Reproductive Performance of Female Swine

Two trials involving a total of 39 grits were conducted to determine the effect of feeding naturally molded and Fusarium roseum inoculated corn on reproductive performance of female swine. Trial 1 involved a comparison of the reproductive performance of gilts fed control and naturally infected moldy corn. The length of estrous cycle, duration of estrus, length of gestation period, and average birth weight of pigs were similar for the two groups. Consumption of the moldy corn diet led to a reduction in litter size, live pigs born per litter and increased fetal mummification. The lactational performance of gilts was similar as indicated by the similarity of pig weaning weights. Trial 2 was conducted to compare the breeding and farrowing performance of gilts fed control diets and diets containing autoclaved corn inoculated with Ohio Isolate B and C strains of F. roseum. All gilts were divided into three groups. Group A grits were slaughtered 24 hrs. following the end of heat, group B grits were slaughtered 25 days following breeding while the gilts of group C were carried to full term. The length of estrous cycle, duration of estrus, ovulation rate and rate of fertilization were not affected by mold treatment. Ingestion