Impact of Swine Reproductive Technologies on Pig and Global Food Production

Abstract

Reproductive technologies have dramatically changed the way pigs are raised for pork production in developed and developing countries. This has involved such areas as pigs produced/sow, more consistent pig flow to market, pig growth rate and feed efficiency, carcass yield and quality, labor efficiency, and pig health. Some reproductive technologies are in widespread use for commercial pork operations [Riesenbeck, Reprod Domest Anim 46:1-3, 2011] while others are in limited use in specific segments of the industry [Knox, Reprod Domest Anim 46:4-6, 2011]. Significant changes in the efficiency of pork production have occurred as a direct result of the use of reproductive technologies that were intended to improve the transfer of genes important for food production [Gerrits et al., Theriogenology 63:283-299, 2005]. While some technologies focused on the efficiency of gene transfer, others addressed fertility and labor issues. Among livestock species, pig reproductive efficiency appears to have achieved exceptionally high rates of performance (PigCHAMP 2011) [Benchmark 2011, Ames, IA, 12-16]. From the maternal side, this includes pigs born per litter, farrowing rate, as well as litters per sow per year. On the male side, boar fertility, sperm production, and sows served per sire have improved as well [Knox et al., Theriogenology, 70:1202-1208, 2008]. These shifts in the efficiency of swine fertility have resulted in the modern pig as one of the most efficient livestock species for global food production. These reproductive changes have predominantly occurred in developed countries, but data suggests transfer and adoption of these in developing countries as well (FAO STAT 2009; FAS 2006) [World pig meat production: food and agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2009; FAS, 2006) Worldwide Pork Production, 2006]. Technological advancements in swine reproduction have had profound effects on industry structure, production, efficiency, quality, and profitability. In all cases, the adoption of these technologies has aided in the creation of a sustainable supply of safe and affordable pork for consumers around the world [den Hartog, Adv Pork Prod 15:17-24, 2004].

Efecto de la composición racial sobre la calidad espermática de verracos

“…Esto podría tener un impacto negativo en la calidad del esperma del verraco, ya que probablemente un componente genético podría ser responsable de las diferencias en las características de los espermatozoides (Hoflack et al, 2007). Debido a que, en la industria de la inseminación artificial la capacidad de los verracos seleccionados de producir eyaculados de alta calidad y cantidad es fundamental desde el punto de vista económico, la selección de los verracos debe ponderarse por los caracteres maternos y terminales para lograr resultados óptimos (Knox, 2014).…”

Testicular parameters and spermatogenesis in different birthweight boars

“…The establishment of AI centers for management of boars and production of semen has allowed for selection of boars for fertility and sperm production using in vitro and in vivo measures (Knox 2016). With respect to the boar, increased genetic indices, fertility and high efficiency in the production of AI doses are main factors contributing to the high performance of pig production (Knox 2014). Given the importance of boars as semen donors in AI centers, it is essential to monitor fertility in these animals as they may represent a limiting factor for the improvement of reproductive efficiency of the breeding stock through the quality of the ejaculate (Waberski et al 2008).…”

Aggregation and clay dispersion of an oxisol treated with swine and poultry manures

“…Therefore, there is a trend towards shifting the production chain from developed to developing countries, mainly due to their less restrictive environmental policies (Kunz et al, 2009;Knox, 2014;Ramachandran, 2014). Swine and poultry manures are mainly disposed by application to soil, and in Brazil, there are no strict regulations regarding this type of disposal, increasing the potential for soil and water contamination (Kunz et al, 2009).…”