Effects of GnRH and PGF2alpha on reproductive performance of swine

The study was comparing the addition of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and/or prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha ) added to the inseminate in an artificial insemination (AI) program. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of GnRH and PGF 2alpha (added to the inseminate) or their interaction on reproductive performance of sows and gilts. Two hundred and forty three breedings were observed and data was collected for conception rate, number born alive (NBA), number born dead (NBD), number of mummies, and total number of fetuses carried to term. No differences (P > 0.05) were found for conception rate, NBA, number of mummies, and total number of oocytes fertilized. The control gilt group had a higher (P < 0.05) NBD than the other groups. This study did not confirm that treatment with GnRH and PGF2alpha in seminal plasma increased reproductive performance. Further research is needed to determine the cause for these products to reduce NBD.