THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS ON THE EMBRYO-FETAL MORTALITY IN SWINE

Low temperatures (0-5 C) as well as high ones (25-27 C) have an influence on the main indicators that characterize embryo-foetal mortality for the reproductive sows. The conception rate through the recorded values (97,2-100%) regardless of the temperature inside the shelter is not surprising because it is known that the sow’s ovules are fertilized at an almost 100% rate, but high temperatures (25-27 C) lead to a survival rate lower by 20.8% than the conception rate. High temperatures negatively influence pre-natal losses (26.3%) and at low temperatures (0-5 C) they reach values of 21.9%. Both low and high temperatures have an influence on the embryonic mortality rate; therefore the reproductive females must have a controlled environment for the full reproductive potential of the animal to be reached.