Clinical observations on seasonal infertility in sows in Cornwall

Veterinary Investigation Centre, Truro, Cornwall.

A summer infertility syndrome affected three commercial pig herds in Cornwall and was associated with reduced conception rates. The affected sows were housed in kennel and yard accommodation for all or part of gestation. The provision of more shelter accommodation for the dry sows in all three herds resulted in improved fertility. It is concluded that weather conditions between May and September may have adversely affected the fertility of these semi-extensive pig herds.