI, I.; DARTORA, D. L. A.; ZANELLA, R.; BONDAN, C.; MARQUES, M. G.; GASPERIN, B. G.; LUCIA JUNIOR, T.

Summary: Abstract: A protocol to induce lactation was applied to non-pregnant gilts. In Experiment I, five gilts with oestrus synchronized through oral supplementation of 20?mg altrenogest for 18?days received: 10?mg oestradiol cypionate (EC) on the last day of oestrous expression (D0); 10?mg EC and 300?mg long-acting progesterone (P4) on D26; and two 0.53?mg doses of a prostaglandin F2? analogue (PGF) 12?h apart on D36. Blood was collected on D12, D19, D26 and D33. Milk secretion started in all gilts 24?h after PGF administration and lasted at least 8?days. Milk samples were collected from D37 to D45. The serum P4 concentration was lower on D12 than subsequently (p? ?.05). The milk produced during the induced lactation was generally richer in protein and poorer in fat compared to the milk from the lactation of a reference sow. In Experiment II, the same protocol induced lactation in two gilts, which nursed fostered piglets for 22?days. Thus, lactation was induced in all treated gilts and the milk produced was capable to nurture fostered piglets.

Publication year: 2023

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Swine & Poultry

Keywords: Gilts, Lactation, Piglets, Progesterone