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Estrus synchronization and ovulation induction in pigs

2026-08-11T05:44:29Z

Назва: Estrus synchronization and ovulation induction in pigs Автори: Каратєєва, Олена Іванівна; Karateeva, Helena; Баркарь, Євген Володимирович; Barkar, Evgen; Крамаренко, Олександр Сергійович; Kramarenko, Alexander; Крамаренко, Сергій Сергійович; Kramarenko, Sergej Короткий огляд (реферат): Background: Synchronization of estrus with artificial hormonal suppression and fixed insemination time is a promising tool in modern pig farming, which contributes to the optimization of reproductive processes, reduction of labor costs, and increase of herd productivity. At the same time, the effectiveness of this technology depends on the level of hormonal preparation of animals and the chosen synchronization protocol. Aim: The study assessed the effectiveness of modern biotechnological methods for regulating the sexual function of sows to increase their reproductive capacity and optimize reproduction in pig farming. Methods: Three hormonal protocols of estrus synchronization and ovulation induction were used in this study. Scheme A used oral administration of altrenogest for 14 days, followed by administration of eCG and hCG, and a fixed time of artificial insemination. According to scheme B, after 14 days of altrenogest use, a GnRH analog was administered to induce ovulation, followed by insemination according to the reaction time of the animals. According to scheme C, prostaglandin F2α or its analogues were used, followed by the introduction of eCG and hCG, and artificial insemination according to the unified scheme. Results: A comparison of the schemes shows that scheme A provides the highest synchronization efficiency, allowing the accurate regulation of the cycle. It ensures the highest rate of estrus expression (92%), a statistically significant increase in litter size (up to 12.1 piglets; p < 0.05), and a reduction in the inter-farrowing interval (to 153 days; p < 0.05). Scheme B is characterized by more natural stimulation, but the effect may vary depending on the animal’s physiological state. Scheme C is technologically simpler but less effective from the point of view of synchronization, especially in different post-weaning statuses of sows. Conclusion: The use of scheme A made it possible to obtain an additional nearly 11 kg of piglet live weight at weaning per sow, corresponding to an additional income of +16.98 USD per head. Particularly important is the reduction of the inter-farrowing interval by 6–13 days in the experimental groups, which increases the potential number of farrowings from 2.1 to 2.3 per year, thereby allowing the production of up to 4–5 additional piglets per sow annually.

Innovative approaches to enhancing the safety and resilience of dairy products under market challenges

2026-06-09T05:58:35Z

Назва: Innovative approaches to enhancing the safety and resilience of dairy products under market challenges Автори: Луговий, Сергій Іванович; Lugovoy, Sergey; Підпала, Тетяна Василівна; Podpalaya, Tatiana; Бондар, Алла Олександрівна; Bondar, Alla; Тимофіїв, Михайло Михайлович; Tymofiiv, Mykhailo Короткий огляд (реферат): Against the backdrop of increasing anthropogenic pressure on the environment, ensuring the quality of food products is becoming increasingly important as a key factor in safeguarding public health. This study focuses on improving dairy production processes through the implementation of integrated approaches aimed at enhancing microbiological safety at various stages of the technological cycle. The research assessed the impact of introducing technological and sanitary innovations on the quality indicators of raw milk and the economic efficiency of Promin Agricultural Limited Liability Company in the Mykolaiv Region during 2024–2025. The study evaluated the impact of probiotic feed supplements and improved milking equipment cleaning protocols on milk quality and economic efficiency in Holstein cows. The results showed a 47% reduction in total bacterial contamination and a decrease in somatic cell count from 390,000 to 210,000 per mL, leading to fewer losses during primary processing. The proportion of non-standard milk batches decreased by 31%. Improvements in microbiological stability were matched by better physicochemical parameters: density, freezing point, and acidity remained within regulatory limits, while protein content rose from 3.2% to 3.5%. The improved quality boosted the average milk procurement price by 8%, increasing profitability. Additionally, antibiotic use decreased, and economic analysis revealed a 15% reduction in detergent costs, 10% in energy consumption, and 30% in product losses. Thus, the implemented innovative solutions proved effective and can be recommended for use not only by dairy farm specialists but also by veterinarians, certification authorities, and researchers in the agricultural sector.

Analysis of the calving-to-conception interval variation and it relation to milk production traits of dairy cows

2026-04-22T08:15:00Z

Назва: Analysis of the calving-to-conception interval variation and it relation to milk production traits of dairy cows Автори: Крамаренко, Олександр Сергійович; Kramarenko, Alexander; Крамаренко, Сергій Сергійович; Kramarenko Sergej Короткий огляд (реферат): Intensive selection for milk production has resulted in unfavorable genetic correlations with fertility, contributing to longer calving intervals, increased insemination rates, higher culling levels, and rising costs of reproductive management. This study e x amined the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the calving-to-conception interval and its relationship with milk produ c tivity traits in Holstein cows. The analysis was based on data from cows that calved at PJSC ‘Plemzavod Stepnoy’ in Zaporizhzhia region , Ukraine , between 2014 and 2017. For each animal, 305-d milk yield, milk fat percentage, and the calving-to-conception interval were recorded and analyzed using the General Linear Model. The results showed that parity, year and season of calving significantly influenced the calving-to-conception interval, whereas the effect of sire was not significant. Younger cows generally conceived sooner after calving than older cows. Over the study period, there was a clear tendency toward shorter calving-to-conception intervals, suggesting improvement in reproductive performance. Cows calving in summer and autumn also had shorter intervals than those calving in winter or spring. The joint analysis of parity and the calving-to-conception interval indicated that reproductive efficiency was closely related to milk yield and composition. Cows with moderate calving-to-conception intervals (91–120 d) produced more milk of slightly higher quality than those with shorter or longer intervals. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of managing reproductive cycles to optimize both fertility and milk productivity in Holstein herds under the produ c tion conditions of southern Ukraine.

Environmental enrichment strategies for growing pigs: Effects on welfare indicators and stress-related responses

2026-04-22T08:19:06Z

Назва: Environmental enrichment strategies for growing pigs: Effects on welfare indicators and stress-related responses Автори: Лихач, Анна Василівна; Likhach, Anna; Chentsov, M.; Лихач, Вадим Ярославович; Likhach, Vadym; Lenkov, L.; Faustov, R.; Баркарь, Євген Володимирович; Barkar, Evgen; Izhboldina, O.; Mylostyvyi, R. Короткий огляд (реферат): This study investigated the impact of different environmental enrichment strategies on the welfare of growing pigs under industrial housing conditions. Four groups of piglets (n = 22 heads per group) were housed on fully slatted floors and provided with various enrichment objects: cotton rope, grain-filled plastic bottles and wrapping paper balls, whereas the control group had none. Welfare parameters, including lameness; injuries to the body, ears, carpal joints and tails; and tear staining intensity, which is a biomarker of stress, were assessed weekly via modified Pig Welfare Quality Assessment protocols. Statistical analyses were performed via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman rank variance test. The absence of enrichment resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of lameness, carpal joint lesions and body-side injuries (P < 0.05). Compared with the enriched piglets, the control piglets also presented markedly greater rates of ear and tail biting. Among the enrichment types, grain-filled bottles provided the most stable welfare outcomes, maintaining low levels of both physical injuries and tear staining intensity. In contrast, pigs exposed to transient or less interactive enrichment presented higher emotional stress indicators. Overall, the results confirmed that the type and functionality of enriched objects play a decisive role in mitigating harmful oral manipulations, improving locomotor health and reducing chronic stress. Tear staining intensity has proven to be a reliable noninvasive parameter of welfare and is sensitive to changes in environmental conditions. Implementing diversified enrichment strategies alongside regular welfare monitoring can serve as an effective tool for increasing pig welfare and production efficiency in intensive farming systems.