Reproduction in Swine - Understanding the estrous cycle for herd management

The estrous cycle is the dynamic hormonal cycle that controls reproduction in female mammals in relation to the release of eggs (oocytes) and preparation of the uterus for fertilized embryos.

Or to put it shortly, the estrous cycle makes reproduction possible!

While a successful pig operation depends on getting pigs to market, if the breeding herd does not reproduce adequately, then there are fewer pigs available to market from the beginning. Maximizing reproductive performance of your herd may require some trouble shooting if you are struggling to get enough sows or gilts pregnant. There are a multitude of reasons why this might happen, however having a basic understanding of what is happening during the estrous cycle can aid you in determining the best time to breed your sows, and how to apply synchronization programs if the need arises. Here, we will review the stages of the estrous cycle and highlight how those changes can influence reproduction in your sows.