Vaginal biopsy, pregnancy detection and induction of farrowing in crossbred sows

Abstract

Thirty six 3/4 Large White Yorkshire X ¼ Indigenous sows were used to delineate (1) vaginal
cellular picture during different phases of reproduction and (2) effect of induction of farrowing. In
first part, 18 sows according to reproductive status were placed equal number in 1. Pregnant, 2.
Nonpregnant and 3. Estrus groups. There was thin vaginal epithelial layer during 28 - 31 days of
pregnancy. During diestrum i.e. 14 days after end of estrum the vaginal epithelial lining was also thin
but comparatively more than during pregnancy. The vaginal epithelial cells during estrum depicted
greatly thickened epithelium with clear interpapillary pegs. The pregnancy diagnosis through vaginal
biopsy between 28 to 31 days of service was 100% accurate. In second part, 18 pregnant animals were
randomly placed in equal number to Group 4 (2 ml 0.392 mg tiaprost trometamol, 20 -30 hours before
farrowing intramuscularly), 5 (half dose of the drug than in former group intravulvosubmucosally)
and 6 (control). The duration of onset of farrowing was significantly earlier (P< 0.01) in Group 4 (23.41
± 1.11 h) than Group 5 (43.14 ± 1.62 h). Time taken for completion of farrowing/ occurrence of
stillbirths ( 3.58 ± 0.67 h vs 3.5 ± 0.32 h/0.33 ± 0.21 vs 0.50 ± 0.22) did not differ significantly between
both the groups. However, the number of stillbirths were significantly more (P < 0.01) in the control
group (2.17±0.30).