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The Effect of Shower Frequency on the Reproductive Performance and Physiological Responses of Gilts
Thesis Abstract:
The effect of shower frequency on the reproductive performance and physiological responses was investigated in 32 seven-month-old crossbred gilts. The animals were divided into four treatment groups composed of no shower, shower once, shower twice and shower thrice daily for 30 minutes each.
Results indicated that the gilts in the no-shower treatment groups had on the average, significantly longer interval estrous cycle (24.2 vs. 20.3 days), reduced litter size based on total pigs delivered (5.2 vs. 9.3), less litter born alive (4.1 vs. 8.7) and lower litter weights (4.9 vs. 9.2 kg) at birth than those in the showered groups. Litters in the shower treatments groups had significantly higher weights at weaning (51.4 vs. 27.8 kg) on account of their bigger number at weaning (7.7 vs. 3.1) than those from gilts in the no-shower treatment group.
The unshowered gilts had significantly higher pulse rate (84.8 vs. 75.9 cpm) and respiration rate (84.7 vs. 30.8 cpm) than the showered groups. Micro-climate elements above the treatment pens, however, showed no significant differences, except in relative humidity values between the no-shower group and the group showered twice or thrice daily.