Gilts not detected in estrus in a batch farrowing breeding herd: a hormonal strategy to improve gilt utilization

Monike Willemin Quirino; Michele Dezordi Franz; Arthur Martelli; Thomaz Lucia Junior; Fabiana Moreira; Vanessa Peripolli; Bernardo Garziera Gasperin; Rafael da Rosa Ulguim; Ivan Bianchi

doi:10.1590/1984-3143-AR2025-0131

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Gilts not detected in estrus in a batch farrowing breeding herd: a hormonal strategy to improve gilt utilization

Monike Willemin Quirino; Michele Dezordi Franz; Arthur Martelli; Thomaz Lucia Junior; Fabiana Moreira; Vanessa Peripolli; Bernardo Garziera Gasperin; Rafael da Rosa Ulguim; Ivan Bianchi

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2025-0131 Anim Reprod, vol.23, n2, e20250131, 2026

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Abstract

This study evaluated reproductive performance of gilts classified as in anestrus in a batch farrowing system. Thirty-three gilts not expressing estrus within 40 days post-arrival were treated with chorionic gonadotropins, with blood collected for progesterone (P4) analysis on the same day. Thirteen gilts expressed estrus within 7 days, and 12 were inseminated (232.8 ± 2.1 days old), with 11 farrowing (91.7%; 14.2 ± 0.83 total piglets). Nineteen gilts had P4 ≤ 2.6 ng/mL at treatment; among the 20 non-responders, 10 had P4 > 2.6 ng/mL. A strong association was observed between P4 levels (≤ 2.6; > 2.6 and < 19; ≥ 19 ng/mL) and the responsiveness of gilts to gonadotropin treatment (P < 0.01; Cramér’s V = 0.63), with greater responsiveness in gilts with P4 levels ≤ 2.6 ng/mL. Non-responsive gilts (n = 20) received Altrenogest for 10 – 11 days, with 17 showing estrus within 10 days and 15 farrowing (88.2%; 14.3 ± 0.84 total piglets). Estrus detection failures and silent heat likely caused misdiagnosis. Gonadotropin, with or without Altrenogest, reduced culling ~8-fold, allowing 41–58% of gilts to reach at least the 3^rd farrowing.

Keywords

puberty, pigs, estrus, gonadotropins, altrenogest

References

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Submitted date:
09/02/2025

Accepted date:
12/17/2025

Gilts not detected in estrus in a batch farrowing breeding herd: a hormonal strategy to improve gilt utilization

Monike Willemin Quirino; Michele Dezordi Franz; Arthur Martelli; Thomaz Lucia Junior; Fabiana Moreira; Vanessa Peripolli; Bernardo Garziera Gasperin; Rafael da Rosa Ulguim; Ivan Bianchi

Abstract

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