OPUPIG-Establishing Ovum pick-up in sows
Long-term breeding programs applying state-of-the-art technology, have resulted in a Norwegian pig breeding stock of premium quality that is sought globally. We aim to provide protocols for Ovum pick-up (OPU) which is an essential technique for successful embryo transfer (ET). The establishment of ET is in line with the strategy plan published this year by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Health and Care Services and Trade, Industry and Fisheries called “Matnasjonen Norge”, recognizing that technology development will result in more sustainable agriculture. The main aim of this project is to develop innovative advances in Ovum pick-up (OPU). Secondary aims are to: Develop and validate an OPU technique to be part of a sustainable ET program. This will involve testing an adapted OPU device for sows, suitable for both laboratory and on-farm conditions for visualization of follicles on the ovary surface, precise puncture, and oocyte collection. It also involves evaluation of the impact of OPU on the well-being and health of sows by measuring heart rates with biotelemetric transmitters, pain-specific behaviours (e.g.writhing, vocal sounds and back-arching), decline of certain behaviours (lethargy), and behaviour of preference (e.g. reluctance to enter fixation crate). Additionally we will measure cortisol levels in saliva before, during and after OPU.
According to previous reports describing similar interventions in sows, we do not expect the procedure to be particularly painful. However, we aim to map the well-being of the animals thoroughly for proper assessment of OPU in sows.
Firstly, the implementation of non-surgical ET as a biotechnological tool is highly prioritized by the Norwegian swine industry, including the sole Norwegian swine genetics company Norsvin SA. The distribution of their genetics is mainly achieved by the export of fresh semen doses. Compared with export of live animals this increases the genetic lag substantially. However, the latter is challenging due to long transport duration and crossing of international borders. The ET technique will reduce the need for live animal export, thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emissions.
Secondly, a key strategy to increase and protect the health status in Norwegian swine breeding is to convert all Norwegian Landrace and Duroc nucleus herds to specific-pathogen-free (SPF) herds as soon as possible. The shift from conventional- to SPF production contributes to a reduction in agricultural carbon footprint due to improved production results including higher feed efficiency, average daily weight gain and reduced mortality rates. The conversion to SPF can be accelerated by employing ET instead of repopulating via artificial insemination.With ET, valuable genetic lines We will practice the technique on three sows and decide on the best experimental design for measuring animal welfare during and after OPU. The live sow model can not be replaced by another species or a simulator. For alleviating eventual pain reactions, sedatives, epidural and general anaesthetics will be applied.
According to previous reports describing similar interventions in sows, we do not expect the procedure to be particularly painful. However, we aim to map the well-being of the animals thoroughly for proper assessment of OPU in sows.
Firstly, the implementation of non-surgical ET as a biotechnological tool is highly prioritized by the Norwegian swine industry, including the sole Norwegian swine genetics company Norsvin SA. The distribution of their genetics is mainly achieved by the export of fresh semen doses. Compared with export of live animals this increases the genetic lag substantially. However, the latter is challenging due to long transport duration and crossing of international borders. The ET technique will reduce the need for live animal export, thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emissions.
Secondly, a key strategy to increase and protect the health status in Norwegian swine breeding is to convert all Norwegian Landrace and Duroc nucleus herds to specific-pathogen-free (SPF) herds as soon as possible. The shift from conventional- to SPF production contributes to a reduction in agricultural carbon footprint due to improved production results including higher feed efficiency, average daily weight gain and reduced mortality rates. The conversion to SPF can be accelerated by employing ET instead of repopulating via artificial insemination.With ET, valuable genetic lines We will practice the technique on three sows and decide on the best experimental design for measuring animal welfare during and after OPU. The live sow model can not be replaced by another species or a simulator. For alleviating eventual pain reactions, sedatives, epidural and general anaesthetics will be applied.